MATED TO THE WEREWOLF PRINCE

-YURI HANNA- The rain was pelting down like daggers on the asphalt road, forming dense hazes that quickly added to the frostiness of the atmosphere. The saturated earth's enticing aroma hung around in the air, evoking fervor in those who had been exposed to its enchantment. Amid the surly mysticism, an imposing man stood like a statue on an empty street near Adamson City's infamous hotel. His soggy white button-down shirt and black trousers gripped his tiny frame. With the help of the street lamps, a sly sneer tugging the corner of his lips could not be missed as he reveled in the harsh water pounding his ghostly face. A peculiar panorama to see, but it was soon interrupted by three major anomalies lurking in the shadows. Their faces were veiled beneath the hoods of their coats as they wore black overalls. They moved in silently, but their heavy footfall revealed their evil intent. They were scheming to seize the fellow, which was slightly alarming to me, who was at the time inside my car a few meters away from them. "Hmm," a hum resonated from my throat, and I began tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, debating whether or not to get involved. The young man with golden long hair showering in the rain without a care in the world is from the Western continent. To be precise, a royal prince. His family joined the war a week ago, and as the successor of the throne, he was taken to the east continent to hide from the enemy who was after the royal crown. He must be shielded from all dangers until the struggle between the royal family and the rogues in the West is resolved. As fate would have it, I was assigned the honorable task of guarding the prince against my will. I sat back in my seat as I inhaled, my chest heaving up and down. That morning, I was meant to pick up the werewolf prince at the airport, but I got caught up in a skirmish at Bloody Paws' border. The trespassers are causing endless problems. I had to drag those shits in the jail before going to Adamson City, which caused me to be late. My first task was a flop, but I didn't care. For me, being appointed as a bodyguard is a bunch of nonsense. I refused to be the prince's dog multiple times, but it was futile because my alpha's decision was tough to reverse, leaving me with no choice but to comply. Another sigh from my lips, and I growled, "Let's get this s**t done and over with." I switched on the engine of my expensive car, went for the gear shift, and pressed the accelerator. The loud screeching sound of the wheels hitting the pavements drowned out the drizzle, capturing the attention of the three cloaked suspicious souls and the royal prince, who deliberately opened his eyes and switched his awareness to the raging vehicle. My eyebrows creased as the three rascals jumped into the ditch to avoid getting hit by my car, but I didn't waste time and stopped in front of the stunned royal prince. My foot pressed the brake pedal, and I bolted out. I jogged to the opposite side, opened the passenger door, and engaged with my target. "Get in," amidst the heavy pouring rain that soaked my white tee, slim denim, and pair of boots, I charged in a deep monotonous voice, fastening my blank eyes to the prince, who on the other side of the coin got back to his senses quickly. Slanting his head to the side, several of 'His Highness's' hair strands fell in front of his face and were quickly brushed to the back of his head by his silky fingers. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice rich and velvety. His thick lashes fluttered, and his emerald-green eyes returned my gaze. There was no hesitation, only curiosity. Instead of responding, I reached for the prince's arm and gently pushed him inside the car. When our skin touched, something disturbed me for a few seconds, but I didn't have time to think about it since I perceived a nefarious presence approaching. "Stay here," I mumbled in my normal dull tone, settling the prince into his spot with the safety belt. The prince gaped at me but made no statement or sign of resistance, to my absolute relief. I have a strict inner wolf thus, obstinacy irritates me. Royalty or not. As the door of the passenger seat swung shut, I stood up against the mutts that were pursuing the fellow in my care. A hand jumped out of the automobile window and groped for my arm. I brushed it off instinctively and turned around to face the prince, a severe frown on my forehead. "What?" The prince leaned back in his seat and bestowed me a measly indecipherable grin. "I can tell your strength is impressive, but I'm troubled by the idea of a single spirit dealing with three bloodthirsty killers all by himself." My lips hung open in a huff. Ignoring the fact that he used the word 'himself' to refer to me; a female, I was still vexed because he tacitly underrated me. And the notion of a lanky fellow questioning my capacity to fight incited my temper. "I won't have to deal with those worthless bastards if only someone learned how to protect his goddamn ass!" After spitting those remarks, I left the prince and confronted the three scoundrels who were waiting for me at the gloomy corner of the street. The rain had ceased a few seconds later, and all that could be heard were the crickets and night birds. "Give the prince to us, and you will be rewarded, young man." As I stood in front of the smelly rogues hired to kill the prince, my jaw clenched. I was again mistaken for a male, and I chose not to react about it because I didn't have time to correct their idiocy. Instead, I smirked and said, "Tempting, but the prince is mine." I was designated as his bodyguard, and even though I adore money, they couldn't bribe me. I'd rather die than hand over my subject to them. When they heard my response, the assassins' lips curved up and they snarled ferociously. Unmoved by their angry display, I heaved a big breath. I straightened my back and awaited their next move when the commander of the three assassins charged at me and snarled, "Kill him!"