The Differing Twin Princes

The most contrasting counterparts

Piper POV

I loved my father’s study so much more than the public, pack library. In amongst his first edition classic novels and reference books were the real hidden treasures and this book had to be my favourite. I loved the feel of the pentagram that had been carved into its thick leather cover. I inhaled the sweet smell of its yellowed pages, before my eyes returned to scan over the elegantly penned writings once again.

Few people knew the truth about our creation and reading this handwritten manuscript made me feel like someone was disclosing their most important secret to me. As if I were a trusted confidante. For once in my life, I actually felt special, instead of being the boring sister of the infamous Skylar Ryan.

We may be twins, but we could not be any more different if we tried. She was the confident, beautiful troublemaker, whereas I was the quiet, dull bookworm.

Where I was more than happy to settle down with a book, she preferred the feeling of an adrenaline-inducing spar. She lived for a catfight with a scrappy female, that would have her blood pumping excitedly. Even if an argument didn’t involve her, she would somehow meddle so much, until she was at the centre of attention. Simply put, my sister enjoyed being at the heart of any drama.

That being said, Skylar wasn’t all about fights and violent behaviour. Like I said, she enjoyed being in the spotlight, and that included revelling in the lustful stares of males as she flirted shamelessly with them. The tight, revealing clothes that she chose, meant that she got the desired leers.

Many of her clashes with females were over men she had her sights on. Of course, she didn’t make advances on those who had found their mates, but according to Skylar, those with random girlfriends were still fair game.

We were all desperate for her to find her mate, hoping he would be able to tame her. My mother had insisted she was beginning to become out of control, and feared that her reckless behaviour would eventually culminate in a rejection.

We had turned sixteen nearly two years ago, but unluckily, we found our mates were not in our pack, meaning we would have to travel to find them. Unfortunately, due to the unknown location of our traitorous cousin, our brother had forbidden us to leave the safety of our pack’s territory. Archer had once been like a brother to us, until he broke the relationship by seducing my brother’s mate. He planned to overthrow Brandon and take the alpha position for himself. Now, Archer was out there somewhere and we were all clueless to what his next move may be.

Not that finding her mate concerned Skylar, she claimed she didn’t need, nor want one. She wasn’t willing to be shackled to a demanding mate who saw her as his possession. She was convinced that a mate would only make her life monotonous and dreary.

A mate for me, however, meant I would finally receive the attention I secretly craved. Having to contend with such a hyperactive and brazen counterpart, I enjoyed my own privacy. Then again, being the logical, well-behaved sister meant I was often completely overlooked, almost forgotten about. Would I have to act just as reckless to get a second glance?

I was the daughter that my parents could trust to be sensible enough to not need constant supervision. I was not careless and brash. I knew when to keep my mouth closed and refrain from causing unnecessary confrontations. My life may be, as Skylar would refer to it, a boring one, but it was one without embarrassment and scandal.

I recall a certain time, when a pack member commented that, if there were a female that held my sister’s beauty and confidence, but had my sensibilities and mannerisms, she would be a perfect woman. Not what a body-conscious girl of twelve wants to hear; that you are the lesser beauty.

Piper, your brother is leaving. Could you come down to bid him farewell please, sweetheart. My negative musings were interrupted by the voice of my father as he spoke through our mind link.

Of course, I shall be down in a couple of minutes.

Good girl.

I clapped the open book shut and returned it to the shelf it had been housed on.

My hands stroked over the fabric of my dress as I smoothed the creases and straightened my cardigan. I slipped my feet back into my flat pumps and took out the key from my pocket, ready to secure the door when I left the room.

When I arrived downstairs, my family were all gathered around my brother and his mate.

“I ran this pack for thirty years, I think I can handle it for a few weeks.” My father chuckled as he clapped my brother on the back.

“I know, but with everything that’s going on…” Brandon started before being cut off.

“Pfft.” My father rolled his eyes. “You think I’m worried about that deluded little pup? He’s just a child thinking he can keep up with the big boys.”

“The threat is real.”

“And we will cross that bridge when we come to it. You think I haven’t had bigger, more formidable threats than him? Take my word for it, if he attempts to attack, he will regret his decision.”

Brandon answered with a grunt and moved his attention to me.

“At least I can count on you to stay safe and out of trouble.” He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “It’s just a shame our sister can’t seem to stay away from any trouble.”

“All you can do is warn her.” I placed my hand over his where it still resided upon my shoulder. “After that, her actions are her own. As you already know, she is a law unto herself.”

“Goddess, anyone would think you were the oldest out of the three of us.”

“Sometimes I feel like it.”

Skylar POV

“I’m not going to be here to protect you, so make sure you stay out of trouble, Sky.”

I laughed inwardly at my brother’s statement. I hadn’t needed his, or any other man’s protection in years.

I was the daughter of a powerful alpha, making me one of the strongest and best trained members of our pack. I had never wanted to be outdone by anyone else and had dedicated most of my time to being the best fighter I could be.

Unlike my twin sister, who insisted that intellect should be a female’s greatest weapon. I, myself, believed in the ability to protect oneself physically was crucial. Plus, it didn’t hurt that my rigorous training routine kept my body looking hot.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, Brandon…” I said in mock surprise. “I am always on my best behaviour.”

“You forget; I know you too well, little sister. Don’t make me order you a twenty-four hour guard.”

I huffed at his comment, because I knew he would do it. Ever since our cousin had betrayed our family and disappeared with, seemingly, no trace, he had become even more protective of all of us.

Said cousin, Archer had been the most devious man I had ever had the misfortune to come into contact with.

Even his distraught father, our father’s half-brother, had disowned him due to his heinous crimes. Not only had he deceived us, impregnating my brother’s first mate and attempting to stage an uprising, but he had also abducted and imprisoned one of the Lycaon princesses. We were informed by the kingdom that his villainy would not go unpunished, not that any of our family cared; to us he was already dead.

“We will be fine…” I answered, swatting away his concerns as if they were flies. “I promise not to do anything reckless until you return.”

My brother combed his fingers through his wavy, brown locks with an exasperated sigh.

“That’s not quite what I meant…” His voice sounded irritated through his gritted teeth. “But I know it is the best answer I am going to receive from you.”

“Now go…Shoo…” I urged with a gentle shove to his broad back. “You’ll miss prince Jackson’s naming ceremony at this rate. And seeing as your mate is his guide parent, I believe the princess may have something to say about that!”

“He’s nearly three…” Brandon grumbled. “Isn’t he a bit too old for a naming ceremony anyway?”

“This, my love…” His mate, Olivia, snaked her arm through his as she spoke soothingly to him. “Is what Emmi wants and whatever Emmi wants, I want. Now, come along or we’ll miss the plane.”

I smiled gratefully at Liv as she began to guide him away, the action being accompanied by a defeated grunt from my brother.

“I will phone daily to make sure you are behaving yourself, Sky.” He shouted back, not bothering to turn as they walked away towards the dense forest.

“No need…” I returned his hollered statement. “I won’t leave my room until you return… Except for training, of course!”

“If you think I’d believe that, you must really believe me to be a simpleton!”

Piper POV

None of us believed my twin sister’s promise, there was no way she could stay out of trouble for more than one day, let alone an entire month!

“Thank the goddess he’s finally gone…” She sighed in relief, a sly smile growing on her face. “Now I can finally have some fun.”

“But your promise?” I said in false shock.

“Yeah, like I really meant that!” She countered sarcastically with an eye roll. “I would die of boredom if I did everything he said.”

She turned to me, eyeing my shin-length lilac summer dress, white cardigan and ballet pumps with disgust.

“Goddess, when are you joining the convent? You could practically pass as a nun!”

Turning away from my sister, I began to walk in the direction of the packhouse. I needed to escape Skylar before she divulged all of her undoubtedly irresponsible plans to me; I wanted no part in her foolish schemes.