The Lycan King's Forbidden Craving - Chapter 123: Chapter 123

Arianna literally stopped breathing, lips parted as she tried to process what the king had just said. Did she hear him right, or was it just her brain playing tricks on her?
But those golden eyes that searched her face held sincerity. His lycan was at the surface, ready to act at her permission.
"What are you waiting for, Ari?" he asked, his fangs flashing as he ran his fingers gently along her bare back.
"W–wasn't that supposed to be... when you—"
"I don't follow the chronicles when it comes to you," he whispered, and Arianna felt her mind spiraling. "It's my choice to do it whenever I want. It's fine if you don't want it now. I'll understand."
A tear slipped from her eye, her lips quivering as emotions slammed against her chest. Sobs escaped her lips, her eyes turning glassy.
Duncan's gaze turned worried. "Ari?"
Her throat worked, but no words came out. Memories flooded in making her chest tighten.
She recalled the night she had craved to be marked but was betrayed.
That day, she had sworn never to give herself to love again.
That the mate bond was just a shitty thing. She remembered blaming the Moon Goddess for everything.
Every night in her chamber, she had laid in bed, cursing herself for letting love ruin her once strong self.
That first night, she'd hoped the king would kill her... She had hoped for death many times, but for some reason, she kept pushing.
Kept fighting, even when there was no hope. Even when death stared straight into her eyes, she stood her ground.
Who would have thought a day like this would come? A day she would be cherished by the same love she had given up on. Who would have thought she would be in the arms of the king, who wanted to mark and seal the bond as her mate?
"Hey," he called in a whisper, reaching to cup her face, wiping away the tears that fell uncontrollably. "I told you I hate seeing your tears."
Arianna took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions.
He leaned closer. "It's alright," he coaxed, kissing her tears away.
She reached for her hair, sliding it to the side, revealing her bare neck to him.
"With pleasure, my king," she smiled sweetly.
Duncan's lycan roared at the surface in response. His eyes dilated, the gold darkening, turning almost red, like untamed flame.
A low, guttural, primal growl tore out from Duncan as he cradled her close, his gaze shifting from her face to her bare skin.
Then, without hesitation, he pressed his nose against her neck, savoring her sweetness. Gently, he brushed his tongue over the area he wanted to mark, feeling the gentle thump of her pulse.
"Forever mine, Ari," he whispered, the heat from his breath sending a shiver down her spine.
Without waiting, he sank his fangs into her.
Arianna gasped, her grip on his shoulder tightening as sharp pain shot through her neck but quickly turned into a wave of pleasure that flooded her nerves.
Moaning, she grind her body closer, only then realizing his cock was still inside her. Her eyes shut in pleasure feeling the bond intensifying, making her head reel.
The spark between them solidified.
Duncan felt it—the violent possessiveness that roared through his chest.
The bond spiraled within them, no longer soft but feral. It was something new, something beautiful.
Almost...
Duncan sank his fangs deeper, almost completing the bond when Arianna’s eyes snapped open wide—the pleasure replaced with pain.
Her claws shot out, digging into Duncan's flesh.
Duncan growled. Fuck! Her dragon wasn't fully merging. The mark couldn't be complete unless she was fully connected to her dragon.
He immediately retracted his fangs, sealing the wound he created by licking it three times. The wound closed, transforming into an incomplete mate tattoo.
Just half of her...
Duncan’s eyes darkened, but Arianna collapsing onto his shoulder pulled his attention.
"Ari," he whispered.
Duncan felt her fragile state and carefully lifted her, laying her on the bed. Her eyes were closed, her expression exhausted. He brushed a damp strand of hair from her face and stared at her.
‘Not complete. What should we do? Her dragon stopped connecting with me halfway,’ Ash spoke beneath, sounding frustrated.
‘We wait,’ Duncan replied, his gaze fixed on the mark on her neck.
‘Impatient. I want all of her.’
‘Relax, Ash. She isn't going anywhere. She's mine... always mine.’
‘We'll adore her.’
Ash purred in response, both of them watching her in silence.
•••••
Arianna had a beautiful dream. One that brought a sense of tranquility to her being.
Duncan and she sat in a garden, watching their offspring playing under the bright, beautiful sky.
His broad arm was around her as always, warmth building up in her as they watched. She rested her head on his chest, smiling from ear to ear.
"Ari," his voice vibrated through his chest.
"My Dun," she whispered under her breath, then felt his gentle touch on her cheek—soothing and calm.
"A beautiful dream, huh?"
Arianna’s eyes fluttered open to reality, meeting Duncan’s gaze as he stared down at her with a small smile. Her eyes squinted with realization.
Though she wished to stay longer in it, reality was sweet as well—as long as she had the male with her.
"Good morning, mate. Dreaming about me?" he questioned, voice husky.
The messy hair suited him. The smile, his eyes, his body, his scent, his voice... gosh. She loved everything.
"Oh, you King's woman. Don't rape me with those eyes," he teased, and she chuckled.
"Good morning, and yes, I was dreaming about you," she whispered, drawing closer.
"And?"
"And," she grinned, "it was beautiful."
Duncan exhaled dramatically. "Did he kiss you?"
Arianna blinked, confused. "What?"
"The Duncan in your dream," he clarified with a serious look. "Did he kiss you?"
Arianna pressed her lips together, laughter bubbling in her chest. Was this man serious right now?
"What if he did?" she teased, and he leaned closer, staring deep into her silver eyes.
"Then--" his eyes traveled to her lips, and slowly, he captured them, gently nibbling the soft flesh.
Butterflies built in her stomach, her senses clouded with the pleasure of his sweet morning kiss and touch.
"Mmhm," she let out a throaty moan, his groan following, his hand pulling her waist closer.
They pulled away, both breathless. Lips wet and glistening, eyes dreamy.
"Who kissed better?" he asked in a teasing voice.
Arianna smiled. "We didn’t kiss," she decided to play along. "We had kids," she admitted.
The teasing smile on Duncan's face slowly faded, his eyes locking with hers, unreadable.
Arianna pressed her lips together.
Maybe she shouldn't have said it?
"How many?" he asked, catching her off guard.