Chapter 25 Mine
Austin’s rage erupted in a wave of pressure that made the oxygen feel thin. His bright golden eyes locked onto Nolan’s arms, which were only tightening further around Seara’s body.
“I’m tired of warning you, Nolan.” Austin’s voice grew more menacing.
Austin’s body cracked; his bones snapped and snapped back together in a matter of seconds as he transformed into a giant Lycan.
Nolan didn’t stand idly by. He released Seara, but instead of backing down, he accepted the challenge. Gray fur grew rapidly from the pores of his skin. In an instant, the two apex predators faced off in the cramped meditation room.
“Come out! We’ll settle this tonight,” Austin roared menacingly.
“Good, because I won’t back down from you,” Nolan replied.
Without waiting for a response, Austin charged. Nolan dodged, but Austin’s claws managed to tear through the stone wall, sending sparks flying.
Both leaped through the tall window leading directly to the open field behind the pavilion. The ear-splitting sound of shattering glass drew the attention of every pack member active around the Lycanisius headquarters.
Seara ran after them, her heart pounding. Her legs felt weak, but adrenaline forced her to keep moving. On the vast field, a crowd of pack members began to form a large circle to witness the duel between the Alpha and his own cousin.
In the center of the field, Austin demonstrated his dominance. As the Lycan Alpha, he was far larger and more muscular than Nolan.
Austin attacked brutally, each charge carrying enough force to shatter bones.
Nolan, though agile and possessing elegant technique, began to be overwhelmed. He was thrown several meters after Austin’s shoulder strike hit his chest.
Seara stood in the front row of the crowd, her fingers clenching the fabric of her healer’s uniform. Her eyes darted restlessly.
On one hand, she worried about Nolan as a friend who always brought her calm and joy. Yet, on the other hand, her inner pull toward Austin was far stronger.
She hated this violence, yet she couldn’t deny that Austin’s protective dominance made her blood race.
Austin leaped high, landing directly on top of Nolan and clamping his powerful jaws around the gray wolf’s neck. Austin’s low growl silenced the entire field.
“Surrender, or be crippled, Nolan?” Austin challenged Nolan further.
Nolan finally went limp, a bitter sign of submission. Austin released his grip and took a few steps back.
Amid the hot steam rising from his body, Austin returned to human form. He stood tall in the center of the field, unconcerned with the scratch on his shoulder.
“Leave Lycanisius this very moment, Nolan,” Austin said. His voice was hoarse, yet it carried an authority that could not be denied. “You came as a guest, but you acted as a traitor by trying to incite my future Lunar.”
Nolan returned to his human form, panting with a bruised face. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. “I was only offering a choice you couldn’t give him, Austin. Security without political baggage.”
“His choice was made the moment he accepted my mother’s bracelet,” Austin cut in sharply, his eyes flashing.
He stepped forward, using Alpha Tone, which caused several pack members nearby to automatically bow their heads.
“What? Seara accepted you?” Nolan’s voice faltered.
“Accept the reality. Never come within five meters of Seara. If I see you breathing near her again, I won’t care about our brotherhood.”
Austin turned toward the crowd, his voice booming across the field.
“Listen up, everyone! Seven days from now, Seara Louisette will officially become my Luna through a coronation ritual. There will be no more trials. My decision is final.”
Silence fell over the field. The pack members exchanged glances, realizing that Elder Stroud’s faction had just lost their footing. However, a shrill voice shattered the calm.
“Wait! You can’t do this, Alpha Austin.”
Delcy stepped forward with unsteady steps, her face still bearing faint traces of black mascara despite having been cleaned. Her extravagant gown stood in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere on the field.
“You dare defy me, Delcy?” Austin growled, his gaze sharp.
“You made a promise, Austin. Remember what we talked about when we were kids behind the pavilion? You said you’d always be by my side,” Delcy shouted, her voice trembling with anger and shame.
Austin stared at Delcy with a cold, vacant gaze. He didn’t stop walking toward Seara.
“We’re not little kids playing house anymore, Delcy. Childhood promises hold no power within the bonds of the Moon Goddess. You are part of the past, and I broke them long ago.”
Delcy turned pale her legs felt weak, and she would have nearly fallen if not for her followers holding her up. She shrunk under Austin’s piercing gaze, which left no room for negotiation.
“Disperse this crowd. Return to your respective posts!” Austin ordered the guards.
Without waiting for a further reaction, Austin grabbed Seara’s wrist and pulled her away from the courtyard. He led Seara back to the pavilion, up the stairs to his private chambers on the upper floor.
The door slammed shut. Austin released Seara’s wrist, but he didn’t step back. Instead, he pinned Seara against the door, trapping her movements with both arms.
A thick Alpha aura filled the room, making Seara feel as though all her energy was being drained by the man standing before her.
“Austin…” Seara whispered, her breath ragged.
“Be quiet, Seara,” Austin cut in. His face was only a few centimeters from Seara’s. The emotional tension in his eyes hadn’t subsided. “Nolan was right about one thing. You’re in danger. And the only way to fully protect you is to unite your soul with mine.”
Austin took a deep breath, trying to suppress the remnants of his wolf’s rage. His voice turned low and serious, a tone he rarely showed.
“I don’t want to wait another seven days for this. I want your permission. Now.”
Seara fell silent for a moment. She thought of the power of Vis Sanatrix still raging within her, and of the emerald bracelet now pulsing warmly on her wrist.
She realized that she had indeed fallen in love with this infuriating man. Her soul had surrendered to the bond between them.
“Do it,” Seara whispered firmly.
Austin didn’t wait for a second answer. He tilted Seara’s head, parting the hair that covered her nape. Hot breath escaped Austin’s lips as they touched Seara’s sensitive skin.
The next moment, Seara felt Austin’s fangs pierce her skin. A sharp pain exploded, spreading from her neck throughout her nervous system.
She groaned, clutching Austin’s hard shoulders. Yet, beneath the pain, an immense wave of energy surged through her.
Austin’s claim was taking effect on her heart. Seara felt as though her soul, which had been torn between fear and doubt, was now bound by an incredibly strong thread.
She could feel Austin’s emotions his worry, possessiveness, and deep love flowing through their new bond.
Seara felt overwhelmed her legs could barely support her own weight. Yet, as Austin pulled away and licked the wound to stop the bleeding,
Seara rested her head against Austin’s chest. She felt exhausted, yet for the first time since she’d arrived in this pack, she felt truly home. Austin’s brutal resolve had been the shield she needed.
“Now,” Austin whispered in Seara’s ear, “anyone who dares to touch you will have to kill me first.”
Seara closed her eyes, feeling Austin’s heartbeat in sync with her own.
“You’re so serious, not like your usual self… Austin.”
Seara’s desire erupted within her. She seized Austin’s lips, ignoring the pain still throbbing in her neck.
“I like it when you’re like this, Seara.”