Chapter 4 Chap Three: Prince Dante's POV

"We should have reached the Blackthorn Pack by now." Viktor said with an impatient tone as his sharp eyes scanned the forest that was slowly darkening.

We had planned to reach Blackthorn before nightfall, but with the rough terrain slowing us down, it became clear we wouldn't make it in time.

I exhaled slowly, gripping the reins.

"We'll set up camp here for the night," I ordered, pulling my horse to a stop and

turning to the rest of our troupe following closely behind.

Viktor, my Beta and most trusted friend, nodded. "I'll have the men secure the perimeter."

I dismounted, stretching my stiff limbs as my men moved efficiently around me, setting up the tents and lighting small fires.

As the Crown Prince of the Lycans, I was expected to attend the betrothal ceremony of Luna Odessa's daughter-a political alliance meant to strengthen ties between our kind and the strongest werewolf packs.

My father, King Jon, had insisted I attend. I don't know why he never turns down an invite from Luna Odessa.

He had suggested choosing a mate at the ceremony since different strong packs would be in attendance.

But I had no interest in forced betrothals. My mate was out there, and no other woman would ever take her place.

"Prince Dante," Viktor, called as he approached. "We should remain cautious. The Nightfall Pack's borders are not far, and rogue activity has been reported in these woods."

The Nightfall pack was our greatest rival. Alpha Asher and I don't see eye to eye because of his arrogance and narcissistic behavior and his father and my father were great enemies, though I don't know the history behind the enmity.

He should be in the Blackthorn pack already for his betrothal ceremony.

But this is still within his territory and all caution needed to be taken

I nodded at Viktor, running a hand through my thick hair. "Keep the men on high alert."

Viktor bowed his head in understanding before turning to relay my orders.

My wolf, Kai, paced within me, his agitation growing with each passing second.

"I can sense it. Something isn't right"

"Sense what?"

"I don't know, Dante. Just let me out!" He growled.

"Kai..."

"We need to go. Now!" His growl was more anxious this time, cutting me off.

I sighed. Kai was a powerful beast-strong, ruthless, and untamed. He never acted this uneasy unless there was a real threat.

And I had learned to trust his instincts.

I turned to Viktor. "Keep watch. I'm going for a run."

He looked at me, concern flickering in his sharp eyes. "This isn't our territory. Rogues could be lurking."

I gave him a pointed look. "I can handle rogues."

Without waiting for his response, I stepped away from the camp and stripped off my clothes allowing Kai to take over.

My bones cracked and reshaped, muscles expanding as thick black fur covered my skin.

Within seconds, Kai stood in my place, his deep blue eyes glowing in the dark.

My claws dug into the earth as I dropped onto all fours, my senses heightening instantly.

With a loud growl and a powerful leap, I charged into the forest allowing the wind to brush against my fur.

I kept running, allowing Kai to lead the way.

All of a sudden-Kai froze.

Then, I smelled it.

A scent so sweet and intoxicating. Unlike anything I'd ever encountered.

Everything in me stilled for half a second before another scent crashed into my senses.

A low growl rumbled in my chest.

She's in danger.

Kai didn't hesitate. He ran. Faster than I had ever seen him.

The trees blurred past until I burst into a small clearing-and saw them.

Two rogues.

And her.

She was small and slender, her long hair matted with dirt. Her dress was torn, revealing her battered body, her arms raised in defense, bracing for the inevitable attack.

Rage, unlike anything I have ever felt ignited inside me.

Before the rogue could land its attack, I jumped forward. My teeth sank into its neck, breaking the bone effortlessly. Its head fell to the ground, lifeless.

The second rogue turned to flee, but I was faster.

Wrong choice.

No one touches what's mine and walks away free.

I tore through its throat, silencing its pathetic whimper before it could escape.

Blood splattered on the ground, but I didn't care.

All I cared about was her.

Silence fell.

I turned, my gaze locking onto her.

She had lowered her arms from her face, her eyes wide with shock and fear. But as our eyes met, my breath caught.

Green. Deep, endless, and beautiful.

Even in her disheveled state, she was breathtaking.

A sharp jolt went through my chest.

The beast in me, the one that craved blood and battle, softened in her presence.

Mate.

I had spent years searching for her, imagining what she would look like, how it would feel to finally find her. But nothing-nothing-could have prepared me for the reality of seeing her in front of me, fragile and shaken.

I took a slow step forward. "Are you alright?"

She didn't respond immediately. Her eyes flickered down to the bloodied rogues on the ground, and my chest tightened.

Was she scared of me?

Kai rumbled in frustration. She should never fear us. We are hers.

I waited for her to scream, to recoil in horror.

But she didn't.

She barely had time to react before her body swayed.

I moved immediately, catching her before she collapsed to the ground. Her weight was nothing in my arms, but the sight of her-exhausted, weak, and helpless-ignited a deep, uncontrollable rage within me.

What could have put her in this state?

And why is she alone in this dangerous forest?

Could she be from the Nightfall pack?

Series of questions ran through my mind but no one to answer them.

My fingers wrapped around her protectively as I turned back toward the camp.

Viktor was the first to see me. His eyes widened. "What the-"

"Get the doctor," I snapped.

He didn't argue.

I carried her inside my own tent, laying her carefully onto the soft bedding. Her body was thin, too thin. Dirt and dried blood stained her skin, and the sight made Kai snarl in my mind.

The doctor arrived moments later, an older Lycan with years of experience. He examined her carefully before nodding.

"She's exhausted, but she'll recover with rest. It looks like she's been through a great deal today."

No shit.

I clenched my fists.

What had happened to her? Who had hurt her?

The thought made my blood boil.

I sat beside her, watching the slow rise and fall of her chest.

She was so small, so fragile, yet I could sense something strong hidden beneath her weak frame.

My mate.

I had waited for so long.

And now that I have found her...

I would never let her go.

She was mine to protect now.