CHAPTER 3 Prince Ryder

Nina POV

For minutes, I was completely distracted by the man's looks. His piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through my soul, with his sharp, strong jawline that seemed to have been carved out from the best world-famous magazine.

But the loud gasp from the crowd pulled me back to the present. "Prince Ryder," I stammered, shock flashing in my face, seeing royalty, a ruthless and notorious Prince of the Lycans, looking at me like I was some delicious piece of cake

"MINE!!" A growl rumbled through his chest again, and he gave me a possessive look.

I remained frozen.

I have seen this look before, in Jasper's eyes, but this one is different, more intimate, like he has already claimed me. I staggered immediately, taking a step back in surprise, and his gaze darkened as he watched my every movement.

There have been a lot of terrifying dark stories and rumors about him.

"Mate," He said the one word that made me paralyzed instantly, and murmurs started rising. I prayed the ground would open and swallow me up at once.

"No!" Another voice roared behind me, and I felt myself stiffen instantly.

I was rigid in my spot, confused about what was going on. Time seemed to pause around me. For the first time, I remained speechless. My heart was the only thing functioning right now; every other thing remained frozen.

I thought I had a mate, yes, he might have rejected me, but he is still the only one, my wolf, Leah, has been recognized as our mate. What is happening?

I stood there like a lost wolf, watching Prince Ryder slowly start walking toward us. My widened gaze took in his steps until he stopped right in front of me. My breathing heaved.

Just a mere glance at his eyes at this moment could have the flesh in your body torn apart. He looked furious… No, murderous instead. This is not a matter of Alpha or rank, everyone in the room was feeling the sudden tense air.

Instinctively, my legs tried to step back, but he immediately pulled me beside him. A possessive growl rippled out from his chest, and I gasped. He tensed, and I also trembled slightly at the quick spark that erupted at the sudden body contact. The feeling was strong, like a magnet, but that doesn't mean I will accept the fact that we're mates. It hasn't been heard of.

Without saying anything, he tore his gaze away from me and snarled dangerously at the jealous-looking Jasper. Wait? Jealous? That pulled my attention, and I quickly lifted my gaze to look at him. Is Jasper jealous? I thought he rejected me for this; my gaze moved to the shocked and scared-looking Brielle by his side.

I got it, he is jealous that someone mightier than him just claimed me as his mate. He didn't want me, but he also didn't want someone claiming me.

"She can't possibly be yours," Jasper says in disbelief. Brielle held him back, pleading with him to reconsider and ignore everything. Well, especially me.

But wait! I hope it is not what I am thinking. What is he trying to do? To fight a Lycan, not just any Lycan, but Ryder. My eyes widened. The known ruthless Lycan. Everyone else is thinking the same thing as they watched in total shock.

But why is he reacting? I thought he chose Brielle over me. Yet, I still feel part of me excited, the part that still wants him back in our arms. Prince Ryder snarled dangerously, his fangs flashing in a warning. I flinched, and the hall immediately went dead silent. My heart was beating so fast that I thought for a second it could jump off.

And suddenly, from the corner, I saw a guy, another Lycan from his aura and scent. He has a red head, tall but not to be compared to this beast holding me by his side.

The guy whispered something to his ear before flashing me a smile, which sent a sharp gross feeling all over my body.

I don't know what he told him, but whatever it was had Prince Ryder retract his beast back. "We will have to take our leave now," he suddenly announced, and my heart skipped. And my senses seemed to click in, and I quickly voiced out.

"You are not my mate," everyone turned to face me. He snapped his head at me, and my breath hitched. The amount of coldness in his eyes looked frightening.

"But is your wolf against it?" He cocked an eyebrow at me, and I instantly went mute. I opened my mouth to protest, but no words were coming out.

"This is not possible, like how?" I thought, still confused. I tried calling Leah, but she wasn't responding; she has been like this since morning, and that is starting to scare me.

"Guess we are done here," he declared after I didn't utter any more words. Jasper looked at me, and I could see the suppressed anger in his eyes.

He can't do anything. It is no match between an Alpha and Lycan, not to talk about a soon-to-be king.

If he dares make any more moves right now, that will be his downfall, and trust me, Jasper won't dare to lose face in front of his pack, talk more of the whole pack that came here today. I tore my gaze away from him. He made his choice though part of me still wishes he could fight for us one more time.

Prince Ryder turned to leave, and I froze in my spot. I can't possibly leave this pack without having my pack, but then again, if I get hold of the pack right now, it will still be merged with the Lycan pack since their prince has claimed me as his. I don't know how my pack members will survive under the pack of Lycans. The last thing I wanted was to be a bad leader.

But I am confused. I just want to have my pack and leave, but how possible is that?

"Is there a problem?" Prince Ryder raised a brow at me.