The Mating Bond

Eleanor's POV

My heart flipped as I stumbled backward, trying to get in what I had just heard, the realization that I was all alone and that this was truly happening dawn on me, my heart thumped against my breast cage as I sank to the ground, tears cascading down my cheek before yelling out, "Father no" I pleaded, my voice broke but I knew that I had to do this.

" You cannot do this to me! I am your heir and I deserve some sort of explanation, you cannot toss me away like I mean nothing to you, you cannot sell me off like I am trash to you," I rebuffed what he had just said, my hands fidgeting,

"My beta will take you to the Lycan king, your place is with him and you are never to come back here" he announced with a icy tone, before walking out with with his back turned to me, tears ran down my cheek when two hands held me up, yelling and kicking,

" Let go of me, my father wouldn't do this to me, I am his heir and I deserve better so please..."

I fought so hard to be let go and when they did, I stood outside, with hands clutching the edge of my gown tightly while biting into my lips until I could taste the metallic taste of blood in my mouth,

My father's beta walked past me, with a stern look on his face, "It's time to leave," I flipped my head around, stealing one last lingering glance at the house that had been my home since childhood. A small entourage stood by, waiting to bid me farewell.

Today was a day I wished had never come. To be sold as a war bounty by one's pack was a fate no one would ever desire, yet I had been chosen. Why me? I'd asked countless times, but no one had provided an answer, not even my parents, who held the positions of Alpha and Luna in our pack.

With a sigh, I dug my nails into my palms and waved my hand to the small crowd behind me. My eyes met my mother's on the balcony. She stood up there, a hand clasped over her mouth, withdrawing immediately after our eyes had met. A pang of hurt struck me. Why wouldn't she say goodbye?

I stepped into the waiting car, a tear tracing down my cheek as it pulled away. The familiar face of the pack I had grown to love became distant.

"We should be arriving soon. You mustn't disappoint the Lycan king. No tantrums, and you must obey his commands without objection, whatever he tells you to do is what you are going to do" the driver, my father's Beta, instructed

"Why?" I blurted out.

"Why should I submit to a man I don't know, nor do I want? Of everybody, why does it have to be him? The Lycan king?"I have heard tales about how ruthless he was, how he kills werewolves just because he pleases and now, I was being taken to the same man we all detested.

He remained silent, and the silence lingered. Then, with an icy tone, he spoke again.

"You'll understand when we arrive."

My heart quickened as he drove into a magnificent palace which was painted gray and hidden by the thick woods which were beside it. Guards stood outside fully armed, and a shiver ran down my spine. I was forced to face reality.

The door slammed shut, and I glanced at my father's Beta, who exited the car with a stern expression.

"Come with me," he directed.

My steps faltered as we made our way inside the vast hall which was devoid of human presence until a pretty lady sashayed in, swaying her waist to the side, her steps were elegant, and her skin glowed when it came in contact with the soft lighting in the room.

"We demand an audience with the Lycan king."

She stared at me, her eyes a contemptuous glare as if I were beneath her, unfit to stand in her presence.

"You may leave. I will handle this."

I watched silently as his body curved into a bow before stepping out, "Beta..." I whimpered, placing a hand on his wrist as he made a way out when he glared at me,

"Stay put and don't tarnish the pack's name, remember you have a duty to play"

I stumbled, feeling alone, and lost when she spoke up, her voice cold and domineering, filled with so much hate,

"You must be the breeder, destined to be discarded once you bear my child."

My eyes widened in disbelief. Breeder? Her child? No one had prepared me for that. I was supposed to be the Queen, not some breeder.

"I am no one's breeder" I answered,