The Lycan's Queen
Chapter 2

Carter held my hand and now I realised why he stood by my side. He knew about Hunter and Ikissing, he knew about my crush on Hunter and he knew that I would be crushed when I saw him.My eyes didn't leave Hunter's back as he helped a stunning girl out of the car. One look at themboth and you knew they were mates. My heart felt like it just shattered into millions of pieces. Mywolf pacing wasn't because of Hunter being my mate but because Hunter had a mate. There was abig difference.

Tears threatened to fall but I refused to let them. Hunter couldn't see how much this affected me, Ineeded to be strong.

I turned to look at Carter who had a guilty look on his face. I smiled sadly at him and shook myhead. It wasn't his fault, it wasn't Hunter's really, you can't pick your mate. Although this is the onetime that I wish that you could. Seeing the person you pined for taking his mate around andintroducing her was like a stab in the gut. A waste of my four years, sitting and waiting like acomplete and utter idiot for him.

Hunter was making his way down the line with his mate. The smile on his face was another blow forme. I wish he had that smile when he looked at me, but that smile was reserved for his mate, andthat wasn't me.

I let go of Carter's hand and wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. Hunter was introducing his mateto Sai and Zoya, it was me next. I couldn't let him see how upset I was. Instead I would be happy forhim, like everyone else. Hopefully I managed to get through this introduction without crying.

I took a deep breath as Hunter moved down to me. Suddenly the memories of us four years agoflashed before my eyes. His gorgeous smile, that amazing kiss, his promises. Closing my eyes, Isnapped out of my daydream. When I opened them, Hunter was smiling at me, not like he used to.Just a friendly smile, like he had done with everyone else.

"Aarya, I'd like you to meet my mate, Lana Reed.” Hunter gestured to his mate.

“It's very nice to meet you Lana. Good luck taming this one.” I joked.

Lana laughed and said, “I like you! You're funny. Hopefully we can hang out more, I need morefemale friends.”

My gut twisted at her words, she was so nice. That made it more difficult to hate her.

“Of course. I would love to hang out with you.” I smiled. Damn me for being too polite, Whycouldn't I have just told her that I didn’t want to hang out with her?

Lana smiled back, and the couple moved down the line. Carter had left, and I was left standing therewith only my thoughts.

Zoya gently touched my shoulder, causing me to jump. I looked at her to see the sadness in hereyes, I sighed and shook my head.

I didn't want to talk, and I didnt want the sympathy. I just wanted to sit in my room and cry, but Icouldn't leave just yet.

Instead of my eyes following Hunter and Lana, I focused on Carter who was currently talking to thecouncil members.

Once he was finished talking to the council members, he turned to look at me probably sensing mygaze which was firmly locked on him.

He came over to me and whispered, “Go home Aarya. I give you permission. Don't stand here whileyou are breaking, you need to go home.”

I looked at him with tears in my eyes and whispered brokenly, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Carter looked upset, he wiped the stray tear that had escaped, “Oh smiley. I didn’t know how to. Ididn’t want to tell you over the phone or through a letter. I wanted to tell you in person, but I didn'tget a chance to. I am so sorry.”

Sniffling I sighed, “It wasn't your fault. I have to move on, but I also need some time to come toterms with this.”

Carter nodded his head, understanding what I was saying. He kissed my forehead and I turnedaround, heading back to my house. I heard Carter tell my family and everyone that he let me gohome because I was tired. As soon as I got in my house, I rushed upstairs and got changed intocomfy clothes. I used to wear Hunter's t-shirt every night to bed, but I got it out of my cupboardand chucked it straight in the bin. I shouldn't wear it anymore, I lost all right to Hunter when hefound his mate. His mate. My heart broke even more, if that was even possible.

Collapsing on my bed, I let the tears fall. I let them soak my pillow and I let myself cry. All thisheartbreak was too much for me. After all this time of wanting a mate, wanting what my parentshad, I found myself not wanting a mate. I didn't want someone to love me, I was broken. I didn'twant the pain of having a mate. Mates were meant to be this magical thing and I used to believe init whole heartedly but now I don't. Mates cause pain and sadness. Who wants that?

The tears didn't stop as my family came home. I heard my mom stop outside my door and I hopedshe wouldn't come in. I held my breath to stop my sobs. If mom heard me cry, she wouldn't evenhesitate to come in my room.

“Tara, let her sleep. We have an early start tomorrow.” My dad's voice said quietly.

I heard the footsteps fade away and I glanced up at my ceiling. Dad was right, we had an early starttomorrow I needed to get some sleep.

Closing my eyes, I let myself get lost in my world of dreams...

A loud buzzing made me groan as I rolled over and turned off my phone alarm. Today was the dayof the Lycan ball. I was dreading it because I knew I would be tired. Hopefully I could fall asleep inthe car. Forcing myself out of bed, I got dressed and cringed when I saw the bags under my eyes.Clearly last night was not the night that I was going to get a goodnights sleep. Sighing, I got readyand put some makeup on to look a little more alive.

When I came downstairs, my parents were drinking their cups of tea and Sai and Zoya were eatingbreakfast. Suddenly, four pairs of eyes turned to look at me and I saw the same thing in themSympathy.

I didn't want their sympathy. All I really wanted was to lie in bed and cry all day, but I knew thatwasn't going to happen. I needed to prove to Hunter and to myself that I was strong. My dadhanded me a cup of coffee and I smiled.

Mom and Zoya talked about how amazing the ball were to me since this was my first time. I wasgrateful for the distraction. Once we had eaten, it was time to hit the road. I got into the car andimmediately blasted my music out of my headphones and rested my head against the cool glass.Dad and mom left me alone as I let the music take me into my own world, before long sleep tookover giving my body a much-needed break.

"Aarya, wake up.” My mom gently shook me.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and realised we were at a service station. Stretching my arms, I gotout of the car. Zoya and Sai got out of their car and waved to me.

“Go and get something to eat and make sure you go to the toilet. We still have two hours left.”Mom told me, handing me some cash.

Sighing, 1 walked into a shop to get some food. I think I had a permanent scowl etched on my face,because everyone looked at me but then quickly looked away.

“Smiley. Or should I say scowly? Why the long face?” Carter ruffled my hair.

"Urgh, seriously? Why the hair?” I complained, pushing Carter away and fixing my hair

“Because I haven't been able to do that for 4 years and your reaction is priceless, as always.” Carterchuckled.

Rolling my eyes, I trailed round the shop but stopped in my tracks when I heard the sickeninglysweet laugh of Lana. Oh great, the last thing I needed was to see Lana and Hunter.

"Come on Smiley. Let's quickly grab some food.” Carter said softly, taking me in the other directionof the shop.

I picked up a wrap along with a chocolate bar and a bottle of water. As I was standing in the queue,I hears that laugh again. They were behind me.

Deep breaths Aarya, deep breaths. All you need to do is pay and leave. Don't pay them anyattention, I told myself.

I put my items down on the counter and rolled my eyes as I heard Lana laugh yet again. What thehell was Hunter saying to her? Actually, scrap that, I didn't want to know.

After I paid, I rushed out of the shop desperately needing fresh air. I wanted to wait for Carter, but Ialso didn’t want to risk running into Hunter and Lana

Decisions, decisions. Obviously, I went with the best option which was to go to the car and avoidseeing Hunter and Lana.

Luckily, dad was already in the car, he smiled as I climbed into the backseat. I found myself lookingoutside the window and I saw Hunter and Lana.

Even just one glance at them, they looked like that lovey dovey couple that everyone hates. Theones who are always showing PDA and annoying the heck out of everyone.

Hunter had his arm over Lana's shoulder and was kissing down her neck, in public! If I could see,then everyone else could as well. Lana seemed to be enjoying it though.

I made a face and at the same time made eye contact with Carter who was gagging behind them.That caused me to laugh. He smiled at me seeing me laugh and pretended to cut his throat. At leastI knew I wasn't the only one who hated seeing this.

Once mom was back in the car, dad told us we had just under two hours left. It was already 11, sowe would be there about 1ish.

As dad started driving, I spent the first hour eating my food and reading my book that I had packed.No more romance novels for me, this was a thrilling mystery book. Definitely more up my alley.The second hour, I fell asleep yet again. It was probably a good thing, I needed sleep before theLycan Ball tonight.

Mom woke me up when we arrived at the hotel. Carter came over to our car and grinned when hesaw me rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

“Sleeping beauty finally awakens.” He says, handing me his hand.

I took his hand and said, “Whatever. I needed sleep, otherwise I wouldn't be able to survive tonight.”"I also needed sleep but no I had to do the damn drive here.” He complained as we walked into thehotel reception.

I laughed at Carter's face and said, “Well, get some sleep when we check in.”

“So smiley. Tonight, be my date to the Lycan Ball. I can't imagine going with anyone else. You're theoxygen I breath, the...” Carter dramatically said.

I playfully hit him, “Ok Mr dramatic. Tone it down. I guess I will go with you.”

"Good. If you said no, I would have just forced you anyway.” Carter winked at me and went to wherehis parent were checking in.

I giggled at how silly he was. Carter was doing a good job at distracting me though and I knew thatwas why he was acting more sillier than usual.

As I walked over to my parents, my ears zoned unintentionally on Hunter and Lana’s conversation.“I can't wait till we get our room. I just want to tear these clothes off of you.” Hunter said.

“You can't say that! Everyone can hear you.” Lana exclaimed.

“Let them hear, I don't care. I just want to show you off tonight at the ball.” Hunter replied.

Shaking my head, I focused on anything else. I felt like I intruded on their private conversation, butit still stung. Hunter clearly didn't remember what happened four years ago, or he doesn't care. Heis happy and he has moved on.

My plan was to go with Hunter tonight because in my dream world, I thought we would be mates. Iwould be in the position Lana was in, but I wasn't. the sooner I realised this, the better it would befor me.

Sighing, I made my way over to my parents who handed me my room key. Thank god I had my ownroom because right now I was trying so hard not to let the tears fall.

Dad and mom were on a different floor to me, so I headed off. Mom warned me to start gettingready at 4 because the cars would be here at 7 to pick us up. Zoya and Sai were on the same flooras my parents, so I was alone on this floor.

Luck was finally on my side as Hunter and Lana were not on my floor. Zoya messaged me just as Igot into my room and said they were on her floor. Carter messaged me asking me what floor I wason and of course he was on my floor.

I quickly unpacked and plugged my phone in to charge. The images of Hunter and Lana hauntedme.

It was 2pm, I had to do something before my thoughts consumed me. I walked into the bathroomand stripped, turning the shower on.

When I got into the hot shower, the tears started falling. They wouldn't stop and I decided to just letthem fall. I needed to get this out of my system. I let it drown my tears and sorrow.