The Lycan's Secret Bride

The Lycan's Secret Bride

Sarah john

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Aurora Ellis has always been drawn to the shadows of history, but when her research leads her to the mysterious town of Moonveil, she uncovers more than just myths. Hidden within the dense forests and ancient ruins lies a dark secret a prophecy of a human bride destined to change the fate of the Lycan world forever. Ethan Gray, the brooding and dangerously handsome Alpha of Moonveil's most powerful pack, knows the prophecy all too well. Bound by duty to protect his people and haunted by the guilt of his past, Ethan has spent his life ensuring no human ever discovers the truth about his kind. But when Aurora arrives, her fiery determination and undeniable allure threaten to shatter the walls he's built around his heart and his secrets. As forbidden passion ignites between them, Aurora finds herself torn between the truth she seeks and the man who's keeping it from her. But the deeper she delves into Moonveil's mysteries, the closer she comes to uncovering a devastating revelation: her own connection to the prophecy. With rogue Lycans on the hunt and the Lycan Council watching their every move, Ethan and Aurora must face an impossible choice one that could destroy their love, their lives, and the fragile peace between their worlds.

Chapter 1 1

The evening sky bled shades of amber and crimson as Aurora Ellis leaned against her car, taking in her surroundings with a cautious awe. Moonveil was nothing like she had imagined. The small, forgotten town seemed frozen in time, with cobblestone streets, flickering lamplights, and buildings that looked as though they had been pulled straight out of the 19th century. The air smelled of pine and earth, with a faint, almost metallic tang that made her skin prickle.

Aurora tightened her leather jacket around herself, the chill biting through the fabric. This wasn't just another research trip. No, Moonveil held secrets-ones that called to her in ways she couldn't explain.

A loud knock on her car window made her jump. She spun around to find an elderly man with a wiry frame and a face like weathered stone staring at her. His piercing gray eyes studied her as if trying to unearth her soul.

"You lost?" His voice was gruff, matching the aura of the town.

"No," Aurora replied, straightening her back. "I'm here to do some research. For a book."

The man's brow furrowed. "A book, huh? Be careful where you tread, miss. Moonveil's history isn't for the faint-hearted."

Aurora offered a polite smile, though unease coiled in her stomach. "Thanks for the warning, but I'll be fine."

The man grunted, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he shuffled off. Aurora watched him disappear into the shadows, his warning hanging heavy in the air.

With a sigh, she grabbed her bag from the car and made her way toward the bed-and-breakfast she had booked. The Moonveil Inn was a charming, albeit slightly eerie, Victorian-style building with ivy crawling up its facade. A brass bell above the door jingled as she stepped inside.

The warmth of a crackling fire greeted her, along with the scent of spiced cider. Behind the counter stood a woman in her fifties, her dark hair streaked with silver. She looked up and gave Aurora a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"You must be Miss Ellis," the woman said, her voice smooth but tinged with something Aurora couldn't place.

"That's right," Aurora replied, setting her bag down. "Aurora Ellis. Thank you for accommodating me on such short notice."

The woman waved a hand dismissively. "Not many visitors come through here these days. It's nice to have new faces, even if only for a little while." She slid a key across the counter. "Room 3, second floor. Breakfast is at eight. Don't wander too much at night."

Aurora's brow furrowed. "Why not?"

The woman hesitated before leaning closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "The woods aren't safe after dark. Stick to the main streets if you must go out."

Aurora nodded slowly, her curiosity piqued. "Thanks for the advice."

As she climbed the creaky staircase, Aurora couldn't shake the feeling that Moonveil was hiding something. And she was determined to find out what.

Her room was cozy, with antique furniture and a window that overlooked the dense forest bordering the town. She unpacked her things, her eyes repeatedly drifting to the woods. They seemed alive, almost watching her. Shaking off the thought, she grabbed her notebook and headed out, unable to resist the pull of the town's secrets.

The streets were eerily quiet, the lamplights casting long shadows that danced with the breeze. Aurora's boots clicked against the cobblestones as she wandered, her eyes taking in the gothic beauty of the town. She was so absorbed in her surroundings that she didn't notice the figure approaching until he spoke.

"New in town?"

Aurora spun around, her heart leaping to her throat. Standing before her was a man who looked like he'd stepped out of one of her fantasies. His chiseled jaw, piercing green eyes, and dark hair that fell just above his collar made him dangerously handsome. But it was his presence-a raw, magnetic intensity-that left her breathless.

"Uh, yeah," she managed, mentally kicking herself for sounding so flustered.

He smirked, and it was devastating. "You should be careful wandering around alone at night. Moonveil has a habit of... consuming the unprepared."

Aurora crossed her arms, masking her unease with defiance. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

"Just stating facts," he replied smoothly, his gaze never leaving hers. "This town has more shadows than light. You'd do well to remember that."

"And you are?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ethan Gray," he said, his tone dripping with confidence.

The name clicked in her mind. Ethan Gray-the elusive owner of Moonveil's largest estate and rumored to be the town's unofficial leader. His name had come up repeatedly during her initial research, often shrouded in mystery.

"Aurora Ellis," she introduced herself, holding out her hand.

Ethan looked at her hand for a moment before clasping it in his own. His touch was warm, his grip firm. "Aurora. Fitting name for someone who seems intent on bringing light to dark places."

Her pulse quickened, though she kept her expression neutral. "I'm just here for research."

"And what exactly are you researching?" His voice was casual, but there was a sharpness to his gaze.

"Folklore," she said, watching his reaction carefully. "Moonveil's history is fascinating."

Ethan's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Fascinating, yes. But dangerous. Some things are better left buried."

Aurora tilted her head, intrigued. "Are you warning me off, Mr. Gray?"

"I'm advising caution," he said simply. "Curiosity has a way of getting people hurt around here."

She smiled, a challenge sparking in her eyes. "Well, I've never been one to scare easily."

Ethan's lips twitched into a smirk, but his eyes remained serious. "Then I hope you're prepared for what you might find, Miss Ellis."

Before she could respond, he stepped back, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he disappeared into the shadows.

Aurora stood there, her heart racing. There was something about Ethan Gray-something dangerous, magnetic, and utterly infuriating.

As she made her way back to the inn, her mind swirled with questions. What was Ethan hiding? And why did she feel like she had just stepped into the middle of something far bigger than herself?

The night seemed to hum with anticipation, and for the first time in her life, Aurora felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be-even if she didn't yet understand why.

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