Chapter 5

• Our Pack had always been known for being the closest werewolf Pack to the Lycan Kingdom but we never got attacked because of the peace pact that was implemented about a hundred years ago. It only took me two days to get to Lycan territory. I survived on wild fruits and berries and slept under trees and small caves.
• It was easier to get in than I had anticipated. I was able to sneak in by hiding in a consignment of goods that was being transported into the Kingdom. My miniature size really did come in handy. I discreetly got out of the box and snuck out of the truck while the goods were being loaded out.
• I knew I had to stay out of public places or the Lycans would sniff me out. Lycans and werewolves though having similar biology possess very distinct scents. Lycans released a harsher, synthetic pheromone that could easily overwhelm while werewolves had a milder, earthy scent that was easy to mask.
• I stole a cloak and tried my best to hide my scent. It seemed to work as I was able to leave the busy market without drawing any attention.
• I found my way into the forests of the Lycan Kingdom, deciding it would be safer to hide out there for now. It was there that I came across a rather peculiar scene. A little girl that had long flowing red hair and eyes that were the most incandescent cerulean. She was absolutely gorgeous, too beautiful for words and she seemed to have been kidnapped.
• I hid carefully as I heard the men discussing and laughing to themselves about how they'd make a fortune from selling her. They were four in number, way too much for me to handle even in my adult form.
• They sat around the fire and drank while she sat on a small rock, hands tied. She looked to be about six years old and she was definitely a Lycan. I felt an inexplicable urge to save her.
• “We have to help her,” I told Kasia who quickly came up with a plan. Luckily, there was a snake slithering around nearby.
• I caught it by the head and threw it into the circle the kidnappers had formed around the fire. Just as predicted, they freak out like children and it gives me the chance to pull the girl into the bushes.
• Thankfully, she doesn't make a sound. Probably because I'm also a kid so it's easier for her to trust me. I untie her hands and she hugs me. I note with surprise that she smells sweet; like sugary candy and vanilla. Typically uncharacteristic of a Lycan but then again I've never really met one in my life. Well, except for her. The scent is soft, warm and comforting.
• “We have to run before they notice you're gone. Don't let go of my hand no matter what, OK?” She simply nods and I hold her hand and take off in a sprint.
• We run until we get to the entrance of the forest, just a short distance from the main town, and suddenly, a strange feeling encompasses me and I feel myself growing.
• In the blink of an eye, I'm back to my adult self.
• “It looks like time's up. It was fun though, getting to see you as a child. It'll take a very long time before you can shift like that again.” Kasia comments and before I have the chance to ask questions, the little girl jumps into my arms and holds me tightly.
• “Mummy!” She calls and I pause in shock before finally managing to pull her away from me.
• I had expected a lot of reactions from her after seeing me change form like that but calling me mummy? Really?
• “I'm not your mum, I just saved you because it was the right thing to do. Now please lower your voice, it'll be really bad for me if you create a scene.” I try to hush her.
• She suddenly turns away and sniffs the air before darting forward. Running towards the town, Selene knows where.
• I groan and run after her even though it's a stupid decision. I already saved her once. If she gets in trouble again, it shouldn't be my problem but she's too damn pretty to be a slave so here I am chasing after her in enemy territory.
• “Daddy!” She calls out excitedly and runs to hug a pair of long legs. Strong arms lift her up and my eyes dart upwards to catch a glimpse of the face and oh dear goddess.
• He was really tall, probably seven feet. Dressed in expensive attire, he was the definition of elegance and regality. Blonde hair styled perfectly, a face that looked like it was carved by angels, and deep emerald eyes that looked like they could bore into anyone's soul. He was larger than life itself.
• “Your Majesty, please wait!” Came a voice as a man appeared behind him, looking like he had just run a marathon.
• Your Majesty? Wait. Don't tell me…… The Lycan King?!
• No, no way. I am so fucked. Moon goddess, do you really hate me this much?!
• He stared at me with such intensity that it made me feel naked, his pheromones flared, a smell of burnt wood and camphor that promised danger, it made me shrink backward.
• And just then I felt it, that sickeningly sweet feeling again, it was like a high all on its own. I dreaded hearing those words but they came anyway.
• “Mate!” Kasia confirmed and I just wanted to disappear right there and then.