Held Captive by the Lycan KingChapter 1
The air was filled with the soft sound of music, the scent of fresh flowers, and the warm hum of anticipation. I stood under the archway, looking into Matthias’ eyes, the Alpha of our pack—the man I had always dreamed of marrying. My heart raced with excitement.
"Do you, Matthias Carter, take Raphaella Turner to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health—"
Before the elder could finish, the doors of the ceremony hall crashed open with a thunderous bang. I flinched, and gasps echoed around us as all heads turned toward the entrance. My heart lurched in my chest as I saw him—Pierre Grassi, the Lycan King.
His presence alone was overwhelming. His piercing eyes locked on me, and I felt a shiver of dread crawl up my spine. What was he doing here? Why would the Lycan King, someone as powerful and terrifying as him, be at my wedding?
Pierre’s lips twisted into a cruel smile, his voice cutting through the shocked silence like a knife. "This wedding is over."
Matthias stepped forward, confusion etched into his face. "What the hell is going on? Why are you here?"
Pierre's eyes never left mine. "Raphaella belongs to me."
A wave of disbelief crashed over me, leaving me breathless. What was he talking about? How could I possibly belong to him?
Matthias shook his head, his voice trembling with a mix of confusion and anger. "There must be some mistake. Raphaella is my mate, my fiancée. She doesn’t belong to you."
Pierre let out a dark chuckle, his tone filled with terrifying certainty. "There’s no mistake. Raphaella belongs to me, and anyone who dares to stand in my way will die by my hand."
I could feel my heart pounding wildly in my chest as Matthias turned to his family, silently seeking support. They were the strongest in our pack—warriors, protectors. Surely they would stand by him and defend me. But when I looked at them, my blood ran cold.
Fear.
I saw fear in their eyes.
Matthias’ father, the former Alpha, paled as he met Pierre’s gaze. His mother took a step back, clutching at her chest as though the mere sight of Pierre had drained all the strength from her. And then, to my horror, Matthias hesitated. He looked back at me, then at Pierre, and I saw the cracks in his resolve.
"Matthias?" I whispered, barely able to speak as dread gripped my throat. "What are you doing?"