*Tiara*
"If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Don't keep anything to yourself," X said, almost as if he could read my thoughts. Maybe my eyes were too obvious.
Slightly tilting my head, I looked at him skeptically and demanded, "I don't know anything about you. Who are you? What do you do? But one thing I know, you're not human."
X smirked, glancing at me with amusement.
"You're right. I am a Lycan Prince," he revealed.
My breath caught in my throat as I processed his words.
"A Lycan Prince?!" I exclaimed, blinking at him in shock.
He nodded sternly, confirming my suspicions. "Yes, that's correct."
A prince?! So that was why his aura was so intimidating.
"So, what is a Lycan prince doing here?" I asked curiously.
"I am here to complete my studies. Now, after my graduation ceremony, I am about to return to my pack, and I want you to come with me, Tiara," he expressed without hesitation.
I took a deep breath and knew I had to tell him my secret. There was no use hiding it any longer.
"Listen, you don't know, perhaps, but my father and I are banned in the supernatural realm," I revealed, biting my lips and watching his expression intently, as I was scared of how he would take this news. Everyone in the shifters' world hated my dad and me because of that curse.
"I know everything about you, Tiara," he declared nonchalantly, his cold voice dripping with confidence.
He knew?!
But then again, he was a Lycan prince, and his abilities surpassed those of ordinary werewolves—no wonder he had found out about Jeremy and Shirley.
"You know everything about me and still want me to come with you?! You know that if they find out about me violating their rules and laws, the punishment is only death," I gasped, the weight of the consequences settling heavily on my conscience.
The supernatural world’s laws and rules were ruthless and unforgiving.
"No one can touch you or harm you, Tiara. You can trust me," he declared, his deep voice turning severe as his cold gaze remained fixed on me. I felt breathless under his intense gaze.
I averted my eyes, taking a deep breath.
"I have just discovered that two of my closest people, whom I trusted more than myself, betrayed me. It will take time before I can trust you," I countered, whispering.
"I understand. I am okay as long as you stay with me. I will hide your identity, and no one has ever seen you because of the ban upon you," he explained, despite his tone being stern and rough, his voice carrying a soothing undertone.
"What if they still find out?" I asked, a flicker of fear creeping into my voice as I searched his eyes for answers.
His eyes glinted with an unknown emotion as he gazed deep into mine. He moved closer, his fists clenching to his sides as if refraining himself from touching me. My heartbeat raced and my breathing quickened.
Why did he have to have such an effect on me? And what was with his unique masculine scent? It always made my head spin with an overwhelming sensation between my legs.
"They will never find out," he assured in his dangerously deep voice. "I am the crown prince and the future King. Once I ascend to the Lycan throne and become a council member, my opinion will hold immense value. I will make changes to the amendments, and your safety will be my utmost priority."
So, he was the crown prince, destined to ascend the throne, and he wanted me by his side. But why would he desire someone like me, cursed and an outcast from his world? I didn't know whether I could trust him. Hell, I didn't even know what his hidden purpose was behind this.
"You still have doubts?!" he sighed, his intense gaze reading my face.
"I can't leave my dad alone," I explained, my gaze fixed on the ground. "His condition is not good, and I have to stay here for his treatment and take care of him."
His rough fingers touched my chin as he gently lifted my face, forcing my gaze to meet his intense eyes. There was an unyielding resolve in his expression as he peered deep into my soul.
"I will admit him to the hospital," he declared in a firm and resolute voice. "I will make sure your father will get the best treatment and care. I will manage everything in this realm but must leave to resume my duties. So you have to leave with me," he insisted, his words laced with insistence and authority as if he had every right to claim me.
I had already agreed to his deal. Did I have any other option? No!
So, I slowly nodded in acknowledgment.
True to his word, X swiftly arranged everything. My dad was admitted to the best hospital in the city, and X paid his treatment expenses for the entire year in advance. It was still very difficult for me to trust him. However, X assured me that he would continue to support my father's medical needs every year, no matter what. I was touched by his promise, but the doubts were still in my heart because I couldn't fathom why he was doing this.
***********************
*Alexander*
Gideon looked at me suspiciously.
"Are you going to tell me why we must take that girl to our pack, knowing she's banished in shifter's world?" Gideon's words dripped with skepticism, his voice heavy with doubt.
I stared at him authoritatively. I knew I could trust him. He was my best friend and future Beta, my shadow and nothing about my life had been hidden from him.
"Gideon, she is my mate," I declared firmly.
A myriad of emotions flickered across Gideon's face, disbelief being the dominant one. His voice cracked with incredulity as he tried to process the magnitude of my revelation.
"What the f**k?!" Gideon cursed under his breath, his disbelief coloring his words. "I can't believe you just found your mate who was cursed and banished from our realm," he exclaimed, a touch of playful mockery creeping into his tone.
I clenched my fists, feeling the surge of frustration rise within me.
"Shut the f**k up, Gideon," I snapped in a sharp tone. "Don't forget you are talking to your Alpha and future King," I warned him in my dangerous tone as my alpha aura surrounded him, making him submit before his Alpha.
He promptly lowered his eyes and head in respect.
"I'm not in the mood for discussion regarding this. It's time for you to be loyal to your future King. And as my future Beta, you must keep this secret locked inside your heart. I know you won't tell anyone, but I want your commitment in words," I demanded as my words announced the severity of the situation.
I had to keep that girl with me because of Xylon. He wasn't ready to leave without her, not even ready to reject her, and continually threatened me that he would leave. Until I found a solution to this problem, I needed to keep her with me to maintain my Lycan's sanity and calmness.
Gideon's eyes lifted to meet mine, his expression shifting from amusement to solemnity. He placed his hand over his heart, a gesture of loyalty and devotion.
"You have my loyalty and my words, my Alpha and the future King," Gideon vowed, his voice steady, his eyes unwavering.
I nodded, acknowledging his pledge.
"One more thing! She doesn't know she's my mate," I quickly informed Gideon, ensuring he understood the delicate nature of the situation.
This time, his eyes narrowed in confusion as he stared at me, trying to process the revelation. I raised a brow in challenge. Submitting to his alpha, he nodded in agreement.
"So, what are you going to do now? You know that you are already..." I had to interrupt him when he began to remind me of the gravity of my current situation.
"I have to reject her, I don't have a choice," I shrugged helplessly.
I had blocked Xylon, so he couldn't hear our discussion.
"But not now. Xylon is in a bad mood and he needs her. So, she will come with us and live temporarily in the Moonlight pack until I find a solution," I announced.
As a king, I would have to make some decisions alone, even if others didn't agree.
"Make sure there's no trace of her identity and existence left in this human realm and get everything ready for our departure tomorrow," I ordered, emphasizing the urgency in my voice.
"Got it!" Gideon obediently responded.
"And yes, take good care of her friends so they will never cheat anyone again," I ordered, my tone cold and void of emotions.
Gideon smirked, nodding in assurance.
“Don't worry, X. I will take good care of those cheaters,” he affirmed.
Once all the necessary arrangements were made in the human world, we embarked on our journey back to the pack. Throughout the trip, Tiara remained silent, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. Though I maintained a stoic expression, I couldn't help but steal glances at her out of curiosity.
As the bustling cityscape gave way to the serene beauty of nature, with concrete buildings replaced by towering trees, lush greenery, and rolling hills, I noticed her eyes shimmering with astonishment. A small smile stretched across her beautiful face, again stirring something strange in my heart. I forced myself to look away and avoid glancing at her.
Finally, we crossed the threshold of the dense forest, arriving at the grand entrance gate of the Moonlight pack, the territory of my kingdom. Encircled by majestic hills, the pack's borders stood as a formidable barrier.
The three massive gates slowly swung open one by one, granting passage to our car, which smoothly glided through and into the heart of the Lycan palace. Gideon and I stepped out of the vehicle. I courteously held the door open for Tiara. She hesitantly alighted, her uncertainty palpable in her hesitant movements.
"Welcome back, Prince Alexander," my father, Axel Stoneheart, greeted me, his smug smile faltering as his gaze shifted to Tiara.
"Alexander, you know very well that outsiders are not allowed within our territory," he warned, his voice carrying a hint of a growl.
Tiara trembled slightly, instinctively moving behind my massive form, hiding herself from the scrutinizing gazes of the onlookers.
"Father, she is not a stranger. She is a friend," I clarified.
"A friend?!" a melodious voice called out, instantly capturing my attention.
I turned my head to find the Fae princess, Abigail, standing there with a sweet and alluring smile gracing her lips.
"What sort of friend is she to you, X?" Abigail asked, glancing at Tiara from head to toe.
"Abigail! I had no idea you were also here," I exclaimed, glaring at my father.
"Oh, don't be cross with anyone else. I specifically instructed everyone to keep it a secret because I wanted to surprise you," Abigail explained, her tone filled with playful mischief. "So, will you introduce me to your friend?" she pressed, wrapping her fingers around my arm as her gaze fixed intently on Tiara.
"Abigail, this is Tiara, my friend from the human world. And Tiara, allow me to introduce Princess Abigail, my fiancée," I hesitantly announced, watching a furrow deepen between Tiara's eyebrows with curiosity. She looked at me with her innocent deep blue eyes, clearly brimming with questions.