The Lycan's Forbidden Mate novel Chapter 208

208 Earlier…

*Earlier, the previous evening.*

The others were waiting for Nikolai in the main sitting room, while a lovely ball was taking place in the ballroom with the elder Novikovs socializing there. After all, he had planned this ball in the family’s honor. Did he not?

“We ought to give thanks to the goddess for the success of this ball. It is a wonderful night, there is no blood stench, we are all together, and we have smiles on our faces. However! There is no sign of the ball’s host! How is this even logical?” Boris yelled, pacing violently around the room.

Grinning broadly, Sasha fixed her gaze on her claws. “Perhaps Ophelia changed his mind?”

“Arrgh! The strength of love! I am so lonely!” Vladimir let out a moan and dramatically put his hand on his chest.

Standing at the doorway with his back to the wall, Viktor twisted his mouth in displeasure. “I doubt he will make it.”

“Danil is also nowhere to be found.” Vladimir blurted out, glancing around.

“He is probably penetrating five she wolves at this moment.” Stepping back from the wall, Viktor mumbled. “I am going to look for him.” With that, he

left the room.

“Um.” Yulia laughed, gobbling up the cupcakes excitedly. “I should go to the ballroom and see if I can find my mate there.”

Boris glowered. “Father is in the ballroom. Do not do anything stupid.”

“When was the last time I did something stupid?” Frowning, Yulia left the

room.

She arrived at the magnificently decorated ballroom, grinning at the quiet

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classical music playing and admiring the well–known wolf shifters who were mingling, chatting, and dancing.

It had been quite some time since she had moved in a ball by herself. Her brother used to constantly watch over her, making sure she went back to her room when he wanted to spend time on his own.

“Where in the world is Pavel?” She asked, her gaze darting around until it settled on her father, who was having a serious conversation with Alina.

Yulia’s expression became grave. Her ears perked up, listening to what they were saying.

“I will give Boris instructions to talk to him, but it does not mean I approve of what you did. Although I am not familiar with the specifics, I will investigate what is actually going on in this family.” Yakim said vehemently.

Alina lowered her head, pressing her lips together. “Nikolai will not show up. He is not interested in seeing me.”

“The anxiety in your tone reveals that you could become like Alexander. Nikolai is wedded to that dragoness. It is not our place to split them apart. You should be aware of this, but you are behaving so ridiculously!” Yakim shot back, storming off.

Yulia’s mouth quirked. Her father’s limited understanding of what was actually happening did not surprise her.

“Goddess!” In an attempt to gather herself, Alina took a deep breath. She turned abruptly, and when she saw Yulia, shock consumed her entire being.

With an endearing smile, Yulia made a stiff bow. However, Alina quickly turned away and left, a horrified look on her face.

“Oh?” Stunned, Yulia straightened up. However, her momentarily stunned expression was quickly replaced with a bright smile.

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200 Earlier…

Breathing slowly with anger, Yakim stormed out of the ballroom. He was growing increasingly suspicious at this point. Since Nikolai had returned from Nexus, everything had been upside down. As usual, a great number of deaths transpired.

Alexander’s passing. Yakim identified Nikolai’s unresolved grudge as the cause of his death. After all, Alexander had murdered him.

But, Albert! There was no accounting for Albert’s death!

After leaving the front lines, Yakim came back Knowing a great deal of information. The demise of Albert, the absence of Nikolai, and Alina’s senseless return of Ophelia to Fireria.

He valued traditions. He did not try to break Nikolai and Ophelia apart with his own hands because he understood that no one had the right to end a union. He desired to, and he could have. But doing so was not morally

correct.

He anticipated that Alina would feel the same way as an adult, a mother, and the Luna! To have the same reason! But she just had to send the dragoness away!

Other than that, Nikolai was nowhere to be found. Even though Yakim had heard earlier that day that Nikolai had returned, he was extremely disappointed to learn that he had not shown up for the ball he had planned on his own. It was a family event. Were they not all expected to be in attendance?

Once more, he was informed that a group of rogues stormed the imperial city and that something sinister occurred! Some kind of crimson mist was present!

Yakim shook his head, totally nonplussed. “What on earth is happening in this family?”

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208 Earlier…

The Novikov family was made up of powerful pure blooded lycans. Anastasia and his late wife Tiana were both the only witches. It was not intended for them to have much of an impact on their offsprings, so Yakim always thought it was strange when he learned about the extent of Sasha and Vladimir’s powers.

Oddly enough, he had never really observed anything magical about his

children.

He gathered his thoughts, dusting his coat and arrived at the courtyard to discover it empty of the being he was anticipating.

However… He turned around and gave the dragon who was grinning at him

a severe scowl.

“I was not expecting you, Yakim Novikov.” Dominik said, putting his gloved hands in his coat pocket.

“Do not be unpleasant. This is a calm courtyard despite the numerous times we have collided on the battlefield.” Yakim feigned a smile, gesturing to the

courtyard.

Dominik nodded. “Understandable. But first, I have an appointment with the newly appointed chief warrior.”

“The chief warrior is out on a private patrol in the city tonight.” Yakim immediately responded. “Please feel free to provide me with the information you may have. If not, wait for him to return.”

Dominik growled, his eyes changing to their red reptile–like form. “Very well then. This has to do with the impending war.”

Yakim scowled. “What are you trying to say? The war has ended.”

“However, are you aware of the reason it ended? It came as such a surprise. Did you not sense something?” Dominik asked lazily.

Yakim could only feel rage from his tone. “Make your point clear.” He let out

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208 Earlier…

a deep growl.

Dominik gave a deep laugh, his eyes flickering menacingly. “My mission is to purify the Novikov family. You are all nothing but darkness and pure evil. It is time to purge you all.”

Yakim gazed at the dragon with an expression akin to amusement. “Purged?”

Nodding, Dominik continued. “I am happy that you are paying attention. Keep at it.”

Yakim chuckled, shaking his head at the insolence. “Speak.”

“It is well known that the Novikovs lack credibility. Obsessed with improving Celestia beyond its current state of greatness. Calling upon a celestial soul to be coerced into another life, bearing children who are…”

“Celestial soul?” Yakim instantly got involved, squinting his eyes at the

dragon.

“Oh, I see. You do not believe me?” Dominik raised a brow in question.

“Do you believe I am stupid?” Yakim clenched, his claws popping out.

Dominik snickered. “You have always been so strong on the battlefield. You are incredibly admirable and astounding as well, but you have no knowledge of your own family. It is really depressing.”

Yakim’s jaw tightened. “And why do you believe that your knowledge of my family is sufficient?”

“My knowledge is sufficient. Greater than yours, at the very least.” Dominik mumbled, shaking his head. “Anyway, my goal is to eliminate every Novikov family member and retrieve the princess. She needs to be freed from your

evil.”

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