Dusk Princess

Cassie.

"Cass, help!" Elowen's cries were the first thing I heard as soon as I stepped out of the bathroom. My head snapped in the direction of her voice only to see a guard pulling roughly at her hair. The guy looked up at me and gave me a cocky smirk.

Must be new...the jerk thinks we are all helpless little queens. Willow, my wolf, snorted in my head making me smile a little.

His mistake. I said and without losing a beat sped towards him and hit him hard, sending him to the floor before turning to Elowen.

"You okay sweety?" I asked whilst pulling her into my arms and holding her tightly. I felt her shudder but she still nodded her head anyway.

Elowen was the youngest amongst the four of us. She just turned fourteen so she didn't have enough time to train before that excuse of an uncle ki-

Okay tiger, let's not finish that thought yeah?

"Cass, I'm scared...and worried about Leonardo, he's not back yet," Valeria said coming towards us from the balcony.

"I'm sure Leo is fine." I comforted pulling her into the hug, "And you've got me to protect you so don't worry okay?"

Just then, I felt the presence of the guard behind us so I relaxed my grip on my sisters and quickly turned around and sent a punch to his gut making him double over. Without waiting for him to recover, I sent a roundhouse kick to his jaw which sent him flying to the floor once again.

I looked down at the guard who was now lying flat on his back while holding onto his probably dislocated jaw. He looked up at me with shock, anger, and shame.

The idiot probably thought we were weak... Willow huffed if wolves could even do that.

Again, his mistake.

"You must be new here so I'm guessing you don't know the rules of this place," I said simply looking at him.

"What rules? You're Lord Declan's prisoners and I'm a guard. I just thought of disciplining you a bit princess." The idiot said with a glare.

I rolled my eyes before staring down at him. "Listen here mutt, if you even dare to think about stepping foot into our quarters again, so help me goddess I'll personally eliminate any chance of you having children," I said, coldly looking at him while moving my foot pretty close to his family jewels. I made sure my voice mixed with Willow's and my eyes were pitch black.

The guard's face turned pale and he stared at me slacked jawed with his eyes wide. My sisters always say that my pitch-black eyes looked creepily like two huge black holes.

He must be frightened. Willow said sounding very smug.

We did just promise to physically make him a eunuch.

The guard quickly got to his feet, tripping in the process, before beelining for the door like his butt was on fire.

"You okay?" I asked Elowen once again and she smiled up at me.

"I'm fine Sis."

"Sure?"

"Yeah...thanks." She mumbled making me roll my eyes.

"Hey now, none of that okay? It's my job to protect you." I said, leaning towards her and gently rubbing her head. She dropped her head, refusing to meet my eyes.

"What's wrong Elo?" I asked quietly but she only shook her head.

"Elowen. What?"

"I...it's all my fault. If I wasn't so weak...I..." She stuttered, looking up at me with a teary gaze.

"Elo." I said, softly pulling her towards me, "It's not your fault okay? You just turned fourteen. You were meant to start training when this happened."

The poor kid must still blame herself because she was left in the panic room along with her mom while we were out fighting.

Normally, wolves start training by the age of ten. That was so we would be physically fit by the time we shifted into wolves for the first time when we turned sixteen. But for Royalty, it wasn't necessary to start by that age as we were learning different skills, languages, and etiquette. Combat training started at age fourteen for us.

"Yeah but-"

"Shh, none of that now okay? How were you supposed to know that this will happen? You're not a witch are you?" I asked making her giggle before shaking her head.

"Yeah Elo, it's not your fault. You've got Leo, Cass and I to protect you." Val said with a little smile.

"Uhuh, so don't worry okay?" I added with a smile.

"Okay." She replied before leaning into my hug. Just then, the door opened making me tense up but soon eased when I caught a familiar smell.

"The idiot must be new," Leo said as he entered the room.

"Yeah, the mu-" I started but stopped when I caught sight of his face.

"What happened?" I gasped in surprise as I took in his black eye and bruised jaw. Leo was the best fighter I knew. He was trained personally by my dad and the leader of the empire's soldiers who was a hellhound.

Hellhounds were sort of like werewolves. Only five times our size in both strength and well, size. They were eternal, or at least have a longer lifespan than us which was something because a normal wolf could live to the age of at least a hundred and fifty. Not to mention that our age was way slower than people.

The fact that Leo was no ordinary wolf but a wolf with Alpha king blood, it was safe to assume that I was a great lot shocked that he was hurt.

"Jasper." He said simply.

"Ah, that explains it," I mumbled. Jasper Valtor, our cousin was the only wolf apart from my father and Sir Finn that I knew could keep up with Leo. Even I had a tough time keeping up with him. And I was the best female boxer in the land.

Sir Finn and Dad did train him along with Leo.

Yeah, and his bastard father repaid them like this.

At least he's been neutral since Uncle Lunatic started this whole attack thing.

Uhuh, until Leo's face happened. I rolled my eyes.

I doubt he left him much of a choice...

True...

"So I guess that means you were caught sending out a messenger falcon." I thought with a frown.

"Yeah, Uncle Crazy saw me. The fucker couldn't get one on me so he made Jasper do it." He rolled his eyes.

+

"Watch your language," Val said with a glare before looking at Elowen.

"I didn't hear a thing." Elo raised her hands.

"Sorry," Leo said sheepishly.

"So what now?" I asked.

"Honestly, I don't know." He sighed, running his hands down his face, "Our only hope is the meeting happening in three months. Maybe we can convince one of the kings to help. But I'm not even sure if we'll be allowed to attend."

I nodded carefully at what he said. The meeting was where the Alpha Kings met to keep the relationship between the four countries cordial. My dad was usually the one in charge of that. The fact that Uncle was in charge made me wonder whether the event would even take place more or less us being able to attend.

Wonder how Uncle Lunatic is going to take care of it.

Probably going to leave it to Jasper, I swear the dude has it rough.

Well, he does have a crazy for a father so... Willow muttered making me shake my head a little with a small smile.

Damn right.

"Why is this happening?" I heard Elo say under her breath. I was about to answer when Leo beat me to it. He picked her up bride style before turning around making her cry out.

"Leo! Put me down!" She laughed. I let out a small laugh as I watched them. A few seconds later, he put her down before lightly stroking her cheek.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You just have to make sure you stay out of every one of the guards' way. The only males you can talk to are Jasper and I. Let me and Cass do the worrying." He said softly looking at her.

Elowen nodded before hugging him tightly, "I miss Mom and Dad." She muttered making all of us freeze.

The death of our parents was something none of us had come to terms with. We never were given the chance to grieve them and move on. I guess we all just locked it away in our subconscious minds. We were aware that they were gone but the truth of it hadn't fully hit us yet.

"We all do baby. We all do. But you've got us. We just have to stick together." I said, coming from behind and hugging her. I turned towards Val and motioned her to come towards us.

For a few minutes, we hugged tightly, settling ourselves with each other's familiar smell when the door suddenly opened.

"Who is it gonna be this time?" A voice we were all too familiar with said from behind us. Turning around, we came face to face with Ryder, the head guard of Lunatic's security team.

"You still doing this?" Leo snapped staring at him. He only shrugged and said he was, 'just doing his job.'

"You know, all this can stop. Just surrender to His Majesty and Princess Cass, and marry Lord Jasper." He said easily. Like he did not just ask us to betray everything we stood for. I could feel Willow growling in my head and scratching at me to let her out.

"You insane or are you just naturally stupid?" Leo asked with a raised brow making me smile.

Ryder just raised his hands in submission and only said "Don't hate the guard, hate the Master."

"Whatever," Leo said before moving towards him to which I quickly caught his arm to stop him.

Let me handle this. I mindlinked him.

What? No Cass. You went the last time. He said, looking down at me with a frown.

Yeah so? Just let me handle this. We need you strong and healthy for when we take back the kingdom. Can't have a dead king.

You can always be queen. He said lightly making me snort.

Sure. And burn the whole palace down. Thanks but no thanks. I'm more battle stuff. Besides, I didn't get the right training.

I don't feel comfortable with this Cass. He sighed.

Oh please, you know I'm no ordinary wolf. I'm a white wolf, remember? I can handle this. Willow's healing is also kick ass. I said confidently.

Are you sure?

Hundred percent. Oh, and Willow said you're being a pain and to trust her to handle this. I chuckled making him smile.

Hey, I'm just doing my job. I never thought a time would come when I'd hate the idea of becoming king.

I've got this Leonardo. I'd rather this than them take mine and my sisters' innocence. That's for our mates to take. I said softly.

"Well?" Ryder said a little impatiently.

"Let's get this over with," I mumbled. Val and Elo called out behind me but I didn't turn back. I was scared that I would break when I saw their faces. I needed all the focus and mental strength I could muster right now.

I followed Ryder down the hall and towards the basement cells. We entered one of the rooms after lowering the stairs.

"You know, I'm starting to think you're sadistic," Ryder said as he strapped me to the silver chair. I let out a hiss as my back collided with the silver. I could feel it burning the skin of my back and arms.

Silver was the only thing that could actually do any damage to werewolves. When silver touched a wolf, it was like they were skinned alive, soaked in hot oil, and then set on fire.

Yeah, that's bad.

The only other thing that I knew was fatal to werewolves was wolfsbane. But it was illegal so I wasn't worried. It touched us more than silver does. Terrifying, I know.

"Says the guy whose job is to hurt people." I greeted out. You would think I would be used to the pain by now.

"Touché," he said while going to the table on the far left side of the room, "as I said before, marry Lord Jasper and surrender to His Highness."

"You say that like you're not asking me to go against my parent's teachings and abandon my mate," I said simply.

"Chances of you finding your mate is as good as keeping a vampire and a wolf in the same room and expecting them to act civil." He shrugged as he came towards me with a syringe filled with silver and some bowl in his other hand. "That and your parents are dead."

"Watch it!" I growled in response but he only shrugged again. Leaning over me, he shot the silver liquid into my neck, and immediately, I felt like my body was pulling itself apart from the inside out.

I bit my teeth as I tried to endure the pain and as I was starting to get used to the pain, I felt a sharp pain on my feet making me hiss out loud.

Looking down, I cringed at the state my feet were in. The skin was falling off and the red that was showing looked sharp and angry. We once tried to rebel but we were only five people. Elowen couldn't even fight. Lunatic had total control of the palace, all my parents' trusted aids suddenly left and all the guards were new faces. I didn't know how he did it and Leo and I couldn't help but wonder whether there was a behind-the-scenes master who was using Lunatic as his tool.

I could feel Willow trying to shoulder as much of the pain as she could while telling me to hold on.

"Well?" Ryder asked but I just stared at him.

"Oh well." He said before blindfolding me.

"What the hell are you doing?!" I asked nervously whilst pulling at my chain only to curse as the silver bit into my skin.

He only ignored me and as I was about to call out his entire family tree, a hard punch connected to my stomach making me almost cry out.

Almost.

I had been training with the palace guards since I was fourteen. Several years of training made me immune to an extent. I could take a huge load of pain, more than your average wolf at least.

I had not finished healing from the first punch when a second one sent me spinning. He must have attached something to his hand because that hurt like a female dog.

The next few minutes consisted of him landing a series of hits on my body but never on my face. Don't ask me why.

I tried to distract my mind with thoughts of my sisters' happy faces but there was only so much one's imagination could do.

I was trying to catch my breath when I felt a sharp pain in my right leg. That made me cry out. It felt like somebody thought it would be funny to stab a silver knife that had been left in a fire for hours into my leg.

Hang in there Cass. Just a little more and we're done. Willow said soothingly. I knew she was feeling as much of the pain as I was, if not more, from shouldering a bit of my own.

Yeah I know...it just hurts...what is that?

I don't know. But just suffer...

"I don't want to ruin your body, Princess." Ryder said roughly, "Just surrender before it gets ugly."

Trying to catch my breath, I looked towards him. Or where I thought he was because the silver was messing with my senses, "Do your worst!" I spat out with my teeth clenched.

"You sure about that? Cause my orders were to make you and your siblings surrender. Using any means necessary." he drawled and a second later, I felt his hand under my chest making me stiffen.

"Get your hands away from there you bastard!" I growled, my words mixing in with Willow's.

"Feisty. I like it." He chuckled, his hands now on my left breast, "You know, I've always had a thing for redheads." He muttered, squeezing my chest lightly. I growled out, picturing different situations of me tearing this bastard to bits.

Just as his hands slipped into the front of my dress and was about to grope me, the door burst open, "Get your fucking hands off of her!" An all too familiar voice sneered.

"Lord Jas... Jasper!" the bastard stuttered.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Jasper's deep voice asked, strangely calm.

"I...I was...I was just-" the bastard started saying when he suddenly cried out before I heard a thump followed by a coughing sound.

A second later, I felt the hold on my hands free before the blindfold was taken off. Blinking lightly to adjust to the lighting, I looked up only to be met with the clear blue eyes of Jasper.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly looking at me with worry and guilt. My mind was numb at the thought of what would have happened if he hadn't shown up.

Looking up at him, I took in his dark brown hair, sharp jaw, straight nose, and thin lips. His features were so familiar. Comforting even. He had my father's eyes.

People always said that he looked more like Dad than Leo did.

I felt tears burn the back of my eyes as I stared at him. God knew what that dirty bastard could've done to me. I could handle physical abuse but sexual? It stood against all I stood for.

"I...he..." I stuttered, still spinning in shock.

"I know baby. I'm here okay? He can't touch you anymore." He whispered while putting his arms around me.

I immediately melted into his hug which was so familiar to me. It brought back my childhood memories of when I was up to trouble and he had to bail me out when I got caught. Or when I hurt myself and he had to sleep next to me whilst holding my hand to comfort me.

It was not like I didn't want to marry Jasper but more like I couldn't. He was like a second brother to me. I just didn't see him that way.

I held onto him tightly, only letting go after I had calmed down.

"You okay?" He asked softly, looking at me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks." I smiled up at him.

"Let's get you out of here." He said standing up before pulling me to my feet only for me to cry out.

"What's wrong sweety?" His brows wrinkle while looking at me.

"I...he hurt my leg," I mumbled as I gripped his arms to balance myself. I heard him curse under his breath when he glanced at my leg before he picked me up with one hand under my knee and the other around my shoulders.

As we passed the door, I saw Ryder lying in a puddle of blood with a silver knife driven into his windpipe. I felt a shiver pass through my body at the sight.

"Don't look, baby," Jasper said pulling my head towards his chest so that my view was blocked. I hummed as I rested my head on his chest.

"I'm sorry." He whispered after a while. I looked up and met his guilt-covered face before letting out a sigh.

"I told you to stop apologizing. It's not your fault. The crime of the father had nothing to do with the son. Stop being too hard on yourself." I quietly said. He didn't reply as he continued walking towards our room and I also kept quiet.

Lunatic's-Declan-siege and attack was not only surprising but it came as a total shock. It was so random and sudden that it swept us all away like a shock. Not only was it accomplished perfectly but it was carried out quietly without warning anybody. I could swear on my life that apart from those within the palace walls, nobody knew that King Cyrus and Queen Lysandra were gone.

That just goes to show you how long and well he planned it.

"What were you doing down here anyway?" I asked after a while.

"Father wanted me to be your knight in shining armor. He believes that you'll fall for me when I rescue you in a dire situation. " He said rolling his eyes.

"Please, if I was going to fall in love with you, it would have happened since we were kids." I snorted, "Sorry to say but your dad is stupid and a lunatic."

"Don't be. It's true. Even I wonder how the guy thinks sometimes." He chuckled, "So no argument there."

"Yeah, and I know I'm not your type...you are into those brown-haired green-eyed types. Preferably the ones called

V...a...l..." I grinned as I noticed him tightening his jaw.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He said simply making me laugh.

"Oh please, I know you like Val," I said making his eyes widen.

"Wa...what? Who? V...Val? Little Val? Nah." he stuttered awkwardly, "What makes you say that?"

"Well for one, your smooth way of talking." I laughed making him cringe.

"You sound like my wolf." He mumbled making me grin.

"And two, you stare at her whenever you're in the same room as her." I shrugged with a laugh.

"I give up." He said, looking up at the roof and stopping mid-step.

"What?" I asked with raised brows.

Valeria is my mate. He said through the mind link making me choke on air.

"What?!?" I shouted in shock while looking at him slack-jawed.

Cassie.

I looked at Jasper in amazement, my mouth open.

I chose to ignore his flat-out told me, "You might catch flies."

"Valeria is your mate?!?" I cried, my eyes wide with shock.

Hissing and scowling at me, he said, "Will you keep it down?! And is this so hard to believe?" I stared at him in blankness as he continued to roll his eyes at my face.

"If you don't stop staring at me like you just saw a fucking squirrel having a cigarette, I'll drop you." He said without pause.

In my ecstatic joy, I cried, "Oh my god!! This is gold, Jasper! When did you find out?!" I almost bounced in his embrace as I voiced my surprise.

Cursing under his breath, he dropped his eyes and said, "Will you stay still?!" He had known since he was eighteen. Apologies, everyone, but my jaw has chosen to go out again.

"Seriously?!" I sputtered in shock. With all these shocking discoveries, I might reach my grave early.

I might reach my grave early if you don't stop being emotional. Seriously Cass...

Is this not strange to you?

What if it is? Is babbling like an idiot going to make it less surprising?

Okay, tiger, sheehs..sass not appreciated. I could feel her rolling her eyes at me. This wolf of mine...

"Yes, Cass."

"Wow. Why didn't you say anything when you found out?"

"I did. I told Uncle and Aunt. And Leo too." He said.

"No, I meant Val. Why isn't she aware?"

"I was eighteen." He said looking at me blankly.

"So?"

"How old would Little Val be then?" He asked, looking at me like I was the most stupid person he had ever met.

"What? She should be...Ohhh, I see your point now." I said sheepishly. Jasper was currently twenty-seven. The same age as Leo. Val was eight when he found out they were mates. It must have been pretty hard for him to watch his mate but couldn't have her.

"Oh Jasper, it must have been hard on you," I said lightly. He only shrugged with a smile.

"I get to see and talk to her almost every day. That's a good thing."

"Yeah, but you've been waiting for her for nine years..." I trailed off with a frown.

"It will be worth it. I'm sure of it." He grinned making his dimple pop out. His blue eyes were shining with a kindness I'd never seen in them before.

"You love her don't you?"

"More than you can imagine." He answered without missing a beat.

"That's awesome Jasper. I'm so happy for you guys. You have my blessings." I grinned making him laugh.

"Not that it matters but I appreciate the gesture nonetheless." he laughed making me laugh. Just then, a thought struck me.

"Why is your dad so hell-bent on us getting together?" I frowned. If he knew that Jasper found his mate, why was he pushing us together?

"Probably 'cause he doesn't know I've found my mate."

"What? Really? Why?"

"Yes really. I've noticed how desperate he wants us to get together, It's unsettling. Goddess knows what he will do when he knows I've found my mate. Look at what he ordered that fucker to do to you." He growled."Oh," I replied as we continued on our way to my rooms. That made sense. I was a little worried by his drive. Goddess knew what he wanted to achieve.

The house was split into four parts. The east, west, north and south. Obviously. We used to stay in the east wing before. It had ten bedrooms with four guest rooms for when family members visited, a sunroom, a library, a kitchen, an indoor pool, and five sitting rooms.

Our family members only consisted of my dad's younger sister, Matilda, and our cousin Atlas. My mom had two twin adult brothers; Uncle Nathan and Ethan and that was about it. My grandparents from both sides of the family passed away a long time ago.

The north wing was the leisure wing. It was where the indoor theater was along with the hall.

The west wing was filled with guest rooms for when the Alphas of the packs under the empire visited during meetings, parties, and stuff. It was also equipped with three sitting rooms, an indoor pool, and a home theater.

The south section on the other hand was where the maids, the cooks, and the royal doctors and herbalists stayed. It was also where we were currently staying care of Uncle Dearest.

But I was not whining. Beats the caves anytime. Wouldn't want to be rooming with rats and insects in that damp as fuck place. No, thank you.

"Thanks, Bro," I said as he kept me in front of my room. He raised his brow at the address change but I just winked at him.

"You head on inside. I'll go get Margaret to come look at your thigh injury. It looks bad." He said with wrinkled brows before going down the brightly lit hallway.

Pushing the door open, I limped inside the room while trying not to cry out as I didn't want to alert my brothers.

"Cass? That you?" I heard Leo's voice.

"Yeah." I answered softly, "Come over here for a bit."

"What's wrong? You okay?" He asked worriedly and a second later, the room was basked in the soft light of the chandelier above.

"What the hell?! How did this happen?!" He shouted rushing towards me. I knew seeing the blood on my dress and my feet must be freaking him out.

Usually, the 'surrender to His Majesty' process only consisted of silver shots. But thanks to Uncle Dearest, this happened.

"Uncle Lunatic wanted Jasper to be my knight in shining armor." I simply said, "Help me to the sofa yeah?"

"Fucker. What's with him and matchmaking you guys?" He growled before picking me up and walking me to the living area.

"Devil may know." I shrugged, "Jasper went to get Margaret." I added while leaning on the sofa. Looking down, I noticed the cuts on my feet had already healed along with the bruises on my body.

The wound on my thigh, on the other hand, seemed to be taking its sweet lovely time.

What's the deal with this injury? It's not healing.

Beats me...maybe it's because of the silver in our blood. I just finished making antibodies to fight off the last dose. And that has taken me four days to finish. The only way to remove it all is to get the cure.

The chances of that happening are as good as a leprechaun letting off its pot of gold. I snorted.

You can say that again. Willow rolled her eyes.

"Where are Val and Elo?" I asked, trying to separate my mind from the sharp pain coming from the cut.

"Out on the balcony." He mumbled. I could tell he was pissed off at himself for letting this happen from the way he was sulking.

"It's not your fault Leo." I sighed.

"The hell it isn't! I should be the one protecting you. Not the other way round!" He snapped, staring at the clean floor.

"Now now, stop that. We protect each other. Not letting one person carry all the weight." I said, lightly putting my hands on his shoulder, "Besides, we need a strong and healthy kin-"

"What's the fucking point of being king if I can't even protect you guys?!" He spat while staring at me.

I just leveled him with a calm gaze before gently patting his shoulder.

"So...Jasper and Val huh?" I said, looking towards the deck.

"Yeah. He told you?" He asked after a few seconds, sounding a little shocked.

"Of course he did, you're not the only one he's close to." I winked and he laughed.

"Yeah, he was your little bitch when we were kids." He grinned making me laugh.

"Yeah," I drawl, "I did pester him a lot didn't I?" I laughed.

"Yeah, you did. He was putty in your hands." Leo smiled, shaking his head a little, "But he's a good guy. I feel safe leaving Val in his hands."

"Me too! I gave my blessings."

"Not that it matters but well, it's the gesture that counts." he laughed making me look at him.

"What?" He asked.

"Do you have to rub it in that you're best friends?" I glared.

"Um, what?" He said confused. Just then, the door opened and Jasper entered along with Margaret.

" I said almost the same thing to her when she said that," Jasper said as he walked towards us.

"Ah..." Leo drawled making me roll my eyes.

"Hey Princess, how are you feeling?" Margaret asked.

"My thigh feels like an isolated part of me." I groaned making them laugh.

"It's not funny!" I whined.

"No, of course not Your Highness." Margaret smiled, "Let me just take a look at the wound." she said before raising the hem of my dress and getting to work on the wound.

I tried to ignore the sting and avoided looking at the cut as much as possible.

"Hey man, sorry about earlier," Jasper said, rubbing his neck guiltily.

"Nah it's cool. I'm all healed up." Leo waved in dismissal. I shut out their talk because I knew it was either going to be about cars or bikes. I knew they needed this kind of idle talk about what was happening. Our every day consisted of guarding against our very own family while trying to build stratagems for the future. It was tiring.

What do you think our mate is going to be like?

Eh, who knows? Sweet and gentle?

You're such a prude. Sweet and gentle ain't gonna scratch that itch well. You need dark, hard, and gloomy for that.

Are you for real?

Oh, come on. Imagine this. Tall with broad shoulders, tight and bulging arms, strong chest and abs, lean and narrow hips.

I couldn't help but picture it all as she described and I felt my throat getting dry just by thinking what he could look like.

And that thang between his legs...my oh my...it will be huge! I'm thinking-

Startled by her train of thoughts, I quickly stopped our link, I could feel my cheeks burning from the mental picture in my head.

Damn you Willow!

Thankfully, Leo and Jasper were too busy with their talk to notice my burning cheeks.

"Wow Princess, you didn't even flinch! I'm done." Margaret said, "Just be careful not to let it get infected or touched by water." She added as she packed up her stuff and I nodded, looking at her in thanks.

"Thanks, Margaret," Leo said with a small smile.

"N...no pr...problem!" She said, her voice suddenly going high-pitched.

"I...I should go." She said awkwardly before running to the door.

"What was that about?" Jasper asked with a raised brow.

"Beats me," Leo answered with a shrug making me shake my head at their cluelessness. She liked Leo. But I was not telling him that.

Just then, the door opened once again making us all turn towards it. Seeing the guy standing there, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite niece and nephew." Uncle crazy said with a goofy smile.

"We're your only niece and nephew." I rolled my eyes.

"There's that attitude that I abhor." He said tightly. I only rolled my eyes at him.

" And Jasper, I see you're here with your fiancée," he added, sounding happy. The maniac must be thinking that his plan was a success.

The fucker must not know that the bastard was dead.

Yeah, probably doesn't know...

"Takes two to tango and in this case, there is no one much less two," I said simply.

"Say what you want dear, but I saw how he took care of the...situation," Lunatic said with a sweet smile that only looked creepy to me.

So he knows...and he's smiling like that? Talk about cruel...

Right?

I just gave him a look that said 'How do you sleep at night?' to which he just smiled making me, you got it, roll my eyes.

"What do you want Declan?" Leo asked coldly, his attitude changing instantly as his power rolled off him in waves.

"I come in peace." he raised his hand in surrender making me snort, "and that's no way to talk to your uncle. I thought Cyp-" he started when a thundering growl stopped him.

"Don't you dare utter his name with your filthy mouth. You lost the right to claim that title when you gave in to your selfish desires and bit the hands that fed you!" Leo growled. The growl that came next was from Uncle Lunatic.

"Watch your tongue mutt!" Lunatic yelled scornfully.

"Make. Me." Leo snapped, looking him down. Lunatic was not the least bit afraid given he also had Alpha King blood.

"I don't have time for this," Lunatic said after a few seconds while pinching the bridge of his nose making me roll my eyes.

You do that a lot when you're in the same room.

It happens, it's my eye's normal response to his annoying presence.

"Cass dear, do you agree to my proposal?"

"What proposal?" I rolled my eyes.

"Don't act smart with me! Do you agree or not?" He snapped.

"Pass," I said disinterestedly, moving my hand.

"Is it so repulsive to marry Jasper? You have gotten along since childhood. What better husband can you get?"

"Hum, gee I don't know...what about...oh, I don't know...my freaking mate?!" I stared at him in annoyance. "My answer is not going to change Declan. Leave me alone."

"It's cute that you think you have a choice." Lunatic laughed darkly. "You forget, I could easily destroy everything you care about."

"Oh? What's new?" I yawned looking at him from under my lashes.

"Valeria and Elowen." He said simply and instantly, he was met with three dangerous growls.

Forgetting about my wound, I sped towards him and fisted his collar.

"You can do whatever the hell you want with me but so help me goddess if you even touch a single strand of hair on either of my sisters' heads, I'll be your fucking worse nightmare," I said lowly. Making sure my eyes were coldly looking deep into his and my power was released to the max.

I saw something flash in his eyes but it was gone as quickly as it came. Reaching up to my hands, he eased my grip on his suit before stepping back.

"Three days." he simply said before turning around, "Jasper, follow me." And then he was gone.

"Sorry bout that guy. Say hi to Elo and little Val for me." And then he also was gone.

A few silent seconds passed before the door to the balcony opening caught our attention.

"Hey Cass, when did you get back? Are you okay?" Val called out as they both ran towards me.

"I just came in. And I'm f-"

"What happened to you?" Elowen gasped and I silently cursed myself for being careless. Reaching out, I quickly tugged Val into my chest not wanting her to see the blood on my clothes.

Val had Hemophobia. When we were little, there was a rogue attack and one of the rogues held her hostage. Long story short, she saw a lot of wolves die that day. Ever since then, she couldn't handle the sight of blood and could faint even at just a glance.

"Nah it's nothing. Val keep your eyes closed and Elo, help her to the sofa." I said while pulling away from her.

"But there's..." Elowen trailed when I gave her a hard glare. I headed towards the bathroom to take a shower after that. I tied a neat cloth around my leg before getting some rubbery material I found in one of the boxes in the bathroom and wrapped it around the cloth.

When I was sure the water wouldn't damage my wound, I took a hot shower. Soaping my body-especially my chest area-clean. After I was done, I put on a blanket before going out.

As soon as I stepped out, their attention snapped toward me.

"So, have you guys eaten?" I asked as I took a place on the couch.

"Yeah, we left some for you in the warmer over there." Leo said, "I'll get you some."

"Thanks," I said. After the events of today, I was drained not to mention hungry. It was funny how before the attack, the only thing I had to think about was getting through training and how to get my favorite burgers and fries from the burger shop in the city.

Now, food was the last thing on my mind.

"Here you go," Leo said stopping my thoughts. I nodded in thanks before I started eating. It was quiet in the room, the only sound being the clattering of my spoon on the plate.

"Soo..." I drawl, the silence was a bit unsettling because it was never quiet with these guys around. "Why so quiet?" I asked, looking from one person to another with a raised frown.

"Oh, I almost forgot, Jasper said hi," I said, specifically looking at Val.

"So? He couldn't say it himself? Or is he too chicken to face us after what he did to Leo?" Val rolled her eyes in what I thought was irritation.

"What did he do exactly?" Leo shrugged.

Val just gave him a flat look while Elowen giggled, "Whatever." She mumbled with another eye roll.

"When are we going to see him? I miss the piggyback rides he always gives me." Elo said with a small grin while Val's head snapped in her direction.

"What? Aren't you too old for that?" Val looked at her. I raised a brow at her reaction before joining my gaze with Leo.

Think she's starting to feel the mate bond? I asked.

Probably, she never responded this way before. Plus she's turning eighteen soon.

Yeah. I guess you're right.

"You're never too old for fun," Elo answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Whatever." Val rolled her eyes again.

What's with you guys and eye-rolValg? I get dizzy just looking at you people. Willow said.

Like you're one to talk.

"Please, you're just jealous." Elo grinned at her.

"What?!?" Val sputtered

"I know you have a crush on cousin Jasper, I saw it in your diary," Elo said smugly.

"You read my diary?!?" Val shrieked making Elo's eyes widen. She must have noticed her slip up but I must admit, that was an interesting piece of information.

She definitely feels the mate bond. I mindlinlked Leo who only grinned in return.

"I...I...you can't prove anything!" Elo stuttered.

"You just said you read my diary!" Val looked at her.

"Did not!"

"Did too!"

"Not!"

"Too!"

"Not!"

"Too!"

"Cass!" They both cried as they turned to look at me making me sigh.

"Elo, you shouldn't have read her diary. It's an invasion of privacy. Apologize to her." I scolded, looking down at her with a frown.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

" And Val, forgive her this one time. It's okay to have a crush." I said, looking over at her. Her face flushed a cute red making me smile.

"Fine. Whatever." She sulked.

"I don't know how you handle them," Leo said, shaking his head. I only smirked before I kept eating.

It went silent again after that. Each of us was lost in thought. My mind was busy with thoughts of my mate.

I couldn't help but wonder what type of guy he was and what he looked like. Whether he had brothers who drove him nuts or if he was an only child.

Hey, do you think our mate is an average dog or has a better rank?

I think he has a high rank. Willow shrugged in a wlofy kinda way, You're a white wolf and there hasn't been one since the past four generations. Our mate cannot be just a regular wolf.

Yeah you're right. A Beta maybe?

Really? She said simply, I think that our mate is either an Alpha king or one of the best Alphas.

Okay miss imagination.

What? You know almost all my guesses are right. She said and I couldn't help but agree. So far, Willow's intuition has always been spot on. That was why Dad made us part of the empire's council when I turned eighteen.

Maybe.

"Cass? We want to tell you something." Leo suddenly said.

"Hum? What is it?"

"It's just that, how sure are we that this year's Alpha Kings' meeting will be held? Even if it does, we don't know if Lunatic is going to let us be within a hundred meters of the gathering." He sighed.

"True. But it's the only thing we've got, so we just have to pray and keep our fingers crossed." I answered with a frown.

"So in other words, we should just become sitting ducks?" Val deadpanned.

"Don't put it that way Val. It sounds like we've given up already." I said, my frown worsening.

"Okay look Cass, the kids and I have been talking and...we want you to escape from here." Leo said before looking into my shocked eyes.

"Wa...what are you saying?" I asked in surprise, "I'm not going anywhere without you guys. We're glued by the hip." I said firmly.

"It's what we decided and we think it's our best bet right now," he said sadly.

"No, it isn't Leo! I can't leave you guys here!" I shook my head with a small glare.

"We know you can't but you just have to," Val said.

"Why are you guys like this? You're asking me to run away and leave you behind!"

"Woah now, who said anything about running away? We want you to escape and look for your mate." Leo said lightly making me puzzled again.

"What mate? And where, pray tell, do you suppose I start looking for him? This is the eastern empire Leo, it's huge!"

"We know. But we'll be more at ease knowing that you're out there looking for your mate who will help you raise an army to fight Lunatic."

"Okay, you guys are missing three things here. One, I've never been outside the royal city before and two, where do I even start looking and lastly, what if my mate is human or worse, dead!"

"We've considered all that Cass. If your mate is dead, which I highly doubt, then the Moon goddess will give you a second chance mate. If he's human, the goddess also must have had her plan." Leo said.

"Yeah. And I also highly doubt that notion. And for the outside-the-city part, that's where Willow comes in. She is pretty smart and has a cool head on her. You guys weren't the empire's strategists for nothing." Val continued.

"I can't leave you guys here," I said as the tears build up in my eyes.

"We know baby. That's where the 3St comes in." Leo said " Pulling me into a hug.

"Huh?" I mumbled, trying to figure out why that sounded familiar.

It's the Spirit Soul Seal Technique.

Oh.

"What about that? I thought Mom said not to use that cause it might be dangerous." I said as I looked up at him.

"Yes. Might. But we don't have much of a choice right now. We've all done the required steps between the three of us. You just have to do the same and we're set." Val responded.

The 3St was an ancient healing technique that our family's ancestors got from the witches when they were our allies. It connected the spirits and souls of four persons so that they could sense the others' presence at all times and would be able to sense whenever one or all of the three were in danger.

The catch was that the stronger your bond was with those people, the higher the chances of your souls blending into one. This might lead to the loss of one's identity, leaving behind an empty shell as the soul has left the person's body.

"You're missing the point here. We grew up together guys. Our link is as strong as it gets. Aren't you afraid we might lose ourselves and our souls disappearing forever?" I asked.

"We know but...we found a loophole." Val answered.

"Loophole?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes. You."

"You lost me," I said simply.

"You see, when the witches gave our ancestors this spell, the last white wolf had already disappeared."

"So?"

"So, they fail to see the probability of another one appearing."

"I will appreciate it if you speak sense." I deadpanned

"The white wolves are believed to be the purest and closest souls to the Moon goddess." She sighed rolling her eyes at me.

"Ah, of course! The mind of a white wolf isn't like an average wolf's." I said.

"Yeah. And you're also royalty. White wolves in general are believed to be straight descendants from the Moon goddess' clan itself. So the soul leaving thing shouldn't be a problem because your soul isn't common. I believe it will be more of a connection to our hearts."

"Wow Val. You're getting smarter the older you grow. Nice work finding that out." I praised her, feeling very proud of her.

"It's nothing." She waved her hand in rejection.

"Nothing or not, you did a good job." Leo said before kissing her forehead making her blush.

"You guys have thought this through haven't you?" I asked quietly.

"Of course. Among the four of us, you're the most likely choice. Leo will stay here to keep an eye on us and how far Uncle's network has spread and keep you up to date by sending out a message falcon to your location." Val responded.

The kingdom had a group of specially trained messenger falcons. They could pick out the location of any palace agent that had been sent out on a mission and could make their way back home. Dad gave each of us a falcon of our own and we sent messages to each other whenever we went on vacation to different places.

My falcon's name was Zephyr. He was a beautiful white bird with grey dusting all over his body. We got along quite well. Especially when he was playing chase with Willow.

"I don't know guys..." I trailed off, unwilling to leave them behind.

You're not leaving them behind. You're making a chance for them. It's like Val said, we'll be sitting ducks when we wait for that meeting to happen.

I know. I'm just not okay with it. I don't want to leave them alone...

Dude, Leo is the best boxer in the land.

Strength doesn't matter when compared to numbers. It will be him against the entire royal army.

Jasper is with him. You know they are unbeatable when they are together...they are brothers both by blood and in body.

Yeah but...

Okay, now you're just going to start making excuses. I'm going. And if I have to push you out of control for that to happen, I will do it.

"Cass, it's okay. Leo and Jasper are here to protect us. You know they are the best." Elowen said, speaking up for the first time since we started this talk.

Looking at her bright blue eyes that were so much like my own, I was even more unwilling to leave. But when I saw the absolute confidence in her eyes, I started to cave.

"Jasper has already cleared one of the underground tunnels under this wing so you can leave quickly. Thankfully, Lunatic's alertness against us was always dropped because he believed we'd never think of something like this, it should be easy to sneak you out unnoticed. It's better to take as little with you as possible as I'm sure Lunatic will order a search for you when he sees your missing." Leo said.

"Yeah. I've prepared energy pills, a change of clothes, water bottles, a guide, and a map for you." Val said as she stood up and went in the direction of the bed. She crouched down and brought a small black bag from under the bed.

"I see you guys have made up your minds about this," I said lowly.

"Of course we have," Elo said with a smile-ever the little ray of positive energy.

"When do I leave?" I sighed out in defeat making all three of them grin.

"Tonight," Leo said quietly making me stare at him blankly for a second.

"Nothing you're going to say will surprise me again." I sighed again making him laugh.

After completing the 3St ritual, which consisted of us writing our names and our wolf's names in some ancient witch language with our blood while Val murmured some enchantments, I nullified my scent and changed into a loose long-sleeved black shirt, black leggings, and comfortable brown ankle boots before putting my flaming red hair in a bun.

"Take care of yourself out there," Leo said after training me on the position of the cave.

"I will." I choked out as tears built up in my eyes. Opening his arms wide for me, I rushed into them as my tears fell down my face.

"I'll miss you guys so much." I cried, only to feel more grief when my sisters joined in the hug.

"You too Sis." Elo and Val both answered. I can feel their tears soaking through my shirt. After a few minutes, we parted.

"Good luck Cass." Leo said while kissing my forehead as he held onto both Elowen and Valeria. Nodding wordlessly, I leaned over and kissed each of their temples and took in their crying faces one last time before running out of the room lest I had a change of heart.

Stepping outside, I ran down the now poorly lit hallway and the stairs towards the main hall of the palace. I was surprised to see that there were no guards in sight as I crossed the hall and went down the corridor leading to the underground tunnels.

Jasper must have taken care of them.

Yeah.

I ran down the corridor and following Leo's directions, I headed right into the tunnel where Jasper cleared out for me. Thanks to my improved sight, I could make out the narrow hallway going outside the palace.

The tunnel, according to Leo, was supposed to take me straight out of the castle and into the woods behind it. I only needed to continue moving north from there to avoid crossing into other packs' territory. The only pack whose territory I ran the risk of breaching was the SilverMoon Pack. The strongest and largest individual pack in the Eastern Empire.

The pack was located right in the heart of the empire along the Middle East. But I don't have to worry because my sense of direction was kick ass.

When I caught the smell of trees, I slowed down into a jog and quickly removed my clothes and stuffed them into the bag to avoid breaking it when I shifted into my wolf. The nightfall meant that I didn't have to worry about being seen, and the chance of a guard at the tunnel's end was small.

I was shocked when I saw light at the end of the tunnel. I grew wary but relaxed when I caught a familiar smell.

The moment I was out of the tunnels, I shifted into Willow and was about to sprint north when Jasper came out from behind one of the trees.

I stopped as he walked towards me. When he was standing in front of me, he ran his hands through my white fur before kissing the middle of my head.

Cass, and Willow, take care of each other and good luck. He said through the thought link.

We will. You take care too. And look after them for me. I answered. Although I could feel them through the 3St, I would still be more at ease knowing that there was another person who was physically watching them.

They're in good hands. He said before stepping back, Good luck.

And then I was flying through the night, mentally preparing myself for this unknown trip I was going on.

Stepping outside, I ran down the now barely lit hallway and the stairs towards the main hall of the house. I was surprised to see that there were no guards in sight as I crossed the hall and went down the hallway leading to the basement tunnels.

Jasper must have taken care of them.

Yeah.

I ran down the hallway and following Leo's directions, I headed right into the tunnel where Jasper cleared out for me. Thanks to my improved sight, I could make out the small hallway going outside the castle.

The tunnel, according to Leo, was meant to take me straight out of the house and into the trees behind it. I only needed to continue going north from there to avoid getting into other packs' area. The only pack whose area I ran the chance of breaking was the SilverMoon Pack. The best and largest individual pack in the Eastern Empire.

The pack was placed right in the heart of the kingdom along the Middle East. But I don't have to worry because my sense of direction was kick ass.

When I caught the smell of trees, I slowed down into a jog and quickly removed my clothes and stuffed them into the bag to avoid breaking it when I shifted into my wolf. The darkness meant that I didn't have to worry about being seen, and the chance of a guard at the tunnel's end was low.

I was shocked when I saw light at the end of the tunnel. I grew wary but relaxed when I caught a familiar smell.

The moment I was out of the tunnels, I shifted into Willow and was about to sprint north when Jasper came out from behind one of the trees.

I stopped as he walked towards me. When he was standing in front of me, he ran his hands through my white hair before kissing the middle of my head.

Cass, and Willow, take care of each other and good luck. He said through the mind link.

We will. You take care too. And look after them for me. I answered. Although I could feel them through the 3St, I would still be more at ease knowing that there was another person who was physically watching them. They're in safe hands. He said before stepping back, Good luck.

And then I was flying through the night, mentally preparing myself for this unknown trip I was going on.

********************************************************************

I was so tired. I have been running for three days now. Or at least I think it has been three days. It was hard to tell when all I saw were trees and rocks and more trees.

It's been two and a half days. It is currently two o'clock or a half.

Wow Willow, how can you tell? Is it your intuition?

Of course, it is! What else can it be?

Really?

Yes! That, and you don't know the meaning of sarcasm.

Hum?

The sun has set twice since we left the house. And it's currently a little further away from the middle of the sky signaling that it is past noon already. Willow said in a flat tone, It's just my observation. How come you haven't noticed it at all??

Oh please, I was too busy keeping my senses out for rogues.

Uhuh, sure you were. She snorted, I wonder how many rogues there could be in a forest behind the eastern empire which runs into deserted and barren lands. She added jokingly.

You know, I'll give that a comment but I'm too busy watching out for rogues. I said haughtily. I could feel her eye-rolling in my mind.

Sure, make up pathetic excuses to cover up your crappy observation skills. She smirked.

I refuse to reply to that. I simply said.

I kept running through the never-ending trees in my wolf form. As a wolf, I was born with a natural love for the color green. But I swear I was gonna lose my mind if I didn't stop seeing green!

I was only happy that I was out of the Eastern Empire land. I could tell because the mind-link relationship I had with my pack, The Royal Pack, got fainter until it felt like it was no longer there.

I knew the link was there, I was just too far away to feel it but it was still unsettling. I was so used to feeling the presence of hundreds of thousands of my pack members that I felt a little empty without the normal looming presence in my thoughts.

The only thing comforting me was the little weight I felt at the back of my mind thanks to the 3St. I could feel my brothers' presence. It was faint, but it was there nonetheless.

As I ran ahead, I saw a dim opening, and before it was an endless stretch of clear field. Or at least it looked so from where I was running. I felt so glad that I would be out of the forest soon. I loved green, but two days of seeing nothing but trees... will surely drive anyone nuts.

You know, a sane person will hate seeing trees, not the color green.

You know I could never hate trees. I love the green and smell of it. And the smell of the forest floor after it rains. That is my favorite smell in the whole wide world. I sighed in pleasure just picturing the smell.

I thought you'd 'lose your mind' if you saw the color green again. She rolled her eyes. And how would you know how wide the world is? I told you the name of the smell is Petrichor.

And you said us people and eye-rolling. You do it most of the time too! Plus I just meant that I'll basically lose my mind. I said The last part was also symbolic. And Petrichor. or whatever is such a lot.

Probably picked it up from watching you lot. She said, eye rolling again. Sure you did. And aren't you worried you'll cross into BlueMoon territory?

Pushh, please! I have a kick-ass sense of direction.

Really? When you lack a sense of observation? She deadpanned.

I told you, I was keeping an eye out for rogues. And one can't have it all. I said, rolling my eyes at her just as I stepped into the opening. Rows of open fields met my eyes. The place was clear with no trees in sight and stretched far and wide.

Using my improved sight, I saw a cover of trees. From what I could tell, it seemed to be about three miles ahead. Roughly.

See Willow, it is a no man's land. There are more trees just three miles away. I grinned, Trust my sense of direction would ya?

You are awesome at a great number of things but direction isn't one of them. Need I tell you of the numerous times you got lost in the mall?

Well, how was I supposed to know that the sign meant to go my right?

Because there were so many rights to choose from huh? Willow snorted but before I could answer, I caught a whiff of something nasty.

Rogue! We both growled and just then, I saw something flash from my peripheral vision. Turning towards that direction, I saw three dogs approaching me.

Two of them were in wolf form while the other was in his human form. One was a dark wolf and the other a red wolf.

"My my, what's a beautiful thing like you doing here all alone?" The person asked. He stood at about 5ft8 with greying hair, a crooked nose, and dark eyes.

I growled in answer before taking my stance. The guy only chuckled in amusement before taking a step towards me making me snarl louder. "You don't smell like a rogue." He said, "Wanna have some fun? I'd like to add you to my collection." He smiled evilly making a shiver of disgust run down my spine.

There were about ten feet between myself and the wolf. In the blink of an eye, I closed the distance and lunged straight for his throat and without thinking twice, tore through it.

My wolf has always been a bit different from regular female wolves. Although female wolves weren't as strong and huge as the males, they were still big nonetheless.

Willow was a lot more slim and lithe than any other female wolf. Her body was light and joined with its slenderness, it made her more quick, fast, and lithesome. Her snow-white hair was thicker around the neck and tail while the one around her back and stomach was smooth. Her nose was narrow and a bit raised with a black head. Her ears were long, ending with peaks, and her head lean and firm.

But my favorite feature of hers was her eyes. The sclera which was typically white was pitch black. The eye color on the other hand was much like mine. A deep cerulean blue. I always turned heads when I walked into a room both because I was a princess and because of my looks.

But Willow was on a whole other level. She would probably stop a magical fight by just standing in the middle of it all.

Will you stop boasting and concentrate?! Willow snapped as she sprang back from the rogue after his body stopped moving.

My bad. I said sheepishly, But I was praising you. You get more guys than I do. I added.

Yeah, cause I can easily walk into a restaurant in wolf form with my wolf partner for a date! She snapped, You better get your head back in the game!

Sheesh, no need to get snappy about it. I mumbled but she just ignored me. I watched as the two wolves became confused for a few seconds before their confusion turned into shock as they took in the dead body of their friend.

Snapping out of whatever daze they seemed to be in, they snarled at me with a threatening look in their eyes. I sneered back at them as I crouched lower. The red wolf charged at me, lunging low at the last second before sinking his teeth into my foreleg.

Pushing him off, I quickly sank my teeth into his throat before slicing at his stomach. He immediately whimpered as he fell to the ground.

Just then, I felt the other wolf about to land on me but thanks to the fact that I hadn't had anything to eat except for an energy pill, I had been running for two days straight without rest and the silver in my blood, my reactions were slow and I couldn't move away in time.

The brown wolf landed on me making us hit the floor with a loud bang before pinning me down. Thanks to my lithe body size and weakened state, I couldn't push him off. Usually, I used my thin body to my advantage but now it felt too small for that.

He sank his teeth into my already damaged leg while still holding me down. I tried to push or even wiggle away from him but to no avail. He only sank his teeth in harder making me wince.

No good. We're sleep-deprived and have a system filled with silver not to mention that hip injury that's taking its lovely time to heal.

I know. Shift back. I'll have more of an edge in human form. I'll use the surprise of my sudden shift to do my signature move. I said as I winced from the sting coming from my leg.

What? No! That's crazy! You'll be exposed if that doesn't work. We have more of a chance to hold on this way.

Then I guess I just have to do it right. Holding on is only stalling the unavoidable. It's better to end him now.

But it doesn't seem like he's trying to kill you! Besides, your human body gets poisoned straight with silver. You'll be weak and won't be able to heal as fast when you shift back!

I know that! If he's not trying to kill us, then he's planning on taking us with him. You're most likely the only white wolf in the world Willow. We might have rolled around in the wet bush to hide our fur but for how long until it washes away? We can't risk our name. People will find it strange if a white cat is reported to have been seen.

Don't forget, that Princess Cassie is the only white wolf within the whole Eastern kingdom. There's sure to be a ruckus not to mention a straight hint to where Lunatic could find us. I said firmly, We can't risk it, Willow. So many things are on the line. I added softly.

But-

Trust me. I said firmly. I heard her sigh before letting me to shift back, taking the wolf above me by surprise. Just as I was about to shove a hand through his chest and grab his heart in my trademark 'one kill' move, we heard a thundering growl sounding from in front of us catching us both by surprise.

Looking towards the forest that was three miles away, a huge black wolf was running towards us at a frightening speed. Just when the wolf was almost fifteen feet away, I caught the most pleasant and toe-curling smell ever.

It smelled like my two favourite things in the whole world; the scent of the forest floor after it rains and vanilla. I couldn't help but take a deep breath. I could also feel Willow getting restless at the back of my mind.

When the wolf was less than seven feet away, he suddenly froze and sniffed the air before his eyes snapped to mine and I was met with the most fascinating pair of green eyes I had ever seen. They were the right mix of chocolate milk brown and a forest green. I could see golden specks moving in their area making them all the more enticing.

MATE!! Willow growled making my eyes widen in shock. I knew there might be a chance of me meeting my mate but I never expected it to be this soon.

My mate was a big black wolf with raw natural power rolling off of him. The power he exuded was so great it felt as mind blogging as Leo's. He most definitely was an Alpha.

Mate! It's really our mate! Look, his power is so amazing. I would surrender to his control and let him have his wicked way with me! Willow purred making me gasp in shock because one, she just purred and she never does that, and two, what she just said.

What?!? I almost shouted but she just hummed away in pleasure. She doesn't even know him yet and she was already like this?!?

My gasp must have snapped both of them back to their senses because, in the next second, the weight pinning me down was gone as my mate lunged towards him. Without missing a beat, he cut his throat open, killing him quickly.

Turning towards me, he looked at me with a jumble of feelings swirling in his eyes. The most obvious being fear and joy. I watched as he changed back to his form making my jaw drop a little.

He stood at about 6ft2 with black hair that curled around his neck and face and looked to be in waves on top of his head. His eyes were the same black as his hair. It was full and long, arched a little at the end. His eyes were the same beautiful shade of green as the wolf. His nose was long and straight with the tip raised a bit. His lips were a pale pink with the lower lip bigger than the upper. His jaw was sharp, strong, and carved.

His face was the right mix between beautiful and sexy. It was like the god of beauty, Apollo, himself had taken his sweet lovely time to carve out this perfect male model.

Oh, my goddess!! He's so beautiful. I want to mount him right now!

Willow! I gasped, we don't even know his name and you're thinking about that?! I screeched.

Mate now. Names later. She growled.

I couldn't help but sigh at her state. She just met him for goodness sake. I trailed my eyes down his strong and firm chest, down to his jaw-dropping mouth-watering tight eight pack, and down to the very noticeable V-line and... I quickly removed my look as my face turned red.

Hmm, yummy. Why did you stop? I wanted to see that thing be-

I put up the mental block without a second thought as my face burned redder. I could feel my mate's hot gaze on my body and I realized with a startle that I WAS NAKED!!

I almost screamed out loud as my hands instantly covered my lady bits. I heard my mate growl making my head snap toward him only to see dissatisfaction in his gaze. Just as he started towards me, we heard a shout and turned towards the direction of the trees ahead.

"Alpha...! What...happened? You... suddenly...shifted...and ran off." A guy with baby blue eyes and brown hair said as he panted with his hands on his knees.

So he is an Alpha...

"Rogues." My mate replied in a deep and slightly husky voice making me shiver automatically, "Why the hell are you panting like that?"

"I...ran...after you."

"And that's why you're panting like you ran here from Sweden?" My mate asked bluntly making my lips twitch.

"Some of us normal wolves don't have monster-level stamina." The guy answered, having caught his breath.

"Some of us normal wolves wait thirty minutes after eating three whole chickens." My mate said making my eyes widen in shock.

Thr...three chickens??

The guy only grinned before his eyes snapped to my surprised ones making his widen.

"Wa...wa...what??!" He stammered in shock. I didn't blame him. I would respond the same if I saw a totally naked girl lying on the floor amongst three dead bodies.

I instantly pushed further into the ground wanting the earth to swallow me whole and save me from this mortifying situation. My mate growled at the guy making his open mouth snap shut and my eyes moved from mine to his.

I saw their eyes glaze over and I knew they were mindlinking each other. Whatever was said shocked the guy because his eyes snapped towards me with disbelief written all over his face.

I let out a whimper of discomfort due to his relentless gaze as I tried to move from his sight only to wince in pain from my two wounds.

Instantly, my mate's gaze snapped towards mine before his eyes scanned all over my body, darkening when they caught sight of my source of pain. The wound just above my ankle on my left leg was bleeding heavily from the two big holes thanks of the rogues' canine.

My thigh wound on the other hand looked purple and the skin around it was sickeningly pale compared to my white skin tone.

"Shorts." My mate said and quickly, the guy threw him a piece of material. He quickly slipped it on before walking towards me.

Bending down beside me, he looked at me quietly for a second or two before saying, "Shirt."

I was confused for a second before I saw him reach behind to grab what I thought was the shirt.

"Can you sit?" He asked. His voice came out controlled and measured as he looked at me with the same calm look in his eyes.

It was a huge difference to the feelings he showed a few minutes ago.

I nodded before pushing myself up and turning so that my back was facing him. I saw his hand stretch towards me, giving me the shirt which I collected.

After putting the shirt on, I turned back towards him only to meet the same calm look which made me frown.

"Who are you? You don't smell like a rogue." His rich voice said making me shiver.

His question threw me off. I didn't think about the story I was going to tell the people I met until I finally trusted them enough to tell them my truth.

He's our mate. Just tell him the truth.

I don't know Willow. He isn't responding like a mate should.

Meaning?

Look at his controlled look. There is nothing there. Only a strange peace. It's like he's talking to a human stranger and not his mate. Isn't he supposed to not be able to stop touching me?

Maybe he's not a loving person in public...

The calm and controlled gaze?

Maybe he's nervous.

I just sighed and looked into his eyes only to see that he was waiting for me to answer.

Just then, I felt a little lightheaded when suddenly, a sharp pain sliced through my head making me scream a little.

My heart started beating fast and my breath shortened. I saw the worried look in my mate's eyes making me glad to see something other than that calm gaze on his stunning face.

Another wave of pain tore through my head making me shout out loud again. Thanks to me being a white wolf and our strong bond, it seemed I not only noticed my family's pain but I was also able to feel it.

What is happening to them?! Willow cried out.

I don't know!! I said hoarsely. The pain was so intense. Add that to my already hungry, sleep-deprived, and silver-induced body and you have the right recipe for system overload.

"Alpha! What's wrong with Luna?!" The guy asked in a worried tone. I didn't hear my mate's answer because I was stuck on something the guy had said.

Luna.

That was right. My mate was an Alpha so that meant I was a Luna. What do you know, I ended up in a similar situation to that of a queen.

Leo would grin when he found out...

I felt my head grow heavier and my awareness started to fade away as the pain and tiredness overwhelmed my senses.

"Little mate..." I think I heard vaguely but I was too confused to figure out the rest.

"Hold on..." I heard a familiar voice say before I slipped into the dark embrace of my unaware mind.