The Prince's Mistress

3

2 Months Later

I sit on the couch next to Leifer with Darius on the other side of him and then my parents, all of us sat patiently awaiting the guests Alpha Magnus had only known were coming half an hour ago. However, my family were still oblivious as to who these guests are.

Leifer nudges my arm gently "Is Magnus your type?" he asks bending slightly so our words seem more private but i know that my whole family can hear "I'm unsure, he seems kind but I don't know him very well" I admit swallowing when my dad voices his opinion on his new suitor for me "He's an honourable male who's fought in many battles to defend his pack. He's one of my most trusted friends as well and I know he will treat you like a queen if you were his mate"

"But he is old" I whisper making my mom laugh "He's the same age as your father - they are both old" she teases, patting my knee "He's nice Isilee, he cares for those he loves and would protect them with his life - you could easily love him sweetie" she continues "I'll give him a chance he is very kind and a gentleman which are nice qualities" I say trying to picture him as my male but I can only think of Thaddeus being in that position.

My mind suddenly hazes, my hand going to grip onto Leifer's as an alluring scent captures my senses - it smells of Thaddeus but so much stronger and slightly different, it's his scent but intensified which only confuses me.

"Isilee are you alright?" Leifer asks, placing the back of his palm on my forehead "Who are the guests?" I ask just as my father stands, Darius standing as well both with tall rigid postures "The Royals" Darius says "All stand, bow when they come in" my dad tells us quickly as Leifer forces me up, releasing my hand as we hear the doors to the lounge open.

Their scents drown me from their immense power which immediately has me bowing but my senses are going into overload at Thaddeus' strong scent - he seems to have so much power and assertiveness with just his dominating scent.

As they come in front of us the King's powerful voice tells us to rise and I quickly see Thaddeus stood next to an elegant woman who I can only assume is the Queen. His eyes are staring back at me but his whole demeanour has changed, he's not my lovable Thaddeus now he stands before me as the Prince. I see the softness of his eyes clash with his cold and hard exterior like always, but instead of him picking me up and kissing me like he would always do he is only staring and then quickly moves his eyes away when Magnus speaks.

"Your Majesties, I have to apologise we were surprised by your visit and already had guests; Alpha Klaus Antilla and his family." Magnus introduces as we bow our heads again "No need to apologise Magnus, it is a pleasure to see Klaus again, how are you and your pack?" he questions shaking my father's hand "We are thriving, my King"

"You know my Queen and these are our sons, the Royal Beta and his family as well" the King says "Of course, it is an honour to see you all. This is my female, Ines and our eldest son is Darius, then Leifer and our daughter Isilee" my father introduces "Please be seated" Magnus says.

I stare at my legs as I think over everything - Thaddeus has been lying to me this whole time. He's a prince, meaning he's a lycan and relationships between lycans and werewolves weren't permitted, lycans were seen to be too powerful to be with a werewolf. Was this the real reason why he didn't want to be my mate? Not because he will be busy but because he is the lycan prince and I a werewolf, being an Alpha's daughter may make my status slightly higher for the Royals but I doubt I'd be the ideal mate for the crown prince.

'Isi, they're talking about you' Leifer interrupts my thoughts by mind linking me and I quickly thank him before paying attention just in time to hear the Queen complimenting me "- such beauty and power within this female, no female has ever been born with this power only mated into it." I blush from her words as both the King and Queen look at me but the most noticeable eyes on me are Thaddeus' burning a trail on my cheeks making me blush even harder.

"We are very proud of her" my father says "Have you found a suitable mate for her? Such a powerful female should have a male to match, their offspring could change our kind with the strength it could possess being from two Alpha borns" the King says "We are hoping Alpha Magnus may be her match but they've only recently met" my father replies as if Magnus will be my mate anyways.

"That would be a very strong pairing, congratulations Magnus" the King's words have me swallowing nervously, my eyes trying desperately to stay away from Thaddeus as I feel him staring at me, I can almost sense his rage from his father's words as if my mating with Magnus will happen.

There are two sharp knocks at the door before Magnus' beta Abel steps in with a pup bouncing happily in his arms "Your Majesties, Alpha Magnus, Alpha Klaus" he bows to the higher authorities in the room whilst the pup gurgles, wiggling around until Beta Abel is forced to release the small male who quickly waddles away, running to the group of wolves with an excited squeal.

The King reaches his hand out to ruffle the pups short blonde curls "I apologise for being late I have been thrust into grandpa duties" Abel chuckles but his stress is clear "Caleb come here, sorry your majesty" he starts towards the pup but the King waves it off "No harm done Beta Abel, I am fond of pups it reminds me of mine when they were younger though they were a lot louder" he responds as Caleb toddles over to the Queen who smiles towards him as he continues mingling with the Royal family.

"Isilee could care for your grandson for the duration of this meeting, she is a natural with pups" my dad says but I see his glance to Magnus who looks towards me sizing me up to see if I would be a suitable mother for his own pups.

"Would that be okay?" Abel asks "Of course I love little ones" I respond politely but glad to escape this room and get to cuddle an adorable pup rather than sit here feeling suffocated as I am unsure as to what I should be feeling; betrayed by Thaddeus' lies or sympathetic?

"Thank you" he says "Caleb come to grandpa" he bends down with his arms open towards the pup who's now by Thaddeus entranced by rings on his fingers, but he hears his grandpa and looks towards him before squealing and running off giggling believing it's a game.

I stand up to catch him but Thaddeus is already after him and tosses him in the air, catching his little body and tickling his belly making the pup laugh hysterically. I walk over as I notice Thaddeus standing still, eyes watching my approach, the pup seems to copy him. I wave to Caleb "Hello puppy" I coo, he gives a smile with only a few teeth and he holds his hands out to me in a grabbing motion "Up, up" my heart melts at this pup but also at the softness I see in Thaddeus' eyes as our eyes meet.

I reach for the pup, my hand brushing Thaddeus' chest as I scoop up Caleb "Thank you, your highness" I say bowing my head before turning back around "Here is his bag, there's everything you'd need in there. Thank you Isilee" Abel says handing me the large shoulder bag full with toys, nappies and extra clothes.

"You're very welcome, we'll just be in the other room" I say with a smile and leaving with the pup sat on my hip.

..

I stare out the window trying to make sense of the day's events but I'm still unsure how to feel, Thaddeus isn't who I thought he was but I am more concerned with the matter of if he will make me his mate like he promised. How can he when I'm a wolf and he's a royal lycan?

Just like our argument from two months ago the same words come to mind: if he really loved me I would already be his mate no matter of titles or status - I wanted to ask him, get his answer instead of silence.

An unfamiliar lycan scent is at my door as two knocks sound, I cautiously head towards the door and upon opening it I recognise the lycan, it is one of the males that had interrupted mine and Thaddeus' argument.

"Good evening Isilee, I hope I haven't awoken you" he says "No, I was awake" I reply quietly feeling shy around a lycan despite realising that I've been in love with a lycan for two years, how can I be scared of them?

"Very well, the Prince wishes to speak with you. Privately." he tells me "Thaddeus?" I ask and he nods "O-okay" I say with hesitation as I'm unsure whether I want to talk to him or not - I'm scared of the outcome.

He smiles softly and offers me his arm just like Atticus had done and I take it "Do you want a coat Isilee?" he asks, I shake my head closing the door "I'll be fine, thank you" I respond as he leads me to wherever Thaddeus is.

"My name is Zoltar, I don't believe we were introduced last time we met. I was with another guard Ixion, we are guards of the princes." he tells me "Nice to meet you, I am Isilee" I say "I know, you seem to have a special relationship with the prince" he says, leading me out of the Alpha Magnus' house and into the forest.

"He is my boyfriend, but I am unsure what we are now. I had no idea he was the prince or even a lycan before today" I tell him, he nods "I can tell that the prince cares for you, he loves you if that's any conciliation." his words make me smile "Thank you" I murmur as we approach a house.

"This is Beta Atticus' guest house, the prince felt it would be more private if you were to speak here. Although myself and the other guards will be posted outside."

He brings me to the door and knocks, Atticus answers quickly "Isilee, thank you Zoltar. Come inside Isilee Thaddeus is waiting, I'll leave you two to it." he steps back so I can enter before he exits and closes the door behind him.

Thaddeus bolts up from his seat "Isi" he says, coming towards me and bringing me into his chest, I hug him back, wrapping my arms around his neck "You're a lycan prince" I say as he nuzzles my neck before pulling away "Yes." he states.

I put some space between us needing a clear mind to speak to him and the constant sparks from his touch do nothing but make my heart beat faster as I'm enraptured by this male.

"You lied to me for two years" I say, "Isi-"

"I feel like I don't even know you"

"How could you say that?! You know me better than anyone Isi, I'm myself with you not the cold prince everyone thinks I am" he tells me "So why couldn't you trust me? You say you love me and want me as a mate yet you've lied to me" I whimper.

"Why does it f*****g matter? It's only my title, I still love you Isi - don't you love me anymore?" he growls "I do love you and that's why it hurts that you've lied." I sigh whilst he stays quiet.

"What happens now? Lycans and wolves can't be mated Thaddeus, so is that another lie? You promised you'd make me your mate when you knew all along that we couldn't be together?"

"I still want you, I f*****g need you Isi. From the moment I met you I loved you like you're my female already" he says "So will you make me your mate?" I ask hopefully, he runs a hand through his hair "You're already my female Isi" he tells me "But I want your mark, I want us to be binded" I plead already knowing where this conversation is going - he doesn't want to commit.

"I can't. You're a werewolf, i am a lycan not only that a f*****g royal lycan it would be shameful for us to be mated, it would f**k up the whole kingdom if the crown prince mated with a werewolf." he says and I stumble from his words "Shameful? You're ashamed of me?" I whimper with tears in my eyes.

He rushes to me, reaching out his arms to hold me "No! f**k no Isi! I love you, don't cry" he tells me, kissing my cheeks "That's what you said. It would be shameful for us to be mated" I cry, he swallows "It's not supposed to happen" he says making me pull away from him with hot tears streaming down my face.

"So why did you approach me in the first place when you knew what you were and what I was? That it would be shameful for us to be together. Why make a two year relationship out of this when you knew all along you would be ashamed to call me yours?" I sob, my heart breaking I can't bare to stand, my legs giving out so I'm slumped against the wall crying my heart out.

He comes close, crouching in front of me and reaching out his hands to wipe my tears "I was drawn to you. I couldn't stay away, I was in love with you as soon as I saw you on that night and once we started speaking I knew I could never let you go" he tells me softly "But you knew you'd never make me your mate. What have you been keeping me for?" I cry.

"I want you as my mate but I can't, I still want to be with you Isi we don't have to be mated"

"So we will have a secret relationship but both be without mates? What about my suitors? What about pups? You need an heir to the throne and I want pups, we need a mate bond to have them."

"You're mine Isi, you won't be mated to any of those f*****g suitors" he growls

"But I want a mate and pups - what about you Thaddeus?"

"I will have to mated to a lycan female, I'm already seeing one which my parents set up"

"What?" I ask breathlessly, staring at him through my blurred vision "You are seeing someone else?" I whimper, he swallows and nods "How long have you been with her?" I ask "Almost a year" he admits which makes me sob. "You've been cheating?" I cry, he tries to hug me but I push him away "I don't love her Isi, I love you, i only want you"

"Or am I the mistress? Because I am the secret shameful female you don't tell anyone about and she is your perfect lycan female that you show off."

"I don't love her, I could never love anyone but you"

I can't reply I can only cry at his truth finally spilling out. Of course none of his friends knew of me because he was ashamed of me, of our relationship. They must think of me as the mistress because they will know his lycan female and then I turn up out of nowhere.

"Even if I'm mated to her I still want to be with you, you can come to the castle I'll buy you anything you want so you feel at home and we can be together Isi"

"But I will be forced to watch you with her. We would only be together in secret, I'd be your dirty werewolf w***e that you're ashamed of"

"No, it won't be like that I love you, you are no w***e you are my beautiful female."

"I'm not your female and never will be, she will. I could only every be your mistress"

"You mean more to me than anything on the planet"

"If that were true I'd already be your mate and you wouldn't be seeing anyone else"

"Isi" he sighs "I do love you, I don't want to be without you, I need you"

"Think about me for a moment Thaddeus. Whilst you will be mated to a female and having pups, I'll be alone hardly able to see you because you will have fallen in love with your mate and be caring for your family-"

"I will never love her! I will never love anyone the way I love you Isilee!" he growls angrily as if offended by my words

"That's what the mate bond does! It makes you fall in love, unable to see anyone but your mate. So I'd be left abandoned because I had devoted my life to you, left behind any chance of a mate and have no pups. I'd die sad and alone." I sob, he lifts me onto his lap, cradling me like a pup "I'd never leave you, I couldn't forget about you my beautiful female." he vows.

I cling to his shirt, digging my nose into his neck inhaling the intensified scent of the male I love "You would" I sob "No, I will love you until I die Isi" he tells me kissing my neck as he tries to soothe me "How can you say that? The mate bond would make you love her endlessly and want to get rid of me - I cannot live without you Thaddeus, please don't" I'm begging now, unable to stop my sobs and pleads.

He whines, his wolf, no, his lycan not wanting me to be hurt but that only makes me sob harder as not only does my wolf love him but his wild side loves me.

"Then come to the castle, I promise I will see you everyday, I'll come into your room and have you to myself" he tells me kissing my cheek softly as he rubs my back "I will have to hide my love for you and only show it for those short moments - I can't, I can't"

"I don't want to be your secret, your shameful secret. I want my mate to be proud to be with me not hide me away. With you, you won't even be my mate but still hide me" I cry "I am your male Isi, in my heart and soul I know I am yours and you are mine. I'm sorry we will have to be in secret but I need you no matter what"

"I can't do it. I can't leave behind males who are willing to be my mate and be proud to be my mate, who I could have a happy life with pups for a life where I'm simply my true love's shameful w***e, never to have any pups of my own and never to have a mate"

"If you loved me you would" he says

"If you loved me I'd be your mate and you'd be proud to have me - but the only place you think I am worthy of is your dirty w***e" I spit, hating that he would dare to question my love for him. I shouldn't give up the potential of a fulfilled life being a Luna with a mate and pups for a life that is doomed for sadness where I have no mate nor pups and have unrequited love for a mated male who'd of course fall for his mate.

"Please Isi, I need you, I love you so much" he says "I can't" I sigh

"So this is it? You will return to the castle, be mated, have pups, become King and I will choose a suitor and mate them, become a Luna and have pups. We will never see each other again, never touch each other, never hold one another, never kiss-" I become choked up at the realisation of what my future will be; one without my true love.

But the alternative seems even more dreadful.

He turns my head and I see his sapphire eyes full of unshed tears, he pecks my lips softly "Please Isi, don't" he begs "Don't give up on us, on me. Please I love you so much" he says, but I shake my head "I suppose we weren't meant to be my male" I whimper, breaking into sobs once again as I feel my heart shatter.

It feels like only seconds pass but in reality it must be at least an hour of me sobbing whilst Thaddeus cradles me until the door swings open Dominic followed by Atticus, Zoltar, Dahlia, Seraphina and another male lycan who I recognise as the one who had been with Zoltar so must be Ixion.

"Father's wondering where you are" Dominic says, sneering when he sees our position "We tried to stop him" Atticus apologises "He can wait" Thaddeus growls towards Dominic.

I wipe at my tears, gathering myself "It's alright, I should go" I say with a tight smile but Thaddeus won't let me go "No, my father can wait" he tells me kissing my cheeks and gently wiping more tears. I shake my head, taking a shaky breath as I try to keep from crying again.

"I should go" I whisper getting up with Thaddeus right behind me, he pulls me to him and lowers his head "I love you Isi, I know it doesn't seem like it but I do and I will always love you" he tells me, sapphire eyes burning with intensity.

I press my lips together and nods, blinking away my tears "I love you too" I say just as he leans forward to press his lips on mine, I feel my lips trembling as I try not to cry and I pull away "Bye" I whisper, turning around to notice all of his friends and guards have turned away or are looking to the floor, even his brother has his back to us.

"Goodbye my female" he says as I give him one last small smile and turn back around, seeing Zoltar at my side walking me back. I wrap my arms around myself as I walk away, sniffling and taking shaky breaths trying not to cry but I'm too emotional after having to walk away from the male I love.

I fall to the floor sobbing, unable to hold in my emotions. Zoltar puts his arms around me just as I hear Thaddeus' voice "Isi" he calls in worry "Leave her" his brother growls, that then igniting what sounds like a violent fight with snarls and roars of anger.

Zoltar picks me up as I sob against him and he brings me inside "What did you do to her?" Darius' growl makes me open my eyes noticing that we're back in my bedroom at Magnus' house. Zoltar doesn't speak as I try to calm down "Thank you" I manage to say as Darius snatches me away from him, he bows his head "Goodnight Isilee"

"Don't" I whimper to Darius who growls at Zoltar and closes the door, "What's wrong? What happened?" he asks "Th-Thaddeus" I whine "The male you love?" he asks making me whimper "H-he's the prince" I say, "What?" he growls.

I spend the night sobbing as I tell my brother everything but it does nothing to ease the aching pain in my heart as I know I won't be with my male ever again.