Bound by The Lycan Beast King

FREYA'S POV

It's been one year since my mate left and today he'll be returning.

"Luna Freya." One of the maids calls my attention, and I snap back into reality, turning to her.

The maid held onto a flower vase and waved it. "Luna, where should I put this? All the other spots are filled up."

I gave a soft smile. "Take it out. Alpha Eric doesn't like too many decorations."

The maid did a courtesy and left. The chattering of pack members filled the room. Everyone was here to witness the arrival of my mate—Alpha Eric.

For a year, he's been on a business trip, trying to secure alliances with prominent packs and resources after the rogue attack that burned half our territory and killed more than a dozen warriors.

As Luna of the Moonhowl pack, I spent sleepless nights organizing patrols and rationing supplies just to keep the pack from falling apart.

Now, Eric was finally coming home.

The huge doors of the arena slowly opened, and everyone’s attention turned toward them. My heart jumped inside my chest, holding onto the hem of my gown.

Guards dressed in black lined up before they parted. "Alpha Eric has arrived!" one of them announced.

I felt tears gather in my eyes, my feet starting to move on their own.

I wanted to be the first person he sees.

The guards parted, revealing Eric, and my eyes lit up and then I stopped in my tracks, the world tilting slightly.

"Oh my goodness, who's that little silver wolf with Alpha Eric? She's beautiful."

The hushed whispers were a reminder that this was real. Eric was back, but he wasn't alone.

I watched, my heart clenching as Eric held the lady with silver hair cascading down her back. Pale skin with gorgeous blue eyes that sparkled as she spoke with him.

The two of them seemed lost in their own world but stopped when they noticed me.

She blinked curiously and recoiled back toward Eric, who didn't hesitate to wrap his hand over her shoulder.

My teeth gritted, feeling my wolf grunt, but I clenched my fist, keeping her in check before she did something crazy.

"Eee, who's this? She's scaring me." she mumbled.

Eee?

Since when did they get on a nickname basis?

Eric stared down at her, rubbing her shoulders, his smile widening.

"She's the one I was telling you about. She doesn't mean any harm, I promise."

Eric exhaled and then turned his eyes lazily toward me like I was ruining his mood.

"You've been standing there since we came in. Can you at least move aside so Alyssa can sit?"

My claws dug into my palm, feeling the weight of everyone's stares on us, whispering. "Do you think Alpha Eric brought this little wolf to replace Luna Freya?"

"Poor Luna—and she's been waiting for him for over a year," another said.

I shut off my supernatural hearing and straightened my back.

"A year apart, and that’s all you