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"Listen, you're not my mate. Get that into your thick skull, and don't even think about telling anyone else about this." I couldn't do anything but watch Brad with sad tears. I knew I couldn't have him, but I had hoped for a different ending. Brad was the typical high school jock, handsome, athletic, charming... Everyone wanted a piece of him. Plus, he's the son of our Alpha. He had it all, the looks, fame, popularity, power...On the contrary, I was boring, weird, skinny. It wasn't common for werewolves to be so ugly like I had been. No one wanted to associate themselves with me. I knew I couldn't have him. I couldn't force him to love me even though we were mates. Brad started dating one of the most popular girl at school, Stacy. And I did notice Stacy giving me more attention sometime later. She would accidentally bump into me, sending my books flying, and taunt me about my appearance. She must know about me being Brad's mate and had an interest in bullying me. Brad never did anything to defend me but laughed along with the others. I kept telling myself to be positive. He would come around later. He had to. My hopes were totally shattered, however. On graduation, all I saw was Stacy regally and confidently walking out before Brad sunk his canines into her neck with no regrets as everyone cheered them on. It had almost killed my wolf and maybe me. ... What didn't kill me made me stronger. When I came back, everything changed... -------------------------- "Listen, you're not my mate. I don't want a weak, skinny she-wolf such as yourself as my mate, so don't bother trying to be. Get that into your thick skull, and don't even think about telling anyone else about this." He snarled at me, using his alpha tone on me, and I could feel the dominance coming in waves from him. I couldn't do anything but watch him walk out while slamming the door behind him. I had never seen Brad be so angry before. He was the golden boy of the school. Everyone loved him, including the teachers. And to think I, his mate, was the one who brought out the ugly side of him. ----- I could hear the smooth voice of Miss. Ava, as she goes on teaching in the large hall, but my mind isn't focused on her. Her voice fades away as I glare at the black-haired boy, sitting on the other side of the room with his fingers softly thrumming on the table. He's staring straight ahead, listening to the lecture going on while I watch him like a freak from afar. Brad Benson, son to the alpha of Lunar pack, and next in line to be alpha. He's the kind of guy every girl in town wants for herself, and still run after even though he's dumped them before. Recalling what he did yesterday makes me so angry. Oh, the nerve of him. I remember when I first saw him on the first day of high school. I was that kid no one wanted to associate themselves with. I was skinny with freckles painting my cheeks and forehead, and I had practically no fashion sense. I tried making friends, but it didn't work out. Then I saw Brad and how he was adored by everyone. He was your typical high school jock; handsome, athletic, charming... Everyone wanted to be close to him. Plus, he's the alpha of my pack's son. He had it all, the looks, fame, popularity, power... I wasn't so impressed by him from the start. I avoided him like the plague and stayed hidden, not making myself too popular. I didn't really care that no one acknowledged me. I was okay being on my own. But then, at the start of my senior year, I began having this huge crush on Brad. I would sit two seats behind him and ogle him through the whole class as every other girl did. I started daydreaming about him and even scribble his name at the back of notebooks a lot. I knew I couldn't have him since he was dating one of the most popular girls at school at that time, Stacy. But it didn't stop me from trying to impress him by changing my looks. I actually started to read fashion magazines instead of my books and tried out the dresses in there. But then, when I showed up at school, Stacy ended up making fun of me with her friend. Apparently, I was so skinny, any dress I wore either ended up making me look more of a stick or dwarfed me in them. I was made a laughing stock throughout, and Brad hadn't even paid me attention. It wasn't common for werewolves to be so ugly like I had been. We are one of the most beautiful creatures in the world, and humans mostly envy us for this. But of course, they don't know about our existence. They're so unpredictable and might not be able to process that we live among them, especially since we age very slowly. Anyway, so since I couldn't get Brad, I stopped trying and settled on ogling him from afar. But fate has its way of surprising people. When I turned eighteen, which is the age of average wolf to find their mate, I had been ecstatic to find mine. Not every wolf sees theirs immediately, but I hoped I would quickly. A mate is someone to cherish and would spend the rest of your lives with. You feel a pull towards them and can't help feeling attracted to them no matter what...at least that's what I thought. I had skipped to school that day in joy, daydreaming about how I would find my mate. Finally, someone would accept me for who I was and not look at me like I was some weirdo. I didn't care about the weird looks I got for my happy mood. All I cared about was finding my mate. I even wore a little bit of makeup to school, just in case I saw him that day. At one of my free periods, I was walking down the hallway when I smelt this delicious scent. My wolf was howling like crazy in my head and her tail wagging side to side. I knew then what it meant and traced the scent right away. I found myself in the empty football field with Brad sitting on one of the benches. My eyes widened in shock when I realized the scent was coming from him. When he noticed my presence, he looked to me in question until I whispered, "Mate." His eyes had widened, also, in shock while I was left confused. Hadn't he smelt my scent and realized I was his mate also? He had turned eighteen the summer before. So how come he hadn't noticed? Or maybe he had... Realization dawned on me as I continued to gape at him in shock. He knew. He knew I was his mate but never approach me. Every wolf can recognize their mate after they turned eighteen. And Brad had been eighteen four months ago! My suspicions were confirmed when he scowled at me with disgust written all over his face. He grabbed my hand in my dazed like state and dragged me to an empty closet. Slamming me against the wall, he dug his fingers into my shoulder, eliciting a whimper from me. "Listen, you're not my mate. I don't want a weak, skinny she-wolf such as yourself as my mate, so don't bother trying to be. Get that into your thick skull, and don't even think about telling anyone else about this." He snarled at me, using his alpha tone on me, and I could feel the dominance coming in waves from him. I couldn't do anything but watch him walk out while slamming the door behind him. I had never seen Brad be so angry before. He was the golden boy of the school. Everyone loved him, including the teachers. And to think I, his mate, was the one who brought out the ugly side of him. But I didn't understand. From what my parents told me, a mate is someone you can't live without. The bond will continue drawing you two together, and you can't resist it no matter what. So how come Brad knew I was his for four months and could stay away from me? Had my parents lied? Or was it that they thought everyone else's love story to be like theirs? I had seen my parents together, and they absolutely were madly in love with each other. They had met each other at college and felt, instantly, the mate pull. A week later, they completed the bonding process after meeting both their parents. A marvelous love story it was. But why was mine different? Was it because I was skinny and seemed to be weaker than your average wolf? Most werewolves have their first shift at the age of fifteen. I had mine at sixteen. My parents kept trying to console me the whole while, telling me it was okay, and that it was normal for some wolves to have their first shift late. Even when I shifted, my wolf was as skinny as me and her fur a dull brown like my hair. Don't get me wrong, I love my wolf, but I really wish she had been as strong and beautiful as the rest. I wish I was like the rest... I couldn't force Brad to love me, so I decided to leave him alone. If what my parents said was true, then he wouldn't be able to resist the mate pull and would come crawling back to me. In the meantime, I was left with sighing and giving him longing stares from afar. I did notice Stacy giving me more attention sometime later. And I'm not talking about the good kind. She would accidentally bump into me, sending my books flying and taunt me about my appearance. I didn't know why she suddenly had an interest in bullying me, but later found out she knew about me being Brad's mate. Brad never did anything to defend me but laughed along with the others. I kept telling myself to be positive. He would come around later. He has to. My hopes were completely shattered, however, few days to graduation. Rumors started to go round about Brad marking Stacy as his mate on graduation. I didn't want to believe it and thought it lies that Stacy had started. I hadn't wanted to go for graduation, but because of this rumor, I decided to go and see. I kept praying on the way there for it all to be just mere rumors. And when the ceremony was almost over, and nothing happened, I was beyond relieved. Until all wolves were summoned to the packhouse for a special announcement. Dread had filled me when I suspected the reason for this summon. And everyone kept whispering about it. I was beside my parents when the whole thing happened. Our alpha, Alpha Benson, came out with his mate beside him and Brad at his other side. I couldn't hear what they were saying as my heart was shattering into tiny pieces, and my throat clogged with tears. All I saw was Stacy coming out and Brad biting her neck with no regrets as everyone cheered them on. I ran outside to get away from it all, and my parents ran after me. But I didn't wait and instead shifted into my wolf before running further into the forest. No one knew about Brad being my mate, not even my parents. I was left broken. My whole body engulfed in pain, and I felt like ripping my heart out. Brad mating Stacy had almost killed my wolf and maybe me. I hid in the forest the whole day, too weak to go home, just howling in pain. My mum always said meeting your wolf is the best feeling any wolf could ever get. But for me, it was the worst. To think the one who was supposed to comfort me and take care of me was the one causing me so much pain. I couldn't eat properly or shift into my wolf for a long time after that night. She was too weak to come out. I knew then that I needed to get out of there. For a werewolf, it's hard to leave your pack. They're your family no matter what, and you need your alpha's permission to leave with a reason to. Like for instance, if a she-wolf's mate is from another pack, then she can leave to her mate's. Some leave for other reasons and become rogue. I know my mate leaving me for another is a good enough reason, and maybe my alpha would let me. But I doubt he would be too happy to know his son rejected me and mated another. This would cause a lot of commotion. So, in the end, I could only go on a vacation. And I did, to my aunty's new pack, Red Moon Pack. That is her mate's pack, and she left ours after finding him. I miss her as she was one of those that understood me better when she was here. So before the start of my college semester, I went to pay her a visit in her pack. She knew something was wrong with me the minute I walked into her home. I was more skinny, and my eyes were dull and lifeless. I told her about Brad and Stacy as it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep it in. She consoled me while I made her promise not to tell anyone. She wasn't happy about it and was ready to go storm on Alpha Benson, but in the end, I succeeded in persuading her. She tried helping me to feel better in the next couple of months. Getting me to eat and help connect back to my wolf so I could shift again. And she was successful. I couldn't express the amount of joy I felt finally able to shift again. I realized then that I had lost myself all for a boy who hadn't even cared an ounce for me. He had rejected me in the worst possible way ever, mating another she-wolf, knowing full well how it would break both my wolf and me. I resolved then that I would never show any sign of weakness ever again. To remain strong and keep moving forward. Brad may have rejected me, but I will show him that I'm better than that weak she-wolf he thought of me as. My aunt was luckily a beautician and pretty damn good at her job. I told her to give me a makeover and help with my wardrobe. I was starting college after all, so I should change my style. She was more than happy to help with it, and at that time, I had started to gain extra weight. I was still skinny, but the good kind of skinny, like hot-shot-model skinny. My tall height made it even better. I changed in those few months at my aunt's, and so did my wolf. Even she was more energetic and bulky. But sometimes at night, I could hear her howling at the loss of her mate, and I would sob along with her. Brad may have mated Stacy, but it didn't mean our bond's completely broken. I still was attracted to him, and sometimes wished he would come back for me and apologize for all he'd done. I may be stupid for thinking that, but it's what the mate pull does to you. You can't escape it. I only wonder how he was able to fight it. Maybe I just was too much of a disappointment. When college started, I still stayed a few more weeks at my aunty's before returning to my pack. I could remember the shocked look on my parents' faces when they took in my new appearance. They tried to cover it but failed miserably. I was nervous on my first day of college and wished I hadn't chosen the same as Brad's. Back then, I had still been obsessed over him and didn't think twice before doing it. Now, I wish I really hadn't. When I saw familiar faces at school, I was more than satisfied at the stunned look on their faces, and it gave me a boost of confidence. I sauntered down the halls like a queen and smiled at their shocked expressions like a boss. But then, I saw him. He was hot as hell as always with his black hair, high cheekbones, and toned muscles. The alpha gene really was good, and like always, it made me swoon. But his new mate was beside him, clinging to him like a leech. I was sure he hadn't even once thought about me while I suffered all those weeks. I really wish I could hate him, but the damn mate bond wouldn't let me. Then he noticed me, and so did the rest of his squad and his mate. Once more, I was satisfied with the shocked look on their faces. I smirked, feeling smug before walking out on them, leaving their jaws hanging open. And I had been going through my college days like that. Boys actually were asking me out, and girls were trying to get close to me also. I didn't miss the angry glares I got from Stacy across the room or hallway, or the longing, burning look my former mate gave me also. But it was too late for him. He already made his choice. One night, I attended a college party at one of the dorms, and Brad had actually had the nerve to corner me. He breathed in my scent, and if I hadn't pushed him away, he might have done other things too. I knew he was drunk and tried to get out of there, but then he grabbed me and started to grope me. Whispering nonsensical things into my ear, asking to forget the past and move on...with him as his mistress. Bile rose up in my throat before I kneed him in the groin and got out of there. What rubbish! Did he think I was that stupid, naive little girl he could push around like before? He wanted me to be his mistress while Stacy remained his mate! After that day, he didn't stop, though, and I was getting sick of him. Even my wolf was starting to get irritated by him. Last night, he came to my dorm, drunk, and tried forcing himself on me. Luckily, my roommate, Lana, helped fight him off. And now, that's why I was glaring openly at him in the hall as the lecture went on. How dare he? Did he think as an alpha he could do anything to his pack mates and get away with it?! "...Miss. Ellie?" I turn at the sound of my name to the professor. She and the whole class have their necks turned to me now. "Is there something more interesting you're listening to?" I don't like her much. She's one of those lecturers who are very strict in their class. "No, Miss. Ava." I slightly shake my head, feeling embarrassed at the attention I'm getting. She sends one last stern look at me before resuming her teaching. I stare back at the devil to see him smirking my way. He probably caught me staring and thought it for another reason. Snorting in distaste, I throw one last glare at him before turning back to the lecture going on. "as**ole." Book Name??Prince Reagan?? Inauguration Ceremony "Okay, that'll be all for today. Good day, class." Miss. Ava dismisses us all, and we pack our books to leave. Thankfully it's my last class for the day, so I made my way the dormitory, ready to relax after the long, excruciating week. I plug in my earpiece as I climb down steps upon steps, avoiding bumping into other students before finally making it out the large double doors. Lana, my roommate, won't be in the room by now. Her classes end later in the evening. So it'll be just me. Maybe I should get a job to keep me occupied. I don't have many friends as I do not want phonies in my life. They hadn't paid me any attention in high school, and I don't need them to now. I'm only friends with Lana because she's my roommate, and it's inevitable to be friends with someone entertaining and chatty as her. I also couldn't escape being friends with her other friend, Gina. I don't so like Gina as she's beachy to most people, but she's kinda nice to me. I don't know if she's genuine or just because of Lana. Either way, I'm stuck with both of them. I have tons of assignments from this week to be done anyway, and tonight is Brad's inauguration as our new Alpha. A new alpha is usually appointed when he turns twenty, and Brad turned twenty last year. I'm not sure why the ceremony was held back this long, but some rumors are going around that the Alpha isn't too pleased with Brad. Something about him not being ready due to his reckless behavior. I'm not a judge, but since he had the gut to reject me, his mate, I doubt he's fit to rule a pack of werewolves. Due to my earpiece, I hadn't heard someone sneak up behind me as I neared the school dorms despite my wolf hearing. It was when I was in the quiet hallway of the dormitory did my wolf sense start to tingle. I halt in my step and begin to slowly peel off my earpiece for better hearing. "You look even more beautiful every day." I know that voice. That voice once told me I was weak and unfit to be by his side as Luna. Now it's saying I'm beautiful? I scoff internally. What a joke. I slowly turn to Brad as he stands in the middle of the hallway, hands in his jeans pocket and a sick smirk on his face. I'm disgusted by the sight of him, but the mate pull makes me shiver delight as my heart does flip flops. I hate this feeling. How could something make me want someone I so despise. It was like a drug, making me do the opposite of what I feel. "What do you want?" I scowl at him, gritting my teeth in anger. I remember what he tried to do me yesterday. If Lana hadn't arrived the time she did, God knows I wouldn't be able to resist him for long. One because of his alpha strength, two because of the damn mate pull. His smirk falls off and turns to a scowl at my cold tone. He moves closer to me, looking intimidating with his bulk figure and alpha aura. But I take my stand and look him back in the eye. An average wolf would cower at the sight of their Alpha's aura, but not me. Since I'm his mate or was, he has little to no effect on me. "Weren't you the one giving me seductive glances to me in class. I just came to accept your invitation." He raises his palm and slowly skims it over my cheek and down my neck. My body quivers in response to the mate bond, and I quickly take a step back. He scowls in response, but I don't care. His touch is supposed to repulse you, Ellie. Don't give in. "I wasn't giving a piece of shift like you any seductive look. Rather, I was glaring and thinking to myself how an a** like you is being given the title alpha..." I barely finished my statement when he grabs and slams me against the wall beside us, trapping me his hands both sides of my head. I feel the sharp pain shoot through my back, but it quickly fades away as to my quick werewolf healing. I resist the urge to wince or hiss in pain, not wanting to give him any satisfaction. I turn to look down the hall and find it still empty. Where the hell is everyone? I feel his palm stroke my hair softly as he sighs, "Now...now, Ellie. Do not piss me off. You do not want to see me mad." He says, his tone eerily calm as his face gets closer to my neck. I try to recoil from him pushing further into the wall, but there's nowhere to go. He has me trapped with his scent surrounding me and making my senses go haywire. His right hand leaves the wall to go down and stroke my thigh. I suddenly regret wearing a mini skirt today. Heat travels all the way up my body, and my stomach clenches in desire. Damn mate bond. "You smell so good." He purrs into my neck, running his nose down it. I'm about to raise my leg and knee him in the balls when I heard a familiar feminine voice gasp behind him, "Brad. What are you doing?" Stacy has her palm over her lips as she stares at us in shock. I'm filled with satisfaction at the hurt look on her face. Now she knows how I felt all those while. But she can never fully understand my pain. I was mated to Brad by fate. My suffering will always be greater than hers even though she now bears his mark. Brad stiffens when he hears her voice but doesn't budge. His face is still buried in my neck as he breaths in my scent. Maybe it's because I wanted to see her hurt more. I wrap an arm around Brad's neck and arch my chest up at him. He lets out a pleased growl while I smirk deviously at Stacy. She glares at me with so much hatred in return, and I could see her tiny fists shake in anger. "Brad..." Stacy takes a step closer to us, "Get away from her. She's tricking..." He sharply turns his head to her, "Can't you see I'm busy? Get out!" He uses his alpha tone on her, something she can't resist, before turning back to bury his face in my neck. Tears pool in her eyes at her mate's dismissal and her lips tremble like she's about to cry. I smirk in satisfaction as she turns to leave, running with sobs escaping her lips. Now that she's gone, time to get rid of the prick molesting me. Since his guard is let down, thinking I'm accepting him, I take the opportunity to push him off me with all the strength I could muster. He staggers back, dazed at my sudden action. He clearly wasn't expecting that. "Stay away from me, Brad. You've made your choice, so leave me the heck alone!" I seeth through clenched teeth before spinning to leave, leaving behind a dazed alpha with a damaged ego. Guess I'm the first to tell him 'no.' I saw the regret in his eyes, though. Too bad for him, 'cause it's too late. I'm never accepting him back, neither am I becoming his mistress. ****** In the evening, I'm exhausted with the load of assignments I've been trying to get done. No one said college was going to be this tiring. I went for a run sometime in the afternoon to just let my wolf loose. Lana drops in around this time with Gina, holding shopping bags and looking excited. I stare at them as they keep on giggling and trying on their new outfits. They are even blushing also. "Okay...what's the special occasion?"I ask, curious about their happy mood. "Brad's inauguration, duh." They giggle once more before Lana comes to sit with me on my bed. My assignments are scattered all over it, and I start packing them so she wouldn't wrinkle them. "We heard a rumor about the King sending someone special tonight instead of the usual boring advisors." She explains while Gina stands beside her with a big smile on her face. "It's Prince Reagan." Gina blurts out in a squeal. I arch an eyebrow at them, looking confused and disinterested. "You know, the second Prince of King Aldrich..." Lana elaborates, noticing my unfazed expression. I still didn't get what the whole fuss is about. She sighs in return, "Anyway, the point is real royalty is coming tonight..." "And he's single!" Gina pipes in with a dreamy sigh. Lana and Gina are both unmated werewolves still free to fool around with whomever they choose to. That doesn't seem bothered that they aren't mated yet. This makes them feel free to go out and do whatever they like. They clearly don't know the wonderful feeling of seeing your mate. Not that I know much about it. I really don't want to see Brad being named Alpha. I would prefer to be in my bed watching Netflix, but all pack members from the Lunar pack are expected to be there. Some other werewolves in California are also going to be there. The lunar pack is one of the largest in Los Angeles, California. We have one of the strongest warriors and smartest wolves. We're also very populated, and we keep growing every day. Most packs try to get on our good sides, and I'm sure a lot of alphas will be present at the inauguration today. Such a shame that a big pack such as this will be led by a douchebag like Brad. I don't plan on participating much in the ceremony. I'll probably just say hi to my parents as they'll be there, and then sit on a balcony or something to stare at the moon. Most unmated wolves will use this opportunity to either find their mate or just have fun with themselves since there are wolves from different packs present. "Oh, I hope he notices me! I would love to be associated with royalty." Gina sighs as she twirls around the room. Another reason I don't like her very much, she dreams too big and sees herself higher than others. She's pretty and all that, but she's not that powerful. She's a friend with Stacy, and maybe because she's close with our possible future Luna, she thinks herself higher and mightier than others. Sometimes, I wonder how a sweet girl like Lana ended up friends with her. "What am I saying, of course, he'll notice me. No man can resist all this." She gestures to her boobs and a good figure. I internally roll my eyes at her, but Lana doesn't hide hers. "You think too highly of yourself, Gina." Lana scoffs before walking over to the bathroom. Gina glares at her in return before coming to flop on my bed with a huff. "Hey, Ellie. There's this floral scarf I sometimes see you with, and it would go perfectly with my black dress tonight." She says, making me arch an eyebrow at her. "I thought you wanted to seduce the Prince. Don't you need your neck bare?" She sighs before rolling her eyes, "Are you borrowing me or not?" I send a small glare at her, not liking her tone. Isn't she supposed to be asking nicely? I go through my duffel bag for the scarf before handing it over to her. It's a white scarf with blue roses painted on it. It's one of my favorites as it goes with any outfit, and it really is pretty. She squeals a, 'thanks,' before hurrying over to try it and see her reflection in the mirror. I'm not happy giving her the scarf as I don't exactly like her, but what the heck. One scarf won't hurt. I sigh before going back to my assignments. I needed to hurry if I wanna make it to the ceremony. Lana ended up forcing me to dress 'nicely' for the ceremony. I had on a blue floor-length gown that practically sweeps the floor. The sleeves are tiny and off-shoulder with a dangerously long slit on the left leg running up to my thigh. I'm wearing silver heels to match and light makeup. My long brown hair is down in waves, cascading down my back and over my shoulders. It used to be dull brown, frizzy, scanty, and damaged. But now it's bright, wavy, full, and healthy, all thanks to some hair products my aunt recommended to me. "You look beautiful. Maybe you'll find your mate today." Lana places her arms around my shoulder, a smile on her face while staring at me through the mirror. I feel my heart tighten painfully in my chest at her statement, and tears almost pull in my eyes. I still haven't told anyone about Brad and me apart from my aunt. Lana doesn't know the irony of her statement. I had already found my mate and would still see him tonight as the ceremony is being held for him. With a lump in my throat, I managed to whisper out, "Yeah, maybe." Lana, on the other hand, is in a short blue-mint dress that shows of her long legs while Gina also has on a short...very might I add, black dress with a low neckline. If she bends the slightest, she'll be giving a dangerous view from both her front and back. The floral scarf is tied around her neck, but her neck is still visible and inviting to all unmated werewolves. "Come on," Gina calls out to us. We head out of the dorms into the dark night before hopping into Gina's car. ***** It's almost nine by the time we got to the packhouse. The party has already begun, but the real inauguration will be held by ten o'clock. We three walk in to see wolves either drinking at the bar, dancing, chatting, and flirting with new wolves from other packs. A platform is set up for the rulers of our pack, which includes the Alpha and his family, the beta, and other high officials. Usually, the new Alpha's chair is the highest and most outstanding of all, with it in the middle. But this time, it's different. There's a more striking seat in the middle, and I can recognize the Alpha's seat beside it, then followed by others. I guess Lana and Gina were right. A Prince is coming tonight. The officials that are sent from the King as representatives usually sit at the new Alpha's left hand. Then followed by the former Alpha and Luna, then other pack officials like the beta. Then at the other right, the new Luna follows with other new pack officials. I know this from other pack's inaugurations I've been to, and that's how it's always has been. Only a more powerful person could make the new Alpha sit behind him. No one has been introduced on the platform now, leaving it empty. "I was able to get in as one of the waitresses that'll be serving the high table, tonight," Gina announces with a grin of excitement on her lips. "I'll be so close to his highness, he won't be able to resist me." It doesn't look like a Prince was here, though. If not, we all would have felt his powerful aura from far away and be cowering in fear. All royals aren't just ordinary werewolves. They are another kind of beasts called Lycans. These breeds of werewolves, unlike us, can stand on two legs in their beast form. And there are faster, stronger, bigger, and have better senses than us. I've heard of the brutal things they're capable of, and it would make anyone shiver in fear. A Lycan is said to be able to wipe out half of a small werewolf pack and still come out alive. Yeah, they're that powerful. So imagine someone capable of all this, you'll be able to sense that aura from miles away. They could hide it if they don't want to intimidate anyone. But in a gathering this big, full of werewolves, I'm pretty sure they would like to show their dominance. "She thinks too highly of herself sometimes," Lana comments as we both watch Gina Surry off in excitement. "Sometimes?" I arch an eyebrow at her, making her laugh in return. "Come on, let's go mingle with some hot guys." She suggests as her eyes land on a pack of four male werewolves, already looking our way in interest. "You go ahead. I'll catch up with you later." She shrugs in return before heading towards the guys. I know my parents are probably on the dancefloor as they loved dancing. So I walked through it, my eyes scanning around for them. Some guys try to grope me or grind with me, but I give them a death glare in return with my eyes glowing in a warning. My wolf still isn't ready to accept any other wolve's touch apart from Brad. She hates him as much as the mate bond can allow us to, but it's still hard to move on. That's why I don't have a boyfriend up till this moment. I've had a lot of guys hit on me since my change of appearance. But my wolf and I are repulsed by their touch. I spot my parents dancing, not too far from me, and hurry to their side. "Mum. Dad." I call, gaining their attention. They smile immediately they notice me, giving me hugs and checking if I was alright. I laugh at how they are fussing over me. It's evident they really missed me. I am their only child. I leave them to keep on dancing even though they'd rather spend more time with me. But it's almost time for Brad to come out with his mate. And I didn't want to see them together. My wolf has been broken enough. I walk out into the balcony of the packhouse to lean on the railings. It was huge, almost like a whole sitting room, and it's arranged as such. There are chairs scatters about, and it's quieter with the door closed. Some wolves are about either making out or just sitting lazily. I stare at the moon and can feel my wolf come out to also stare through my eyes, making them glow a bright blue. This is something we like to do. Werewolves are believed to get their strength from the moon, especially when it's full. And tonight, it is. ??Prince Reagan?? Chapter3 The air is chilly outside, but I feel warm, thanks to my wolf. The moon is big and bright up in the sky as I continue to stare at it. It almost feels like it's trying to comfort me as its glow reflects on the balcony. Nights of full moons are one of the best for shifting for a werewolf. We are stronger then, and our senses are more heightened. We feel more connected to our inner wolves during this time, as our first shifts are mostly during a full moon. I had mine at this time too. It was painful for me the first time. My bones, cracking into different positions, and I remember crying a lot that night. But after shifting a lot of times, I'm used to the pain, and it hurts less. After the inauguration ceremony is done and over with, most werewolves will take off into the forest to shift into their wolf form. We do not miss the opportunity of a full moon since it happens only once in a month. Brad would lead us as the new Alpha through the woods, and together, we all would howl at the moon all night. I will not be joining them tonight, though. Anything that deals with Brad irk me. I hope my wolf quickly heals so I can find an unmated wolf from another pack to mate and get out of this one. I love my pack, I really do. I grew up and lived here my whole life. And my family lives here. It will be hard to say goodbye, but if I wanna completely move on, then I need to distance myself from that prick. "There you are. I've been looking for you everywhere!" I hear someone sigh in relief behind me, startling me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Lana by the doorway of the balcony, looking disoriented while puffing out breaths. Something doesn't feel right. The balcony is now empty as everyone had gone inside to watch Brad take the title of Alpha...except me. But the packhouse is eerily silent, which is the opposite of what it's supposed to be. By now, Brad should have been named Alpha, and there should be howls and whistles of merriment. I scrunch my eyebrows in suspicion as Lana exhales in relief but still looks...scared? "What's wrong?" I slowly ask, making my way towards her. She pauses, looking unsure with a puzzled look on her face. "I'm not sure either, but...you're being called inside." She announces. I stiffen in response as dread washes over me. Was that why it's silent inside? Because of me? But why? The only reason I could think of for the ceremony to halt for me is if...if they knew about me being Brad's real mate. My eyes widen in horror as I stare at Lana. She seems puzzled also, not knowing why I'm being summoned. This is bad. This is really bad. If Alpha Benson knows about Brad and me, he will force Brad to break his bond with Stacy and then mate me. I don't wanna be a mate to a jerk like him. I still am a bit attracted to him, but I don't want him anywhere near me. It's a hot and cold situation. But how did they find out? Had Brad revealed this to them? But that doesn't make any sense. Why would he? He had made it clear that he wanted Stacy by his side and not me. "Are you alright?" Lana asks, probably noticing the pale look on my face. I quickly shake out of my thoughts and put on a fake smile. "I'm fine. Just a bit surprised." I lie. She nods in return before grabbing my hand and leading me inside. "We have to hurry." I feel the tension in the air immediately I walk in. The whole place is so silent, you would think the room empty and not filled with hundreds of werewolves. Our packhouse is large enough to hold thousands of people, and some werewolves reside here. But they're mainly people with higher authority, like the Alpha, his beta, and the rest. Some omegas live here too as servants, and then there are the orphans. Everyone's heads snap to me as I walk in, and they make a passage for me to walk through. Lana has already left my side, and I suddenly feel very nervous with everyone's curious gaze on me. Apart from that, I can feel a powerful aura coming from the front, and my guess is that the Prince is here. Not even our Alpha has such a strong aura. Swallowing down my nervousness, I brush my sweaty palms down my gown before walking forward. More people clear the path for me to pass by. But I notice the farther I go, the more everyone's head is bowed down with their neck open in a sign of submission. Even I feel the urge to bare my neck open like that, but it's somehow different. Like I can ignore it if I want to or not. I let my eyes stray down to the floor, though, as I move forward, and the aura gets stronger. There's a thick earthy masculine scent in the air mixed with an expensive cologne. And it smells so heavenly, I can't help myself but breathe in more. It gets stronger, too, as I walk forward, and my hands grip the side of my dress in anticipation. I do not look up till I reach the end of the line, but something pushes me to. There, in the middle of the raised platform, sitting in a lazy and bored posture is the most handsome, no, beautiful man I've ever seen. Men can be beautiful, right? His hair shines as golden as the sun, and his high cheekbones accentuate his feature along with his sharp jawline. He may look bored, but his eyes are blazing with his stares right on me. I can feel the intensity in them as he raises his hand, stroking a floral scarf in them. Wait! That's my scarf. My eyes move to his side, where Gina stands with a serving tray in hand. Her neck is bare in submission like everyone else, but her eyes move up to meet mine at that moment, and I could see the angry glare directed to me. I furrow my eyebrows in question, but she looks away back to the floor. My eyes move around to see everyone in this same position, including Brad and Alpha Benson. I do the same as them, not understanding what was going on. Many thoughts filter through my mind as to why I am here, but I keep quiet and patient. I feel a chair scrape on the floor before hearing soft footfalls, and they are striding towards me!. My eyes are admiring my silver heels in interest as my heart's beat accelerates. I'm sure all the werewolves in the room could hear it beat faster. My body is frozen to the spot as I see a shiny pair of Oxford shoes come into sight. My neck aches from staring down, and my muscles feel tense. I can see the owner of the shoe slowly walk around me before stopping behind me. Then I suddenly feel his hand brush away my hair from my neck, leaving it bare. His palm grazes my skin, and I shiver at his touch. That's odd. Usually, my wolf and I would recoil at another male's touch. Maybe it's because she can sense the power radiating from him, so she doesn't want to seem disrespectful. I feel his breath suddenly fanning the area he left open before I hear him inhale a deep breath. My hands clutch my dress tighter as his nose skims that area of my neck before he stops and moves back. I'm already beginning to regret wearing an off-shoulder. He walks back to my front before using his thumb and forefinger to raise my head up, and I'm met with the most beautiful pair of glowing golden-brown eyes. My, his eyelashes are long. Not fair I have to fix to obtain that length. "Mine." A growl rumbles through his chest with his eyes fixed intently on me. Wait! What?! I've seen that possessive look before. I've seen it in the look Brad gives me sometimes, but this one is different. More intimate. Like he's already claimed me and couldn't wait to pounce on me. I gasp, taking a step back in surprise, and his eyes darken as he watches my movement. He stretches his arm out to wrap around my waist and slams me into his chest. I could feel sparks of electricity in the air between us and down my body. My hands come up to his chest with the intent of pushing him away, but I'm left dazed by his magnificent face structure. He leans his face down, and I feel his lips by the shell of my ear as he whispers, "Mate." "No!" Another voice roars behind him, and I feel him stiffen under my hands. I'm rigid to my spot, not sure what is going on yet. Did he just call me his mate?! But that's not possible. Brad is my mate...or rather, was. The man in front of me lets go of me and spins to face who dares challenge him. He pushes me behind him as if to shield me, and I hear him let out a loud snarl. I notice he isn't too bulky, but neither is he too thin, just lean, muscular...and perfect. His skin seems to glow, and he's freaking tall! I can't even see over his shoulder with my heels. I tilt my head to the side to get a better view of what's happening, and I roll my eyes at the sight of Brad having a jealous look on his face. His fists are clenched by his sides, and his whole body is shaking, trying to reign in his wolf. Is he crazy trying to challenge a Lycan?! And not just any Lycan, a prince! Everyone else is thinking the same thing as they watch the scene, shell shocked. Stacy is holding on to her mate's shaking arm, trying to get him to back down and not do something stupid. But he bares his canines at her in warning, and she jumps back in fright. One of her friends catches her while her eyes pool with tears. "What is wrong with you, son? Back down now!" Alpha Benson yells at his son, and I can feel him exerting his Alpha dominance over him. But what he doesn't know is Brad can't control himself. His wolf is pissed at another man laying claim on his mate. "No." He barks back at his father, leaving everyone stunned, including Alpha Benson. "She's mine, not his." This makes the whole packhouse erupt in gasps and murmurs. Oh, no. He's going to get us exposed, and there will be consequences! I do not want to mate him. A frown appears on Alpha Benson's face, furrowing his eyebrows. He looks between Brad and me in confusion before asking, "What do you mean?" All this while, Mr. Prince here still keeps me behind him. I can feel his body is taut and rigid, but he seems calm and collected, watching the scene in curiosity. I can't see his face, but I can imagine his eyes gauging Brad, trying to find out what he meant. The murmurings in the hall begin to quieten down as Alpha Benson sends a glare at everyone with his body radiating authority. His sharp eyes move across the room, and soon, the whole packhouse is silent once more. Brad doesn't say anything in return but lowers his head down in shame. I hide behind the Prince to avoid the curious gazes we are given. My eyes scan the crowd, and I see my parents not too far away. Worry lines are etched on their forehead as they regard the situation. "Your Majesty." Luna Ciara, Alpha Benson's mate, comes forward, looking regal and composed as she addresses the Prince. "Can we please take this to my mate's office...that is, if it's okay with you." She is performing her duties as a Luna as her mate is too disoriented to act right now. I can see the wheels turning in his head as he begins to understand what is going on. It takes a long time filled with dreadful silence and hitched breath before the Prince nods once. I can see Luna Ciara exhale in relief before leading us to the Alpha's office. My wrist, however, is grabbed by His Majesty, making me walk by his side. Brad's gaze follows this with a scowl, but he doesn't say anything as he continues to watch us. Even I can't say anything. I'm too confused about the whole situation. He called me his. Every werewolf only has one mate. There's no such thing as a second mate. It's impossible as it would create havoc. One person can only belong to another person, not two. So how come Mr. Prince here thinks me as his mate. "Let us in. That's our daughter." I hear the sound of my mum's voice as she yells to the guard stopping them. His majesty, one of his followers, Alpha Benson, Luna Ciara, Brad, Stacy, and lastly, I am already in the office. And I can feel the awkwardness in the air. I'm still being held captive by His Majesty. Alpha Benson had offered everyone a seat on the large sofa, but the Prince refused. And it would have been awkward and disrespectful to sit when someone of a higher authority is standing. So, in the end, we're all left standing with some shifting uncomfortably on their spot. I hear a little bit of mumbling from the door before the guard walks in. "Alpha Benson, her parents want to..." He wasn't even allowed to finish before my mum angrily storms past him in with my dad in tow. Nothing can stop that woman from having her way, that's for sure, especially when it concerns me. Alpha Benson raises his hand for the guard to let them be and leave before he closes the door gently behind him. "My baby." My mum walks over to me with her arms outstretched, but she stops halfway when her eyes meet His Majesty's. Snatching my hand from his and leaving him surprised, I rushed into her arms and gave her a warm hug. I know I just went against a royal, but right now, I needed that lol hug. My head is all over the place, and I'm perplexed. On top of that, I'm scared Alpha Benson will force Brad to break his mating bond with Stacy and mate me instead. I don't want that to happen. "Your Majesty. You believe Ellie here to be your mate?" Alpha Benson starts on a light note. "Yes." He abruptly answers, and I can feel his gaze on me. I'm between my parents now with my dad's hand on my shoulder, giving me a light squeeze of assurance. They're like shields trying to protect me from any harm. But I doubt they'll be able to save me from the Prince. "That's not possible!" Brad rudely pipes in, not showing one bit of respect to his majesty. The Lycan, who is with the Prince, growls threateningly at him in return. But the Prince doesn't do anything but continue to watch Brad curiously. "And why is that, Brad." Alpha Benson impatiently asks. "Because she's my mate!" He burst out. Oh, dear God. Please save me. ... Download Dreame to read on👉<Prince Reagan>