Lycan (18) (Patreon)

Author's note: as promised here is the new chapter of lycan! There is a new character introduced! 

word count: 2.1K

It felt strange for Harry to be commanded by someone else, especially someone who held the same level of power as him. Despite this, every fiber of his being yearned to disregard her directive and act according to his own desires.

However, a deep-rooted respect and understanding of their roles within the pack kept him in check. He was also a rule follower. Harry knew that disregarding her authority could have serious consequences, not just for their relationship, but for the entire pack. So, reluctantly, he suppressed his instincts and conceded to her command, although with a hint of reluctance lingering in his demeanor.

"Fine," he agreed, resignation evident in his tone. It wasn't long before they found themselves alone in the privacy of his bedroom. Harry remained silent as he tasked Niall with a list of obligations and tasks for the day. Among them was the solemn duty of delivering the heartbreaking news to the family of the girl who had been recently murdered. Harry had initially intended to go himself, but recent events had made it clear that Zion wasn't in a suitable state for such a delicate task.

"Alright, what do you want to do?" Harry asked, turning his full attention towards her. It felt strange to him; he rarely stayed in bed, always occupied with tasks or responsibilities.

"Mmmm," she hummed, scanning the room. "What if we watch a movie? Have a very human sick day off?”

"A movie?" Harry echoed, surprised by the suggestion. “What movie?”

“Harry Potter?” She hesitantly suggested, “you’ve seen them, right?” Y/N asked as she looked around for the control remote.

Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Harry what?"

"Potter. It's a series of movies based on a boy wizard," Y/N explained excitedly. "It's a classic! You've never seen it?"

Harry shook his head, a sheepish smile forming on his lips. "No, I haven't.”

Y/N laughed softly. "Well, today's your lucky day. We're watching Harry Potter."

She quickly found the movie on a streaming service and settled back against the pillows, Harry joining her, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. As the movie started, they both got engrossed in the magical world of Hogwarts.

However, despite the captivating storyline, Y/N couldn't shake off something from her mind. She glanced up at Harry, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

"Harry," she began, her tone hesitant yet determined, "I've been wondering... why am I not part of the mind link?"

Harry looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly at the unexpected question. "It's because you haven't been officially initiated into the pack," he explained gently. "The mind link is a bond that connects all pack members, but it's something that's established through a ritual during the initiation ceremony."

Y/N nodded, absorbing his words. "But why haven't I been initiated yet? Is it because I'm not fully part of the pack?"

Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to find the right words. "It's not that you're not part of the pack, Y/N. It's just... things have been complicated lately, and we haven't had the chance to go through with the ceremony."

Y/N's brows furrowed in confusion. "Complicated how?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. "Well, with recent events, like the discovery of your mate bond with me and the murder within our territory, things have been... hectic," he explained, choosing his words carefully. "And with the elders demanding explanations and decisions, certain formalities have been put on hold."

Y/N took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "Why haven't you marked me yet?"

Harry's brows furrowed in surprise at her question, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. Then, he sighed, pausing the movie and turning his full attention to her.

"It's... complicated," he started, his voice heavy with emotion. "Marking is a sacred bond, Y/N. It's not something to be taken lightly. And with everything that's been happening lately..."

Y/N nodded, understanding his hesitation. "I know it's a big step, Harry. But I can't help but wonder... why not now? Why wait?"

Harry reached out, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Believe me, Y/N, I want nothing more than to mark you. But I need to be sure. Sure that it's the right time, sure that you're ready, sure that..."

"Sure that what?" Y/N prompted, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for his answer.

"Sure that our bond is strong enough to withstand anything," Harry finished, his gaze searching hers for understanding.

The movie they had started watching seemed to fade into the background as an unspoken tension filled the room. Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that Harry was keeping something from her, that he was evading the topic at hand.

"People are already calling me Luna," she continued, her voice growing more insistent. "I think it's the right time. Why are you hesitating?"

Harry's jaw tensed as he processed her words, his silence stretching between them like an invisible barrier. Finally, he met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and longing.

“What is the big deal, Harry? I’ve been ripped from my life. I’ve been here with you. It’s been weeks and I know that marking takes the place the first week of meeting each other! I thought... I thought you wanted this as much as I do.”

Harry's jaw tightened as he struggled to maintain his composure. "Of course I do, Y/N," he insisted, his voice tinged with frustration. "But there are things you don't understand. It's complicated."

"Complicated? What's complicated about marking your mate?" Y/N's voice rose with disbelief, her eyes narrowing as she studied him.

Harry's gaze hardened, his resolve faltering for a moment before he rallied. "It's not just about us, Y/N," he replied cryptically. "There are... external factors at play."

Y/N's frustration boiled over, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "External factors? What are you talking about, Harry? You're not making any sense!"

But Harry remained stubbornly silent, his eyes avoiding hers as he struggled to come up with a plausible excuse. He knew he couldn't tell her the truth—that marking her would only make her a target for the dangers lurking outside their pack's borders. So instead, he chose to lie, to keep her in the dark for her own safety.

"Just trust me," Harry's voice cut through the air, firm and unwavering, signaling the end of their conversation. Y/N felt a surge of anger rising within her. Without a word, she threw off the blankets covering her body and rose from the bed, her movements tense with frustration.

Harry watched her go, a knot of guilt tightening in his chest as he realized the extent of the rift he had created between them. He wanted to reach out, to call her back, but he knew that the truth would only cause her more pain.

As Y/N stormed out of the room, leaving him alone in the suffocating silence, Harry's heart sank. He knew that he had hurt her, but he couldn't bear to see her suffer even more. All he could do now was hope that she would eventually understand the reasons behind his actions, even if he couldn't share them with her.

She no longer felt like she belong.

As Y/N stormed into her room, her emotions churned within her, a turbulent whirlwind of anger, disappointment, and confusion. She slammed the door shut behind her, the sound echoing in the empty room.

With shaky hands, she quickly changed out of her pajamas and into a pair of jeans and a cozy sweater. As she laced up her sneakers, her mind raced with thoughts of Harry and the rift between them. She had trusted him, believed in him, but now it felt like everything she thought she knew was crumbling around her.

Feeling suffocated by the weight of her emotions, Y/N knew she needed to get out, to clear her head and find some semblance of peace. Without a second thought, she grabbed her phone, slipping them into her pocket, and headed outside into the cool evening air.

The town streets were quiet as she walked, the familiar sights and sounds offering some comfort amidst the chaos of her thoughts. But with each step, the ache in her heart only seemed to deepen. She had thought Harry was different, had placed him on a pedestal in her mind, but now she couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal.

As she wandered the streets, Y/N couldn't help but feel like an outsider in her own pack. The weight of loneliness settled over her like a heavy cloak, suffocating her with its oppressive presence. She longed to feel a sense of belonging, to be marked by Harry and finally feel like a true part of the pack.

But as the night stretched on and the stars twinkled overhead, Y/N realized that her journey to find peace and belonging would have to start from within. She couldn't rely on Harry or anyone else to fill the void in her heart. With a deep breath, she resolved to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to carve out her own path and find her place in the world.

After wandering through the quiet streets of the town, Y/N found herself drawn to a cozy little smoothie shop nestled on the corner. The inviting aroma of fresh fruit and the sound of laughter from inside beckoned her closer, offering a welcome distraction from her turbulent thoughts.

Stepping inside, Y/N was greeted by the cheerful chatter of customers and the vibrant colors of the various smoothie flavors on display. She approached the counter and ordered herself a refreshing berry blend, grateful for the chance to momentarily escape the weight of her emotions.

With smoothie in hand, Y/N made her way outside and settled herself at a small table on the sidewalk. The cool breeze danced around her, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of laughter from the park nearby.

As she sipped her smoothie, Y/N couldn't help but notice the curious glances she received from some of the people passing by. They were members of the pack, their eyes lingering on her with a mix of intrigue and uncertainty. She could practically feel their silent questions hanging in the air, their curiosity piqued by her presence outside the pack house.

Despite the scrutiny, Y/N tried to focus on the simple pleasure of her smoothie and the gentle hum of activity around her. She watched as familiar faces from the pack strolled past, their expressions a mixture of surprise and speculation as they caught sight of her sitting alone.

For a moment, Y/N allowed herself to simply observe, finding solace in the ebb and flow of life unfolding around her. In that brief respite, she felt a flicker of hope stirring within her heart, a glimmer of possibility amidst the uncertainty that surrounded her.

"Seems like they're not even trying to be subtle," a deep voice remarked from the table beside hers. "Curiosity might just get the best of them." He waved at Y/N with a friendly smile. "I'm Aiden.”

Aiden sat tall and imposing, with a head of tousled blonde hair that caught the sunlight just right, adding to his charm. His features were sharp yet inviting, and his smile seemed to light up the entire area. His presence exuded confidence and warmth, making him instantly approachable.

"I'm Y/N," she replied with a polite smile, though inwardly she felt a pang of discomfort at being the subject of gossip.

Aiden chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I know. You're the talk of the pack," he said with a playful wink, confirming her suspicions. His tone was light, as if he found the situation amusing rather than intrusive.

"I really wish I wasn't," Y/N admitted with a sigh, her gaze drifting away momentarily before returning to Aiden. "I'm still trying to find my footing in all of this," she continued, stirring her smoothie absentmindedly. "I'm not exactly accustomed to being the center of attention.”

Aiden leaned back in his chair, studying Y/N with a thoughtful expression. "I can understand that," he said, his voice carrying a hint of sympathy. "It's not easy being thrust into a pack, especially when you're still trying to figure things out." He paused for a moment before continuing, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "But don't worry too much about it. You'll find your purpose in here soon enough.”

“Would you like to join me?” Y/N asked as she pointed to a seat on her table.