The Lycan's Forbidden Mate novel Chapter 46

46 The Arena

Without waiting to be instructed, dodging Nikolai’s gaze the entire time

out of fear that they might turn to stone if they didn’t. Ophelia had a curious feeling, but the horse caught her eye. It was so gorgeous, and looked like it belonged in a battle zone. She envied Nikolai but questioned why a teleporting being would require a swift horse. She didn’t own a horse because she preferred flying over riding in carriages and on horses for transportation. 1

“Who would have known you had your own horse?” Ophelia questioned as she admired the steed. It almost looked like she had stars in her eyes and Nikolai couldn’t help but grimace.

“Don’t you?” He asked, wriggling his fingers in an attempt to dismantle the stallion. Why did she adore animals so much? It was that Tiger Phoenix at first, and now, it was this horse. Maybe he should just kill both of them. His Fire Storm was meant to stare at him with admiration and not some dumb horse or grouchy tiger phoenix.

Ophelia gasped, turning an amazed gaze to him. “Horses can live up to three hundred years?”

“No.” Nikolai replied bluntly. “That’s a very dumb question.”

Ophelia’s smile dropped. “Rude.” She murmured and turned her gaze back to the horse. Why was he suddenly so grumpy?

“Does he have a name?” She asked hoping that he didn’t name the horse Sadness.

“That’s not necessary,” Nikolai took a step closer and watched as she lifted her hand, placing it on the horse’s back. His sharp, frightening claws sprung out at once. Just one deep slash, the horse will fall dead.

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46 The Arena

“Hands off or we will walk to the tournament!” He snapped stiffly.

With a flinch, Ophelia took her hand from the horse’s back. She turned to face Nikolai, who was intently homicidal in his gaze at the horse. What was suddenly wrong with him?

“Hop on.” He gestured his head in the direction of the horse and placed his hands on her waist. She gasped as he effortlessly lifted her off the ground and she sat herself on the back of the horse, blinking continuously. He hopped onto the horse behind her and took hold of the reins.

Ophelia took a deep breath and closed her eyes before lying back on his solid chest. “Wouldn’t it be preferable if you wore a coat?” He had dropped her cloak which he had removed earlier on the ground.

Nikolai moved closer, let go of the reins, tucked her hair behind her ear, and commanded her in a low voice, “Do not involve yourself nor speak with my mother.”

Ophelia held her breath. “What if I have no choice?” She questioned dryly.

Nikolai smiled, touching her ear lobe, which was soft and smooth like the rest of her body. Her skin had become extremely frigid, almost ice–cold. Ophelia meeting Alina was something he didn’t want to happen. His mother was a master of words. That was her power. Words. His mother’s words were sharper than any weapon in the world and would pierce cruelly, regardless of how thick–skinned a person might be. Manipulative, hurtful comments that no longer affected him as powerfully as they once did since he was so accustomed to them.

“You will have a choice; if not, I’ll punish you.”

Ophelia pressed her lips. “Let’s go.”

“Very well,” Nikolai murmured, gripping the horse’s reins firmly.

As the horse began to move quickly, Ophelia closed her eyes. All she could

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46 The Arena

hear was a thunderous gallop, and all she could feel was the force of the horse’s swift movement. She felt at ease. Far too cozy. She hoped there wouldn’t be any issues with the combat tournament.

Soon, Ophelia could hear a loud sound of a boisterous crowd, letting her know they were getting close to the arena.

She could hear the surrounding people expressing disbelief as the horse started to slow down.

Nikolai gently called, “Firestorm,” and she opened her eyes.

“Hm?”

“We’re here.” As he let go of the reins and encircled her waist, Nikolai muttered.

Ophelia took a peek at the enormous arena, which could fit an entire kingdom. Once more, the crowd erupted in a deafening scream of whooping and joy. It was a circular building with walls crafted with pricey materials and gold. A symbol of a wolf howling to the moon could be seen over the arena’s entrance. It was entirely constructed of gold.

Nikolai let her go and leaped off. In a gentlemanly gesture, he assisted Ophelia in getting off the horse and took her hand ignoring the onlookers‘

stares.

At the arena, his gaze became cold and solemn. His eyes grew dimmer and filled with fury. The only thing the arena provided was unpleasant memories. He had memories that made him desire to level the arena. It would be fascinating to see it fall apart.

Ophelia felt Nikolai’s hold on her hand become more rigid. She observed the vivid, twisted wrath that flashed into those crimson eyes of his as she turned to face him. It was evident he must have had an unpleasant experience in the arena, which for some reason worried her and made her

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46 The Arena

want to console him.

“Will you tell me if I ask?” Ophelia softly questioned.

“You’re concerned about me?” Nikolai suppressed a grin. “I don’t deserve it.” His tone grew icy.

“You..”

As Nikolai turned his attention to her, she struggled to finish her sentence. That look in his eyes suggested she was the root of all his problems. “Firestorm, you shouldn’t change your perception of me.”

“What are your thoughts on how I perceive you? That you possess psychotic traits?” Ophelia questioned him, raising a brow.

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