Prologue
It’s been 50 years of peace throughout the werewolf kingdom. Under the rule of Grand Alpha King Ruben, packs everywhere lived in peace. If there was a disagreement the Grand Alpha would quickly use his whims to settle the matter before any blood could be shed.
But, after 50 years of exceptional service the King started to get weaker, and soon was overcome by sickness. Due to this, tensions in the packs started to rise as all Alpha’s feared the outcome of his death.
King Ruben had two sons that were in line for the throne. The first was a boy who always stayed by his father’s side. And because of this, despite his age he was declared the heir and was to be the next Grand Alpha King. But, per tradition the oldest son was to inherit the throne.
King Ruben’s oldest son, Jackal, didn’t have the patience to make a good ruler. But, because of his cruel nature most Alpha’s decided to back up his claim, in fear of what would happen if he did overthrow the throne. But, there were strong supporters for the King’s desire. And for that, a small council was called to meet with the King’s youngest son, Cael.
Prince Cael was always seen as serious and cold. He didn’t indulge himself to the pleasantries that most royals had. He was nothing like his older brother, and because of that they were often seen as cold towards each other. Barely glancing in each other’s directions, nor uttering a word in the presence of the Alpha’s.
Alpha Tim and his Beta Greg walked down the long hall leading to the meeting hall. They were both silent, the journey to the royal palace had taken two days. And regrettably they were the last to arrive. Alpha Tim straightened his jacket, his body tense in human clothes after such a long journey. His suit seems tighter, and even with his old age his body was growing.
Beta Greg scanned the halls. He knew just how serious the situation was, and knew that Prince Jackal wouldn’t take it kindly, if he found out the Alpha’s were meeting with Prince Cael. But so far, neither of them ran into anyone. It was almost as if the palace was completely empty. Which meant this meeting was being conducted in secret, and they were severely late.
Nonetheless, he watched as his Alpha opened the doors to the meeting hall with grace. Of course, every Alpha’s eyes went wide as they turned to look towards the two of them. “Apologies.” Alpha Tim said smoothly as he walked into the room, Greg following quickly behind him, “The journey here was more time consuming then it had been before.” He said as he strode to a desk with two empty chairs.
“We are glad you have made it.” Prince Cael said as he took in the room.
The room was large, holding 6 rows of desks on both sides of the carpeted middle. The black marble desks were cleaned and waxed so well their reflections stared back at them when Alpha Tim and Beta Greg took their seats. Both Alpha and Beta have been in the room before, and it was much more filled. Now, the room seemed twice its sized. Glancing around both men realized there were barely any Alpha’s in the room. And the ones who were present looked annoyed with the young prince as he stared at the newcomers.
“Now that everyone is present, I’d like to make an announcement.” Prince Cael said as he took a stand in front of the desks. His dark eyes stared around the room for a moment, “The claim to my succession has been questioned ever since my father fell ill. And because of this, I’ve gathered you all for this meeting. You are the most trustworthy Alpha’s I know who support my claim.” He said. Alpha Tim sat up straight, proud in his judgment and others followed as they stared at the young prince.
“Questions? Who dares to question the King’s will on this matter?” An Alpha asked loudly.
“The Alpha’s who you don’t see in this room have all questioned my claim.” Prince Cael says coldly as he takes a deep breath, “I understand their reasoning. For generations, the oldest son has always inherited the throne after their father. Some Alpha’s believe I’m stealing my brother’s birthright.”
He didn’t need to speak the name of the Alpha who first started the questions. Everyone in the room knew exactly which Alpha would be so daring to speak against the Grand Alpha King’s word. And that was Alpha Sean. His daughter, Ellen was mated to Prince Jackal. If Jackal was to be pronounced King, his daughter would be the Luna Queen. Which meant, he would have a foothold in the royal affairs. Everyone grew uncomfortable at the thought.
Alpha Sean was a cruel man. He always acted within the laws, but a few times his cruelty had crossed a line. No one trusted the Alpha, and it preposterous to believe his claim would cause a stir in the succession of Prince Cael. For the man had caused almost 7 wars to break out throughout the packs. Beta Greg tensed at the thought, “What can we do?” Alpha Tim asked loudly, “You have gathered us, that must mean you spoke with the elders?” The Elders, the only ones who truly had a say if the King would die before he made it to the prince’s coronation.
“The Elder’s wisdoms suggest that my father will pass before my coronation.” Prince Cael says in a tough voice. His neck strained for a moment as he stared out at the Alpha’s, “If I can find my mate-”
All the Alpha’s internally groaned. There was one thing no one could meddle in, and that was fate. Mates were something given by the moon goddess. And she had reluctantly forgotten Prince Cael’s. Because he had not found his mate, he was to wait until he turned 27 to be crown King. It was an outdated law, that couldn't be over written.
At the ripe age of 27 a male is in their peak physical form. Even without a mate, once Prince Cael turns 27 he will be able to show his strength to all of the Alpha's and prove to them that he would be a better Alpha King. But, if he had a mate and marked her, his body would speed up the process to ensure to keep her safe.
The problem was once his father started to show weakness Cael traveled throughout all the packs. He had even gone into human territory searching for her. Any available woman was shown and none peaked his interest. Well, all but one. Alpha Tim looked over to Beta Greg who kept his eyes forward with a stern look on his face. “There is no way Anna is his. You know that more than me, do not look so guilty.” Beta Greg mind-linked quickly. Alpha Tim didn’t speak on the matter as he turned towards Cael.
“If I could please visit your lands just once more-”
“We’ve shown you all the unmated females starting at age 20. Would you prefer us to show you the 16 year old's?” A man in the front said in an offended voice, “Your mate would be one of our daughters. You are our King. Only a Beta or an Alpha’s daughter can be your mate.” The man said slowly after receiving a glare from the prince.
“Yet, I find myself still mateless.” Prince Cael said through his teeth, “Alpha, Beta, Omega, human, rouge. None of them have captured my wolf’s attention.”
“Perhaps, your mate isn’t a female.” A Beta muttered under his breath and shrugged his shoulders, “Or perhaps she is too young to be fully mated just yet. We try to give the females until 20. However, in dire situations-”
“Enough.” Prince Cael said as he lifted his hand and shook his head, “I’m certain my mate is a female, and she is not a child.”
“Can you feel her?” Alpha Tim asked and tilted his head, “My wolf knew my mate was out there, it was the finding that was the most difficult.” He said as he touched his chest.
“I do.” Prince Cael said in a softer voice as he frowned, “I’ve roamed the free lands as much as I can. But, since my father’s illness is getting worse my duties are here and to the packs.” Beta Greg now looked towards his Alpha, knowing his intentions. He shook his head, it couldn’t be. There was no way, but Alpha Tim looked ahead. Guilt settling in his chest.
“My Prince.” Alpha Tim said loudly, “There is one woman you have yet to meet.” He said as he slowly hung his head. His wolf seemed to fight with him as his eyes grew brighter with a golden ring shining through, his wolf wanting to refuse his next words. But Alpha Tim shook his head as he struggled to look at the prince.
“I’ve met every woman on your land, Alpha Tim.” Prince Cael said in a soft tone watching the Alpha fight for his control.
“You did not meet this one, because we hid her away from you.” Alpha Tim said as he stared up at his prince, “I betrayed the royal command, and I hid her when you arrived on our land.”
All the Alpha’s turned to look at the struggling Alpha with wide eyes. Alpha Tim was the last person anyone would imagine to betray the crown. Before he could compose himself a large hand landed on the black marble desk. Slowly, Alpha Tim and Beta Greg looked up to see Prince Cael staring down at them. His eyes were dark, he was in full control and he looked more cold than before.
“Who is this woman?”
