The Alpha's Unwanted Princess

Prologue ~ The Arrival

Roxanne was born into a world of Knights and ladies, of society and decorum, a world of werewolves. In the sky resided one sun but two moons. One silver and one red.

She is the daughter of the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack. For centuries they have been at war with The Blood Moon Pack yet, a truce was on the horizon. An unknown enemy was attacking them and the only way to destroy them was to join forces.

She is betrothed to the new Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. Destined to bring peace to a feud as ancient as time. She would be the insurance that this accord would hold between the two packs.

Could peace really be possible between such enemies? Was Roxanne heading towards her destiny or her death? She only had hope to hold onto while she headed into Blood Moon territory, all hostile eyes on her.

She followed the Blood Moon Knights through the Dark Forest without question. She knew it was the only path they could take to get to The Blood Moon Kingdom, even though many mysterious disappearances had been occurring there lately. The sun had been shining brightly that morning, but within the Dark Forest, light seemed to cease to exist as if night had fallen within a matter of seconds. One of the knights, whom she had learned was named Roland, turned to her with what could only be described as a cold stare.

"You must transform. The only safe way to make it through is in our wolf form. We must be quick so please keep up and do not fall behind."

His callous attitude did not surprise Roxanne. To them, she was only a means to an end. She would marry their Alpha so that their kingdoms could join together and defeat the Unknown Enemy that has been killing off their people. It had started over a year ago, first children and women disappearing in the middle of the night then the men. No one ever saw them, No one could understand how they left no scent, no footprints, no sign that anyone had ever been there. With the Blood Moon's massive army and strategic military tactics along with The Silver moon's intelligence in science and industry, they hoped to discover who this enemy was and destroy them. Roxanne was just an insurance policy. She was only there to ensure the peace so that they would not turn against one another. It was her duty and she was prepared to put up with all the callous attitudes and disrespect that came her way.

She gave the Knight a slight smile before she began to undress, not even waiting for him to turn away. Roland's eyes widened and he looked away quickly, he and the rest of his men transforming into their wolf forms. Their armor was specially made to adjust with their shape so that they could morph quickly without the hassle of removing clothing. It was one of the Blood Moon's brilliant military inventions. Roxanne placed her clothing in the bags that had been strapped onto one of the horses before she morphed into her wolf form. Among the dark-furred knights, Roxanne stuck out like a sore thumb. Her pure white coat seeming to glow even within the sunless dark forest.

I am ready, Sir Roland She said, communicating with her mind in her wolf form.

In Blood Moon, we do not have Knights, Only Soldiers. He corrected before turning to his men

Let’s move!

She started to run along with the others, the soldiers moving into a circle formation around her. They had not gotten far when suddenly a noise stopped them all dead in their tracks. It was a noise that none of them had ever heard before. A loud piercing screech made a sharp pain radiate through their heads. Roxanne closed her eyes against the piercing sound for only a moment when she heard one of the soldiers let out a whimper beside her. She quickly looked towards him and saw his fur was soaked in blood, three large claw marks ripped through his side. He fell to the ground while the other soldiers looked around frantically for their attacker. Roxanne heard a loud swoosh like something passing by too fast to be seen as it struck at the other soldier beside her.

They are going after the Princess! Colin, get her out of here!

It was the first time Roxanne had heard Roland use her title, however, she did not have much time to think about that now. The wolf behind her nudged her to follow him as they took off through the forest. Roxanne did not want to leave them to face the invisible enemy alone but if it was truly after her maybe it would leave them be. She ran through the Dark Forest at a neck-breaking speed. She could hear the howls of wolves behind her, the loud screech only coming closer and closer. Colin moved to protect her back but she heard the loud swoosh once more and when she turned to look back, Colin was gone. She was alone in the Dark Forest with no idea as to where she was going. She kept moving forward, running as fast as her wolf heart could take her. She could see sunlight reaching through the edge of the trees and knew she was almost out. The loud screech rang through the air making Roxanne feel like her head was going to split in half. She fell to the ground, whimpering, her ears pulled back to try to block out the noise. It was all the invisible creature needed in order to strike. A searing pain ran up Roxanne's back and she let out a loud cry. She had to move or be killed. She staggered to her feet and took off towards the sunlight.

She had no idea how she made it but the welcoming warmth of the sun was a saving grace. She looked back towards the Dark Forest over her shoulder, seeing the long scratches that ran up her back as blood stained her white fur. It was in a place where trying to lick it would be impossible. She hoped the scratch was not too deep and that she would not bleed out before she made it to the Blood Moon Kingdom. She trudged along the path hoping that it was leading her in the right direction.

Night had fallen by the time she could see the walls that surrounded the kingdom. She could make out the gate right ahead and started to walk a bit faster. She was not surprised that as she drew closer soldiers surrounded her, all in wolf form and wearing Blood Moon Armor.

Who are you and what do you want?

She had no idea which one had spoken to her, She was losing focus and her vision was becoming blurry.

I am Princess Roxanne of the Silver Moon. Daughter of Artemis the Alpha.

If you are the Princess then where are your escorts we sent for you?

We were traveling through the Dark Forest and were attacked by an invisible force.

Invisible huh? Alright then if we are to believe you then prove to us that you are the daughter of Artemis, Alpha of the Silver Moon.

There was only one way for Roxanne to prove such a thing. That is, of course, if the knuckleheads knew anything other than to harass hurt females who were in obvious need of medical attention. She let out a sigh and then transformed back into her human form, the burning sensation in her back hurting almost more than she could stand. She grit her teeth against the pain and looked at the guards who had also shifted into human form, seeing her as less of a threat this way. Most of them were staring at her dumbstruck as if they had never seen a naked woman before. She rolled her eyes and turned her back to them, reaching behind her to push aside her long silver locks to expose her moon crest birthmark that resided between her shoulder blades.

"Is that proof enough, gentlemen? Now please, if you do not mind, can you get the Alpha so that I may tell him what happened and if you could be a dear and get me some clothes and maybe even something for my back."

The soldier who had been unbelieving of her identity nodded and quickly ran off to do her bidding while the others still stared at her like adolescent pups.

"Didn't your mother tell you it’s not polite to stare?"

They all jumped as if they had not noticed what they had been doing and quickly turned to go back to their posts. They opened the gates to allow her through the walls of the kingdom. A soldier stepping forward with a large red cloak, helping Roxanne put it around her shoulders. The fabric rubbed against the claw marks on her back causing her to wince. With less serious injuries they would usually already be beginning to heal but these creatures seemed to be able to inflict more severe wounds.

“A healer will be waiting for you in the great hall.” The soldier informed her as he led her through the gates

All eyes seemed to be on her as they walked through the village. Some villagers stood at their doorways, glaring with disdain and distrust while Roxanne spied a few tiny faces peeping at her through the windows. She turned her attention towards Blood Moon Castle. It was more of a stronghold rather than a palace made for royalty like hers was at home. The Blood Moon Pack were warriors. They did not spend their time holding balls or having parties. Their sole focus was on being the most feared in all the realm.

Roxanne stumbled slightly and the soldier moved to help her but she raised a hand to stop him. She could not deny that she was terrified of what was in that castle but she would never show it. She stood straight and held her head high as she walked towards the fate that awaited her.