Liam noticed my distracted state and asked me what was wrong. I could see the concern in his eyes, but I couldn't bring myself to tell him the truth.

"Oh, it's nothing," I said, forcing a smile. "I'm just a little tired."

"You look exhausted, Maya. Let me carry you back home," he said, his voice filled with concern.

But I shook my head, not wanting to impose on him. "No, Liam, it's okay. I can walk," I replied, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

But Liam didn't seem to take no for an answer. "Come on, Maya. It's no trouble for me. Let me help you," he insisted, moving closer to me.

I stepped back, feeling uncomfortable with his persistence. "I said no, Liam. Please respect my wishes," I said firmly, hoping he would understand.

But Liam didn't seem to listen. Before I knew it, he had scooped me up in his arms, carrying me in bridal style as if I was weightless.

"Hey, Liam! Put me down!" I protested, trying to wriggle out of his grasp.

But Liam ignored me, carrying me all the way back home. As he moved, I could feel his arms getting closer to me, and I couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Liam gently set me down when we eventually got home, but I was simmering with rage. "Liam, what the hell? I've been clear that I don't want to be carried!" I yelled, raising my voice with each word.

Liam exhibited a startled expression as a result of my abrupt outburst. "Maya, I'm very sorry. I merely wanted to assist you," His voice was contrite as he spoke.

But I wasn't in the mood to hear his excuses. "You should have respected my wishes, Liam. I didn't want to be carried, and you should have listened to me," I said firmly, my voice full of frustration.

Liam looked hurt, but he didn't say anything else, giving me space to cool off. As I stormed off to my room, I couldn't help but think about how Liam had overstepped his boundaries. I couldn't let him treat me like a damsel in distress, not when I was perfectly capable of taking care of myself.

~~~~~~~~

"I have some big news. I have finally found my mate," Ethan smiled to his best friend Ivan.

"Really?" Ivan asked, surprised. "That's amazing! Who is she?"

"I still don't know much about her, but I know she's a Lycan like me. Her name is Maya," Ethan explained.

"That's great, Ethan," Ivan said. "What's she like?"

"I'm not sure," Ethan admitted. "But I can tell you one thing, she was very shocked when I told her we were mates. I don't think she was expecting it."

"Well, that's understandable," Ivan said. "Finding out you have a mate can be overwhelming. But I'm sure she'll come around. When do I get to meet her?"

"I don't know yet," Ethan said. "We're still getting to know each other. But I'll definitely introduce you as soon as I can."

"I can't wait," Ivan said. "You deserve to be happy, Ethan. I'm glad you've found someone special. But I must caution you. According to what I have heard, Lucas, the Blood Moon pack's leader, has been causing a lot of trouble lately."

"What kind of trouble?" Ethan asked, his heart sinking.

Ivan retorted solemnly, "Well, the last time Lucas attacked, he killed many innocent people. It was a tragedy."

Ethan screamed, "That's awful," while squeezing his hands in rage. "We need to stop him."

Ivan replied, "I agree. "But we must be cautious. Lucas is strong and with a large army of warriors. It won't be a simple battle."

Ethan answered, "I understand. We must stop him from harming innocent people, though. We must take action."

Ethan inhaled deeply as ideas raced through his head. "Maybe we ought to approach the nearby packs. Find out if they want to work with us to fight the Blood Moon pack."

"That's a good idea," Ivan said. "It is better if we have more allies."

"Exactly," Ethan said. "I will talk to the other pack leaders to get their opinions."

Ethan struggled to escape the gravity of the situation. Lucas had always been a threat, but the news of his recent attack had hit close to home. Ethan was aware that he needed to take action to safeguard his partner and the people he cared about.

Ethan replied in an emotional tone, "I just hope we can stop him before anyone else gets hurt. What do you know about Lucas?"

Ivan sighed, looking solemn. "Ethan, Lucas is a perilous individual. He is the sort of alpha who is just concerned with himself and his pack. Even if it involves harming innocents, he is determined to do whatever it takes to keep his position of authority."

Ethan felt a surge of anger and frustration. He couldn't understand how someone could be so heartless.

"That's horrible," Ethan explained, stiffening his fists. "How did he get so much influence?"

"He has a lot of charisma," Ivan replied. "And he's a master manipulator. He has a lot of followers who believe in his cause, even though it's completely wrong."

Ethan said in a furious tone, "That's terrible." "We need to stop him."

Ivan replied, "I agree. But we need to approach it wisely. Lucas is shrewd and adept at using strategy. We have to be careful not to underestimate him."

Ethan nodded as he absorbed Ivan's advice. He was aware that they were against a tremendous foe, but he was still committed to guarding his pack.

"We'll work it out. Before he hurts anyone else, we must stop him," Ethan said.

Ivan placed a soothing hand on his friend's shoulder and murmured, "I'm with you, Ethan. We'll do whatever it takes to keep our pack safe."

Suddenly, Mark, one of their pack warriors, burst into the room, his face twisted in panic. "Alpha Ethan, Beta Ivan," he gasped, "you need to come quickly. Something terrible has happened."