Alpha's Regret: Marked By The Lycan King

Third POV

Hazel was already looking for the nearest exit. Maybe their driver hadn’t gone too far yet, and they could still take the car out without anyone noticing.

However, Asher was already turning back toward the crowd, his determination overriding his common sense. “I’m not leaving until I find out if that was Estelle!”

He didn’t manage to get a full frontal view of the woman, but after all those years spent growing up with her, Asher was confident that he could recognize Estelle even if it were just a mere glimpse. Something gnawed at him, and he was sure that the woman in the navy dress was none other than Estelle.

He just needed to be sure.

“Asher!” Hazel reached for him again.

He spun around to argue with her, not watching where he was stepping. His shoulder collided hard with someone walking past, the impact jarring enough to make him stumble.

“Ow!” Asher hissed, rubbing his shoulder as he looked up at the person he’d bumped into.

The man was tall and handsome, with dirty blond hair and striking green eyes. He wore an expensive suit that fit him perfectly, and his expression showed polite surprise rather than anger.

“Watch where you’re going!” Asher snapped, his frustration with the entire situation boiling over.

The man’s eyebrows rose slightly at Asher’s hostile tone, but before he could respond, Hazel made a choking sound beside them.

“A-Alpha Jude...” she whispered, her face going completely white. “Our apologies. We didn’t mean to...”

Hazel felt faint. Out of all the people they could run into, this was possibly the worst option.

Meanwhile, Asher’s blood turned to ice. He stared at the young, handsome man in front of him, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing.

“Alpha Jude?!” he echoed, his voice cracking with shock. “You’re Alpha Jude Reed of the Tidal Valley Pack?”

This couldn’t be right. This man was young, attractive, and most definitely did not seem like he could be someone’s grandfather. This wasn’t the elderly gentleman from the photograph at all.

***

Estelle’s POV

“This place is like something from a fairy tale,” Juliet breathed as our car passed through the ornate gates.

I smiled, watching her press her face to the window like an excited child. Velma was doing the same thing on the other side, both women completely entranced by their first glimpse of lycan royal territory.

“I still can’t believe you’re engaged to the Lycan King,” Juliet continued, turning to me with sparkling eyes. “The actual Lycan King! You’ve kept the secret so well all this time!”

Velma nodded enthusiastically. “After everything you went through with Asher, you deserve this upgrade. That man was garbage compared to King Zayne.”

I felt a flutter of warmth at their words, though I kept my expression modest. “I did get pretty lucky.”

“How did you even meet?” Juliet asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Is he your fated mate?” Velma added, looking equally as bright-eyed.

I could only awkwardly laugh.

Thankfully, the car pulled up right then, distracting Juliet and Velma from the conversation. Staff members immediately approached to escort us inside, their movements efficient and respectful.

“This way, Luna Estelle,” one of them said with a bow. “His Majesty is waiting for you in the private receiving room.”

We were led through corridors that took my breath away. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings, while crystal chandeliers cast warm light over marble floors. Everything spoke of centuries of power and refinement.

Juliet and Velma walked slightly behind me, their heads turning constantly to take in every detail. I could hear them whispering to each other about the artwork and architecture.

“It’s such a shame the guys couldn’t attend,” Juliet said, to which Velma nodded.

Edmund, Bosco, and River had chosen to stay back in the Blackmoon Pack to handle some work. They sent their best wishes, along with Juliet and Velma, to serve as my emotional support since Caleb would have to run around to coordinate some things with the event planners on the lycans’ side.

“At least they will be able to attend the actual wedding itself,” Velma said.

The staff member stopped before an elegant set of double doors. “Councilman Cyril is inside waiting for you as well,” he informed me before opening the doors.

Cyril was indeed waiting, rising from his chair the moment we entered. His face lit up with a warm smile as he approached.

“Luna Estelle,” he greeted, taking my hands gently. “You look absolutely radiant. I’m so pleased you could make it here safely.”

“Thank you for arranging everything,” I replied. “I hope the preparations went smoothly after yesterday.”

“Indeed, they did. His Majesty was quite thorough in his instructions.” Cyril’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “I believe everything will exceed even his expectations.”

Juliet and Velma hung back near the doorway, clearly uncertain about protocol in such formal surroundings. I gestured for them to come closer.

“Cyril, these are my friends from Blackmoon Pack. They’ll be joining us today.”

“Of course,” Cyril said graciously, bowing slightly to them. “Any friends of Luna Estelle are most welcome.”

Just as I was about to ask about the schedule for the evening, the doors opened again.

Zayne entered the room, and my breath caught in my throat.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that emphasized his tall frame and broad shoulders. His silver hair was styled impeccably, and his electric blue eyes seemed to glow against his fair skin. The formal attire transformed his usual commanding presence into something almost regal.

My heart skipped a beat.