MY OBSESSIVE WOLF QUEEN

A callous strong hand steadily skimmed the soft white milky skin. It was untarnished and fragrant, a skin worthy for a goddess. The beauty that possessed such feature smiled, her golden tresses dancing in the wind.

Arryn shifted from her sleep and moaned a little, purring of the touch given by the man. The hand continued its assault down south to her private parts, teasing but with reverence. She breathes in and bit her lip as her chest rise up and down.

Arryn gasped when she heard the thud.

She looked around the room, noticing the empty easel and the laid out charcoal in front of her. She was alone.

There was no man and no hands to roam her body

The book she was reading has fallen on the floor as did the other pencils she was using. She has been entranced once again by her dirty petty thoughts, hoping that her mate was pleasuring her.

As the crown princess, Arryn has many worries and one of them is finding her mate.

Arryn rested her head upon her arms and cringed, her chest smarting. If she weren't suffering from her heat, she would've been out there, spending some time in the forest as she hunts with her brother. She lets out a sigh and turns to enter her room, not believing that in less than an hour, the ICES division will be invited over to celebrate two decades of alliance with them.

It was understood that a banquet is to be expected in accordance to the celebration of the said alliance. Twenty years ago, the Dust has been chosen to rule over the five tribes when the Ember queen was overthrown due to their belief of her performing dark magic which exhumes most of the highly regarded mythical creatures. The Dust has taken over for they are one of the strongest, second only to the Ember Tribe which is a big and very functional clan. As for the Ivy, Sage and Coal Tribe, they are all codependent to the ones high above; though occasionally, one will step across the line and perform mutiny for the sake of seeking assurance that the one from above, is powerful enough to deal with it.

Arryn kicked off her shoes and whimpered when she felt the first indication of her heat. It will be full moon soon, but she is unable to fully shift to her whole form because of her curse. When she had reached seventeen, Edom, their royal doctor, has aided her out of the misery by offering her various potions. As the years passed, the symptoms became lethal that Edom could only conclude that she has the Frozen Heat.

Frozen Heat happens to every first born royal as an assurance that the next heir to the throne would be legible for procreation. Unfortunately, after ten years of intensive research, Edom could only suggest that Arryn should set out to find her mate on her own which is highly impossible and dangerous.

Arryn twisted the pendant upon her neck and nibbled at her lips. She is a royal, and as the heir to the crown, she shouldn't be wandering from tribe to tribe, looking for her mate for she might end up encountering trouble instead. She felt her forehead and shivered at the touch; cold, but inside, her skin is burning like coal above fire. Arryn retired on her bed, curling upon herself as her body shakes.

"Mou Selene?" the voice of Rocco, her brother, rang out as he stands by the hall. He twirled his fingers upon his golden hair and adjusted his mask over his face. "Mou Selene! Father King told me to get you, the ICES are here."

Arryn groaned, whimpering for she could barely endure the pain. It will take her half a day to soothe herself back to her calm state but the ICES are an impatient bunch. How could they arrive at such an importune time when she is currently fighting the urge to combust? Arryn gritted her teeth. She has to be next to her father for she never wanted to be labeled as irresponsible by the arrogant ICES.

Biting her lip, Arryn snatched her mask and wore it upon her face.

Since she was a child, it was an absolute rule that her face shall not be seen by anyone outside her family. It was a mark of a royal, a rule that is set to protect them. Arryn touched the jade pendant that is encrusted on her mask. It helps to conceal her scent and serves as a proof to her status. Without her mask...Arryn will be found and all of the protection set upon her will go to waste.

Fixing her skirt, Arryn opens the door to her room to see Rocco, tapping his foot impatiently, a fourteen year old acting up. "What is taking you so long? You promised that we will race outside. It's been months, mou selene, months! Get out of your room."

Arryn shakes her head at her brother and captured him in a headlock. Disgusted, Rocco pushed her away with a glare directed at her. Sticking out his tongue, Rocco left her gawking as he ran down the stairs.

"Trickster!"

Arryn chased after him, ignoring the persistent pain upon her chest. Because they grew as royals, they have responsibilities and duties which bounds them inside the castle, restricting any contact from the outside world.

She ran after Rocco until she lost sight of him by the third floor hall, encountering a couple of maids who are startled to see her out of her room.

Arryn huffed in frustration and removed her mask, resting it upon the window sill as she surveyed the hall for any signs of her wayward brother. As she turns, Arryn gasped when a couple of men marched out from the room. Startled, she hides behind a curtain only to stumble upon someone, her lips accidentally landing on top of someone else's mouth.

"Hmmp." Arryn tried to twist her body but she was held in place. She opened her eyes to see piercing black eyes glaring at her, making her knees go weak. With her cheeks blushing, she scrambled on her feet, anxious for her face was exposed.

"Who are you? What are you doing here ?"

"I'm just-" Arryn gasped when she was thrown on the wall and the tall guy cornered her – Caius Lykos, the alpha of Ember Clan.

Many had known him to be aloof and cold, ruthless, manipulative and most of all, shameless. His words are venomous for even the strongest knight cannot stomach what he is saying when his temper reached its boiling point.

Caius has been appointed as the next clan leader after his family were murdered two decades ago. Their pack respected him the most because of her short temper and sharp tongue. His people respected him; a Lykos, a second to the royals. They are known for their white coat and coal colored eyes.

Caius wrinkled his nose and blew his long blonde hair, snorting as he rested his arm above her head. He could sense that the girl was pretty but with his sight strained, he could only squint in the dark, his irritation apparent. "Pitiful – you bunch of Dust women are so desperate; always thinking that one of the ICES men who visits your kingdom will be your mate." Caius huffed and crossed his arms, "You even dare to spy on us?"

Arryn's face reddened, "I am not spying," she averted her eyes to see her mask upon the window sill. If she could only take it and run away from here...

Caius gritted his teeth and his hand landed upon her cheek. Arryn gasped at the unexpected assault, her eyes brimming with tears. She bit her lip and tried to defend herself, "I am not spying on you, I am merely passing by and then you were there, hiding behind the curtain."

Caius was shocked when Arryn moved away from the wall and turns away from him, not even paying a backward glance.

Caius observes her as she goes, the sight of her golden tresses swaying making him gulp. With his arms crossed, Caius could only promise himself that there will be a proper retribution to how she acted with disrespect.

He will make sure that the banquet won't be as boring as the others are.

ARRYN

If she will be given a chance, Arryn would run from all her responsibilities and live in seclusion deep inside the forest.

The sun rises from the north of the mountains and sets between the seas. Various songbirds were perched upon an old oak tree, whistling a melody that foretells the approaching rain. Their kingdom is small for it sits at the base of a ragged mountain, though the power that it holds is not to be ignored if one refused to be humiliated.

The sound of the roof tile falling rouse her from daze. Arryn quickly covered her face and asked, "Who's there?"

She waited for a heartbeat; eyes wide and her breath hitched for she was nervous. Deciding that the roof was not a safe place right now, Arryn lets out a sigh as she made her way down the stairs.

"Mou Selene, I've been searching for you everywhere! Where you've been off to?" Arryn pulled at Rocco's sleeves just as she jump the last steps. She pulled at his sleeves and pinched his ear, a groan from the young prince. "That hurts!"

"It's supposed to hurt." Arryn crossed her arms and huffed, grateful that she was able to hide behind the armour for her face is still exposed.

"Mou Selene! Why is the side of your face red? Have you been blushing?"

Arryn touched her tender skin before scratching her head, "I stumbled and fall on the floor. You don't have to think much about it, Roc." Rocco's eyes widen when he realized what was missing from her sister's face. "Mou Selene, you are not wearing your mask. Father king said-"

"I lost my mask by the third floor hall. You should help me retrieve it since it is your fault that I scurried off without thinking that it is not in my possession. Come on." Rocco sighed in exasperation as he followed her back to the third floor hall.

Arryn pressed her arms over her chest and tried to hold in her whimper. Her heat is coming off in waves and the jade pendant she was wearing on her mask was supposed to keep it under control. Now that it wasn't with her, Arryn was sure that she can be sensed by all of the unmated male werewolves in the castle.

The first indication of this came when the guards barred the doors to the hall and Arryn hides behind the curtain, snatching the mask and putting it on. Rocco's eyes widened when the doors to the hall broke open and the angry groan and cheers rang out. At once, the male werewolves stood still, stun and wondering why they were cheering and growling at each other.

Arryn emerged from the curtain and stands next to Rocco. All of the men bowed in front of them, their heads touching the floor. "May I inquire about the earlier squabble? I have not heard that my father is hosting a hunting sport this week."

The men looked at each other before bowing lower. "King Nord did not host a hunt, your highness; we're simply lost."

"Oh, then let us pass. Father has mentioned that my presence is required at the banquet. I suggest that you go, too." Rocco silently marveled at his sister's words, following her as they went out of the hall.

"Mou Selene."

"Hmm?" Arryn tighten her hold upon Rocco's shoulder and tugged at him, " When I grew older, I want to be like you. Your words have power in them that they easily listen to you. Will you teach me how to do that?"

Arryn paused, "Well, I'm not sure if you'll be able to learn much from me. You should ask Father."

"There you are, you both!" Arryn and Rocco straightened as they heard their mother's voice.

Queen Hali marched from the hall, followed by Kind Nord who is fidgeting with a box on his hand. Rocco pushed his sister and Arryn squeaked, averting her eyes. "Where have you been?"

"We chased each other-hmmp!" the words disappeared from Rocco's mouth as Arryn covered it with her hand. She hastily pulled Rocco to her side and guided her mother back to the hall, "Mother, you have mentioned that I'll be introduced to a couple of ICES men in hopes that I find my mate."

Arryn smiled inwardly as the Queen clapped her hands.

"Oh, you reminded me of it!" Queen Hali brightened at the thought and Arryn smirked. Rocco shakes his head as he followed them inside the hall, disbelief hidden behind his mask. King Nord cheered as he pocketed the box but sobered when he sensed the look from his children. He could never act like a child with them around.

When they have entered the hall, Arryn gasped for she have not expected the arrival of so many men. The king and queen settled on their seats and Arryn was pulled at the center, her eyes so wide that Rocco could only hold his laughter in. Saffron Flowers floated down from the numerous baskets lining up the hall. One by one, the men introduced themselves until Caius appeared in front of her, offering his greetings.

"Your highness."

Arryn raised her hand only to return it back to her sides. She should keep it from Caius that she was the one whom he kissed. And slapped. Arryn could feel the blush coloring her cheek as she remembered how he slapped her right after, the lingering pain a reminder of what he's done.

She has to get even.

Mustering up enough courage, Arryn raised her head high, "So I've heard that you are the representative of Ember Tribe. What will be your contribution to this alliance? "

The music stopped; the chattering ceased. The king and queen angled their heads while the couple of men who are standing around her, gawked – all of them waiting for an answer. Caius pursed his lips and shrugged indifferently, "Ember tribe has been an ally of the Dust since the beginning. I could not help but to think that I can be of assistance if you require my help."

Arryn threw her head back to laugh but the pain from her chest doubled. She bit her lip and tried to mask the pain by bending over to pick up a fallen saffron on Caius' robes, taking him by surprise. Sighing, she calmly threw the flower and continued, "Nonsense. I know that I won't need that much of help." Arryn brushed her hands on the sleeves of her dress and smirked, "If you allow it, can I excuse myself now? I still need to review the budget proposal by the Elders of the clan. You know how much work it requires."

Caius raised an eyebrow at her excuse and Arryn could only marvel at his beauty. How can he look so beautiful even with a frown? Arryn hastily blinked her eyes and averted her gaze, swaying on her feet. She was about to take a step back when Caius held her arm and pulled her close.

It was like a current ran from under his fingers leading to her arm. She jerked away and so did he. Arryn's eyes widened but Caius face were as stoic and cold as his touch. He flexed his fingers and smiled a little. "Careful, your highness."

Arryn was mesmerized of the rare sight of Caius' smile, yet before she could say anything, Caius was gone. She takes a moment to assess her feelings; her features, flushed.

Is her heart jumping out of her chest or is the earth shifting from under her?

Arryn rested her hand upon her chest and breathes out. What did just happen?

She adjusted her mask and takes a step back, catching the concern gaze of her parents. Arryn nodded at them once and stepped out of the room as the black dots started to dance on her vision. She leaned on the wall and smiled to herself as she felt herself collapsing.

"Mou Selene!"

"Mou Selene!" Rocco gasped when Arryn collapsed on the floor. He hastily gathered her in his arms and helplessly looked around the room, recognizing the Alpha from Ember clan.

Caius, who was leaning by the window, peered curiously, "What happened?"

Rocco was shocked to hear Caius but he composed himself, his hand on top of Arryn's forehead. "She stepped out of the banquet and so I followed her, then she collapsed. Help me get her to her room."

'What is it to me?' Caius wanted to say just that but he bit his tongue and said, instead, "I am not allowed to touch the crown princess-"

"Choose." Caius' lips parted of the interruption. He stared at the young prince, a slight amusement on his face, "You touch her and be punished or, you let her die and be beheaded. I'd rather choose the first one if I were you." Rocco shifted his sister in his arms and fidgeted with her hair, unable to mask his worry. Caius blew out a breath and crouched down the siblings. He carefully tucked his hand under Arryn's waist and lifted her up.

A feeling of elation suddenly enveloped him that Caius staggered on his feet. Rocco has mistaken this for weakness that a silly smile tugged at his lips. Both were distracted that they fail to see the golden eyes that Caius now possessed as he tighten his hold on Arryn.

The hall seems to stretched farther. Rocco led him up to the private quarters, entering codes and speaking in hush whispers as he leaned on the walls. Caius did not find this odd for it is necessary for them to put wards just for precaution.

When they have finally reached her room, Caius is almost hesitant to let her go. He silently held unto her, watching as Rocco stands in front of him and point at the bed.

"You lay my sister down now. Your duty is done. You may go, Alpha." Caius did not flinch nor find the words disrespectful. Rocco was a prince, higher than Caius who is only an Alpha. With his jaw tight, Caius shifted Arryn in his arms and carefully lay her down on the bed.

Arryn whimpered, her lips quivering as she hold on to his collar. She sniffed and Caius sucks in a deep breath, "Don't go. Don't leave."

It was a plea hidden under a command.

Caius stiffened, raising his hand to smoothen her hair. Arryn breathes in, sweat covering her forehead. She was shaking so Caius held her hand in his.

Rocco's eyes hardened at the sight, his hand folding into fist. He cleared his throat but Caius is still holding on her sister's hand, his face hard.

"Alpha Caius."

Caius straightened, his glazed eyes clearing up. He removed his hold from Arryn and she whimpered, tears leaking out of her eyes. With a sigh, he takes a red handkerchief from his robes and used it to wipe her tears.

"Alpha Caius you should-"

"Young Prince!" The door opens to high guard Miko, who looks worried. He bows his head and stated, "The King requires your presence back at the banquet. I suggest that you go now."

"But-"

"Young Prince."

Rocco raised his eyes to Caius who is also glaring at him. He gritted his teeth and bowed, "Alright." He rouse from his seat and huffed, "Alpha Caius, I'll be leaving my sister to you while I go to my father. I take it that you take good care of her."

Caius raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Of course, your highness."

When the door closed behind the prince, Caius settled on a seat next to her bedside, watching her sleep. His brows were furrowed for he couldn't understand why he is feeling like this, as though he were caught in a spell.

Caius' hands itched for he wanted to lower her mask and touch her face. He is wondering what lies underneath her jade covered mask. Is she pretty, just like her eyes were? How about her lips? And her nose?

He held out a finger to touch her mask but Arryn shifted, rising from the bed. "What are you doing here?"

"I took you in after you have fainted."

"Oh," Arryn could feel the blush coloring her cheek. She shifted her mask and faced him, "Why are you still here?"

"Am I not allowed to be here?"

Arryn shifted, rubbing her hands on her neck. She was about to retort when the door opened and in came a woman. "Caius!"

Catherine De Reeve smiled and Arryn have this sudden urge to throw up. Catherine was the mask maker's daughter. Though, they have grown inside the castle together, Arryn has never treated Catherine as a friend because Catherine was a bully. She is an envious child who demanded that what Arryn has, she should have also.

Caius pressed his lips to Catherine's hand. Arryn couldn't help but feel hurt. It was like a knife was being driven inside her chest, opening it up then squeezing her heart.

Arryn averted her eyes and tried to suppress her feeling by humming quietly. She was just envious for she has never experienced being held nor loved. Even if her family loves her, there is still something that a mate can give that they couldn't.

"If we may be excused, your highness." Arryn shakes her head as she heard him speak, " I would like to escort Lady Catherine back to the ball." Caius smiled at Arryn who simply nodded, lost of words.

She watched them with sorrowful eyes, lamenting of the love that she have not yet received.

When the door closed behind them, Arryn keeled over, her mask falling on the floor, eyes rolling on the back of her head. She was shaking slightly and her skin was burning to the point that it is quite dangerous to touch her.

It was in this state that Edom, the pack healer, found her. He barely opened the door as he rushed inside to take a towel from his back and forced it inside Arryn's mouth, full of froth and spit. Edom cursed under his breath as he prepared the potion, his fingers trembling as he measured out a spoon.

The maids assisted him into making Arryn drink the whole portion. She was sobbing in his arms, begging, "Please, please help me find my mate."

Before Edom could say anything, Arryn collapsed back on the bed, her skin glowing slightly as the potion takes effect, confirming Edom's thought.

"The king needs to be informed: The crown princess is at stake, the banquet shall be postponed."