Lycan (22) (Patreon)

Author's note: hello everyone. Has anyone gotten a chance to finish reading ENTICING and the final chapters + the alternative ending! I hope all o you enjoyed it. I hadn't posted bc I wanted everyone to dedicate their time reading Enticing and enjoying the last of it. However, it is time to go back to regular programming. So, here is a new chapter. Let me know what you think.

NEXT CHAPTER ON SUNDAY!

word count :3.4K

Y/N lay on Harry's bed, her mind racing with the events of the evening. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting gentle shadows on the walls. Harry lay beside her, his hand entwined with hers, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin.

"Thank you for introducing me to your parents" Y/N said, breaking the comfortable silence. She turned her head to look at Harry, her eyes searching his for reassurance.

Harry smiled, a warmth in his gaze that made her heart flutter. "I knew they'd love you," he replied. "Mum's been asking about you for weeks, and Dad... well, he's always curious about anyone I bring up in conversation."

Y/N chuckled softly. "I can't believe how kind they were. I was so nervous."

Harry's grip on her hand tightened slightly. "You had nothing to worry about. You're part of this now, part of me. They can see that."

She felt a rush of emotions at his words. Part of him. The thought was both comforting and daunting. Her mind wandered back to dinner, the laughter, the easy conversations, and the warmth of Harry's family. It was so different from what she had known growing up. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a future where such evenings were a regular occurrence.

"Your mum's story about you as a kid, running around in nothing but a cape, was adorable," Y/N said, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Harry groaned, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. "She loves to embarrass me."

"I think all parents do," Y/N said softly, her gaze serious now.

Harry's expression shifted, giving way to something deeper, more profound. He reached out, gently cupping her face in his hand. "I still can’t believe I have finally found you”.

They lay in silence for a moment, the weight of their words settling around them. Y/N could feel the pull of sleep tugging at her, but there was still so much she wanted to understand, so many questions she needed answers to.

"Harry," she began hesitantly, "do you think we can talk about meeting with the elders?"

Harry's eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. He took a deep breath, his expression turning serious.

“I’ve already talked to them,” he admitted. “They’re willing to meet you, but they want to go through the binding ceremony first.”

Y/N furrowed her brow, curiosity and apprehension mixing in her eyes. “What’s that?”

Harry sat up slightly, propping himself on one elbow so he could look directly at her. “The binding ceremony is an ancient ritual. It’s where you bind to everyone in the pack, creating a deep, unbreakable connection with each member. If they accept you during the ceremony, you officially become their Luna.”

Y/N felt a shiver run down her spine. “What happens if they don’t accept me?”

Harry’s gaze softened as he reached out to gently stroke her cheek. “You don’t need to worry about that. They’ve already seen how you’ve handled everything so far, and they trust my judgment. The ceremony is more about formalizing what’s already there.”

“Can you tell me more about it? What will I need to do?” Y/N asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“The ceremony is held in the heart of the forest,” Harry explained. “It’s a sacred place for our pack. You’ll stand before the elders and the pack members, and you’ll pledge your loyalty and commitment to them. In return, they’ll offer their support and protection. It’s a mutual bond. There’s also a physical aspect to it—an exchange of energy that solidifies the bond.”

Y/N nodded slowly, trying to absorb the information. “What does the exchange of energy involve?”

Harry hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “It’s a bit difficult to explain. It’s like sharing a part of your essence with the pack and receiving a part of theirs in return. It can be intense, but it’s also incredibly powerful. It’s what will make you truly one of us.”

Y/N looked into Harry’s eyes, finding strength and reassurance in his gaze. “And you’ll be there with me?”

“Every step of the way,” he promised. “You won’t be alone”.

She took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of fear and excitement. “When will the ceremony take place?”

“That is entirely up to you,” Harry replied.

“Can we do it tomorrow?” Y/N asked, her voice filled with determination.

Harry’s face broke into a relieved smile, a soft laugh escaping his lips as he pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m so proud of you, pup. You continue to surprise me every day. I’ll talk to the elders tomorrow so we can start preparations for you initiation”

The next day, Harry was the first to wake up. The early morning air was crisp and biting, a thin layer of frost coating the windowpanes. He hated leaving her alone in the warm cocoon of their bed, but he needed to get the day started. As he gently disentangled himself from her embrace, the cold air rushed in, making him shiver. He pulled the blankets up to her chin and gave her mark a tender kiss, whispering, "I’ll be back”

After a quick shower, Harry dressed warmly and headed downstairs. The sky was still a muted gray, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. He had a long day ahead—patrol duty across the territory, a council meeting about the rogue threat, and a discussion with the elders. He also needed to brief Niall on recent events.

Harry stepped out into the front yard of the pack house, where the chilly air was filled with the faint crunch of frost underfoot. The high rank pack members were gathering for their morning jog, their breaths visible in the cold air.

"Good morning," Harry greeted everyone with a nod, his breath forming small clouds. He scanned the crowd and turned to Axel. "Where's Niall?"

Axel, the young omega of the pack, looked around and shrugged. "Sleeping. You know how he is," he replied, a small smile playing on his lips. Despite his youth, Axel was eager to prove himself, and Harry appreciated his dedication.

"I’m right here," came a familiar voice. Niall approached the group, yawning and rubbing his eyes. His disheveled hair and sleepy demeanor brought a chuckle from the pack.

"How come you always expect the worst of me?" Niall asked, a playful grin on his face.

“It’s a habit” As the pack members gathered around, Harry outlined the day's plans—patrol routes, updates on the rogue situation.

The atmosphere was serious yet tinged with a sense of unity and purpose.

After brief discussions and instructions, Harry led the pack on their morning jog through the frost-covered paths of the territory. The cold air invigorated them, their breaths misting in front of them as they moved in sync, a testament to their strength and unity as a pack.

Throughout the morning, Harry's mind was both focused on the tasks at hand and occasionally drifting back to Y/N, hoping she was warm and comfortable back at the pack house.

As the jog came to an end and the pack dispersed to their respective duties, Harry made his way to the council meeting, his mind already racing with strategies and plans to ensure the pack's safety and unity in the face of looming threats.

“I’ll see you two in an hour” With a nod to Axel and Niall, he turned towards the pack house. The early morning light filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow across the hallway.

Reaching his bedroom door, Harry paused for a moment. His thoughts briefly lingered on Y/N, still nestled in their bed, where a few hours ago they had shared a tender cuddle. He smiled to himself, feeling the warmth of their connection, before even seeing her or entering the room.

He quietly stepped in not wanting to wake her up. Harry could only see the side of her head in the ocean of the comforter. Inside, the room was a blend of Harry’s rugged demeanor and Y/N’s softer touches. A few scatter books on her nightstand spoke of Y/N’s reading habits, while Harry’s worn jacket hung proudly over a chair. He loved that it was no longer only his bedroom, but their bedroom.

Harry left his shoes by the door, not wanting to wake her up. He walked past the bed and to his closet. He chose a fresh set of clothes suitable for the day’s responsibilities, a pair of jeans and a comfortable sweater. As he undressed, his gaze wanted to the window, where the distant howl of a wolf pierced the stillness.

Stepping into the shower, he welcomed the sensation of hot water, cascading over him, washing the remnants of the morning’s jog. The steam filled the air, soothing tired muscles and clearing his mind for the challenges ahead.

With a towel wrapped around his waist, he emerged from the shower, his reflection in the mirror a stoic reminder of his responsibilities He combed his fingers through his damp hair, dark strands falling into place. “Good morning”

“Good morning” he said to just woken up Y/N who sat on the bed with puffy eyes and messy hair. He had returned to the bedroom in search for boxers and socks.

Y/N groggily rubbed her eyes, struggling to adjust to the early morning light filtering through the curtains. "What time is it?" she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

"It's barely seven in the morning. You should go back to bed, pup," Harry replied, a small smile playing on his lips. He found it incredibly adorable how confused and dazed she looked, her hair tousled and her eyes half-closed.

Y/N gave him a sleepy pout, but the pet name brought a warm feeling to her chest. "But we're supposed to meet the elders today," she mumbled, trying to shake off her drowsiness.

Harry chuckled softly and sat down on the edge of the bed, gently pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "We still have a few hours before we need to leave. There's plenty of time for you to rest a bit more”.

She sighed, knowing he was right but feeling too anxious to fall back asleep. "I guess I'm just nervous," she admitted, her eyes meeting his.

Harry's expression softened, and he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I know. I have a few meetings and I’ll come get you so we can meet up with them”

Y/N nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Alright, I'll try to rest a bit more." She lay back down, feeling the warmth of the blankets and the comfort of Harry's presence next to her.

Harry went into the bathroom and changed out of the towel into his boxers. Even as he got ready, he could still sense her anxiety and stress. Concerned, he returned to the bedroom and lay down beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. "I'll stay here with you until you fall back asleep," he murmured against her hair.

She closed her eyes, the steady rhythm of his breathing soothing her frayed nerves. As she drifted back to sleep, she felt a deep sense of security in Harry's arms.

The meetings with the council were always stressful to say the least. Sometimes they frustrated Harry because everyone had an opinion and though their way was the best. However, the investigation towards of the rouge had been in a halt and he needed help figuring out what to do to find the culprit.

"We need to enforce a stricter curfew," one of the council members stated. "We haven't been able to pick up any scent."

"Locking everyone up will just lead to more economic problems," Niall countered. "Businesses are already suffering."

The council room fell silent, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on everyone present. Harry stood at the head of the table, his brows furrowed in thought. He knew both sides had valid points, and the challenge was finding a balance that would protect the town without crippling its economy.

"We need to find a compromise," Harry said finally, his voice calm but firm. "What if we implement a curfew that still allows essential businesses to operate? We can focus our patrols around those areas to ensure safety."

Niall nodded thoughtfully. "That could work. It would allow businesses to continue operating while still maintaining a level of security."

Another council member, a woman with sharp eyes and a stern expression, leaned forward. "We also need to consider increasing our patrol units. If we can't rely on scent alone, we need more eyes and ears on the ground."

Harry agreed. "We'll double the patrols, especially in high-risk areas. We should also consider implementing a community watch program to involve more of our residents in keeping the town safe."

"That sounds like a solid plan," Niall said, his tone more hopeful. "But we need to ensure the community is informed and supportive. Panic will only make things worse."

"I'll handle the communication," Harry assured. "We'll hold a pack meeting to explain the new measures and emphasize the importance of cooperation and vigilance."

The council members nodded in agreement, and Harry felt a sense of determination settle over him. They had a plan, and now it was time to put it into action.

"Niall, arrange the meeting for this evening. Axel, ensure that everything is prepared for it.”

Niall nodded, already reaching for his phone to start coordinating the meeting. Axel gave a quick salute and headed out of the room to take care of the preparations.

"You seem on edge," Agatha, one of the oldest council members and a respected elder, remarked as she approached Harry. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder before sitting down beside him.

Harry sighed, rubbing his temples in an attempt to ward off an impending headache. "I just can't believe we don't have a single lead. It's very frustrating."

"It's inevitable to feel helpless in situations like these, Harry," added Cyprus from across the table, his keen eyes observing the conversation.

Agatha's eyes softened with understanding as she looked at Harry. "Frustration is a natural response, especially when the stakes are so high. But remember, patience and perseverance are key. The answers will come, often from the places we least expect."

Cyprus nodded in agreement, leaning forward slightly. "In times like these, it's important to rely on the strength of the pack. Trust in the wisdom of those around you and the instincts that have guided us for generations. Every problem has a solution, even if it's not immediately visible."

Agatha smiled warmly.“And don't forget to take care of yourself. Leadership is a heavy burden, but you mustn't let it consume you. Your well-being is crucial to the pack's strength."

Cyprus added, "Remember that sometimes the best course of action is to step back and look at the situation from a different perspective. Fresh eyes can often see what tired ones cannot."

Harry nodded, taking their advice to heart.

"I'm actually glad you're both here," he said, looking between Agatha and Cyprus. "I've been wanting to talk to you about the binding ceremony."

Agatha and Cyprus exchanged knowing looks before turning their attention back to Harry.

"Of course," Agatha said, her voice gentle. "What is it you wish to discuss?"

Harry took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "With everything that's been happening, I want to ensure that the ceremony goes smoothly. Y/N is understandably nervous, and I want to make sure we're fully prepared."

Cyprus leaned back in his chair, his eyes thoughtful. "The binding ceremony is a significant event, both for Y/N and the pack. It's natural to feel anxious, but it's also a time of celebration and unity."

Agatha nodded in agreement. "Preparation is key. We'll need to ensure that Y/N understands every step of the process and feels supported throughout. The ceremony isn't just about the ritual; it's about the connection and trust between the Luna and the pack."

Harry felt a wave of gratitude for their understanding and support. "I want to do everything I can to make this a positive experience for her. What can we do to help her feel more at ease?"

Agatha smiled warmly. "We can arrange a small gathering before the ceremony where Y/N can meet with the elders and key members of the pack in a more relaxed setting. This will help her feel more connected and supported."

Harry nodded, feeling more confident. "Thank you. When can the ceremony take place?"

"The pack needs strengthening right now," Agatha replied. "It would be wise to hold the ceremony as soon as possible. Having a Luna will only make us stronger."

Harry considered her words, understanding the urgency. "Alright. Let's arrange for it to happen within the next few days. I'll talk to Y/N and make sure she's prepared."

Agatha smiled approvingly. "Alright. Sound like a plan”.

By the time Harry returned to the pack house, the day had stretched into nightfall, far longer than he had anticipated. The bustling pack house was filled with members bustling about, busy preparing for the upcoming meeting and eagerly awaiting his return.

"There you are," Harry said, spotting Y/N standing by the staircase with Niall and Axel. "I'm so sorry," he apologized, his tone earnest. "I tried my best to make it for lunch, but we had issues with the perimeter and patrol”.

Y/N offered him a tight smile. She had spent the entire day waiting for him, confined to the bedroom with nothing to occupy her thoughts or time. Despite her frustration, she knew that people were watching, and she was determined not to create a scene in front of the pack. Niall had eventually come to fetch her, escorting her downstairs.

Harry sensed her anger, so he simply kissed her forehead before ascending the stairs and positioning himself in front of everyone. From his vantage point, he could see the entire room, and as soon as he caught their attention, they quieted, lowering their heads in respect to their Alpha.

"Good evening," Harry began, his voice carrying through the room. "I hope you're all doing well. I realize this meeting was impromptu and feels rushed, but the information I have to share is extremely important."

"As many of you are aware, last week there was a homicide within our pack. Our trackers have detected an unfamiliar scent that has proven untraceable. In response, the council has decided to implement a stricter curfew without impacting business hours. A detailed list containing business names and their operating hours for the coming weeks has been posted outside. Additionally, you'll find the assigned patrol groups and their designated leaders tasked with safeguarding your clients, businesses, and yourselves”

Whispers and murmurs filled the room, and Harry sensed their rising panic. They were understandably frightened, and he knew their concerns were valid.

"I understand it's a frightening time," Harry reassured them, his voice steady. "We're doing everything we can to track down the person responsible. I won't rest until the rogue is found and held accountable for their actions. But I need your help too. I ask each of you to stay vigilant. Be my eyes and ears when I'm not around. Look out for your neighbors, classmates, and friends."

And that's when they heard a loud, piercing scream that sent shivers down their spines.

The scream echoed through the room like a shockwave, freezing everyone in place. Faces turned pale, eyes widened with fear, and a heavy silence descended, broken only by the pounding of hearts in chests. Each member of the pack felt a chill run down their spine, their minds racing with dread and uncertainty. In that moment, the air seemed thick with tension, as if the very walls held their breath in anticipation of what might come next.