Chapter 15

........Third Person's POV
I stared closely at the picture on the desk, tracing the edges of the knife in my hand. I've been sitting here for quite some time, memorizing every inch of her face, every curve of her body.
She's such a beauty, her wide violet eyes and thick eyelashes called for attention, and were enough to make any man get lost between them.
But I wasn't any man. I yearn to see that spark of happiness in her eyes dwindle and dwindle until nothing but misery fills them. It's a shame the princess will have to endure the torture I have in store for her, the energy getting sucked out of her.
She can be used for better purposes, in bed perhaps.
I mused, holding up her picture in my other hand, glamorous thoughts running through my head. I wonder how a fragile woman as her seizes such destructive power. A power so strong it could put us all underground.
The first descendant of the merge between two kingdoms. A female, hair as black as midnight with eyes so unique, as violet as the ocean sky between dusk and dawn.
My mother's last words still echo in my mind, making their way out of her lips just moments before taking her lasts breaths. I clenched my fists as the memory carved in my brain replayed itself.
I was a kid back then, a hundred years back. In a moonless night they attacked us, the vampires, demons, witches, werewolves and angels, killing our kind.
But not all.
The women were able to hide the kids in the underground facility which couldn't be seen unless by one of us. It was not to be used unless for emergency, and when the alarm bells rang, we definitely knew we were under attack.
I was the first to get out from there, only to be stunned by the horror of the sight. My people, my parents, slaughtered. It was a massacre by all means, a bloody mess all over my kingdom.
I am the heir of the fiare throne and I want bloodshed. The same that happened with my people will happen to theirs. And to make things better, I have the element of surprise.
Of course I don't expect the princess to help me, that's why I'm planning on transferring her powers to mine. She might die once her energy's drained but that's no big deal.
"Shouldn't we take her? We've waited too long." I glanced at my longtime friend who decided to break his silence and speak his mind. I wasn't surprised really, I knew Mason was getting impatient with waiting, he wanted vengeance as much as I did.
"Patience, my friend, all in right time. Once prince Jake returns to his kingdom, we'll be able to strike." I grinned watching Mason's expression turn from irritation to confusion.
"Why wait until then?"
"Because they'll leave their guard down. What's a better opportunity to abduct a princess other than a ball set for her in specific? The future queen of the werewolf kingdom." I chuckled loving the wickedness of the plan I had in mind.
I sighed blissfully, the perks of having spies in the castle, making me know the ins and outs of their royal highness – which is more likely going to change to their royal dirt.
Mason's grin mimicked that of a cashmere cat, his eyes shimmering in amusement.
I'll have you princess, and it'll be sooner than you expect.
"You're the master mind here. Whatever you say, we follow." He stated. I nodded, returning my gaze onto Lola's image I had in hand.
Jake's POV
I stayed in Ken's study whereas Lola and her mom took their leave. Apparently, Ken wanted to discuss several issues as he called it.
Lola wasn't convinced though but let the matter drop and followed Violet who kept tugging her out of the room.
I remained calm, disregarding the possibility of him chopping my balls off. Ken's reaction was odd, totally opposite to how he'd actually react upon knowing his princess is a werewolf's mate.
He sat behind his desk, clasping his hands together, the seriousness of his expression returning.
"Violet and I knew this day would come, you know." His eyes showed contradicting emotions.
"Violet talked about you two together several times, but I didn't pay the subject much importance. It wasn't because I didn't care, but I was scared. It's hard to see your little princess grow up into a beautiful lady and it's harder when men begin introducing themselves to her.
But for some reason, I knew she'd choose you. Call it whatever you want, a father's intuition perhaps, but I knew. And now that you're her mate, it puts my heart at ease." He sighed.b
I failed not to smile. Even her father had a feeling that we'll end up together.
"I'm sure you won't hurt her, it's in your eyes. And for that, I'm more than grateful. Most men want the status and the money, but you want her for her heart.
Jake, with danger lurking by the corner, I want you to protect her, never leave her out of your sight. They want her power and I don't want to imagine what they're capable of doing to possess it. Until we find out where they're hiding, I don't want you to leave Lola's side."
I growled possessively, my wolf craving to rip the throat of anyone who dares to think of getting near her, to harm her.
He stood up and so did I, watching as he walked around his desk until he was facing me. I tensed, neither knowing what to do nor what to say.
But when he put his hand on my shoulder, I blew out a breath of relief. His lips curved upwards in a genuine smile and his eyes lit up, all past worry replace by outright ease.
"I won't allow that. Be certain that she'll be under my protection at all times. She's my mate, I'll do anything to keep her safe, even if it means sacrificing my own life." My tone was dead serious, and Ken seemed satisfied with that.
"I will, sir."
"I trust you with my daughter, Jake. Take care of her." I smiled.
"No need for formalities now, call me Ken." He chuckled patting my shoulder.
I grinned, the edginess I felt dying down.
I stayed a little longer than intended in Ken's office, discussing my return to the kingdom. He asked me a couple of questions on how I arrived unnoticed so I had to explain everything about the witch and the portal.
Frankly, he was amused but didn't comment on anything.
Coming to the serious part, I told him that I plan to return to the kingdom with Lola. We had a little debate concerning the issue but it worked out eventually. We agreed that she'll stay there for a while, get to know the kingdom and its people better, then travel back here.
My people will love her, I mean who doesn't?
And I was pleased.
I went straight to where Lola was after Ken and I finished talking. She sent me a message saying that she's in the living room with Mark and Mia, so I headed over there.
My father called me countless times but I didn't pick up mainly because I didn't want him to ruin my mood. I was ecstatic, I've never been any happier in my life.
Aya's my mate, her parents approved, and I'm taking her to my kingdom. I won't let him fûck this up.
"Oh my gosh, you're so cute!" My eardrums were about to explode, literally. I peeked into the living room, rolling my eyes as I saw it was no other than Mia pacing the room and screeching like she got her pants on fire.
"I can't believe you two are mates, Mark can you believe that?" The poor fella looked like he wanted to cover his ears. I suppressed a laugh seeing his pained expression.
"Mia, unless you want me deaf, tone it down a bit." Mark groaned, slumping on the arm chair.
Mia gasped.
"Excuse me?" She put her hand on her waist, raising a brow at her sulking boyfriend.
When I slept over at Mark, he told me the details. Apparently, Lola kept nagging on him until he went after an angry Leila and talked to her.
Yeah, you heard that right, those two hooked up.
"Guys, stop it. Mia, right, you're squealing is like a fire alarm buzzing through the whole castle." Lola rubbed her temples, annoyed with Mia squealing as well.
Things went better than anticipated.
"Well sorry for being so excited that my best friend gave up her boring old life." Mia snapped, slouching herself on the sofa. I took that as my que to enter, making my footsteps light so Lola wouldn't hear me and turn around.
Leila was too busy puffing in dissatisfaction to notice my presence, whereas Mark's grin spread from ear to ear.
As I stood behind Aya, I covered her eyes with my hands. She gasped in surprise, placing her hands onto mine but instantly relaxed.
"Jake." She said softly, removing my hands. Turning around, she stared at me, her eyes sparkling in amusement.
"Thanks man, you too." I grinned, pointing at Leila.
"Congrats man." Mark moved to stand next to me, slapping me on the back.
"Wait wait, you knew they're together all along?" Lola stepped in, looking between Mark and I.
"Yeah, he told me last night. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner love, but I had my mind occupied with something else." She blushed and nodded in understanding.
God, I love it when she blushes.
"What did my dad talk to you about? Please don't tell me he gave you that 'broke my daughter's heart and I'll break you face' speech." She groaned embarrassingly, burying her face in the palms of her hands.
I chuckled.
"Not really, he just wanted to make sure I'll keep you safe, especially when we visit my kingdom." And there it was, the shocker on her face.
"I – You – both of us?" She stammered, a questioning look on her face.
"Both of us." I stated, loving the beautiful smile that spread on her face.
"No way!" She jumped off the couch, pulling me in a hug.
"Well he did, and we're leaving today." I kissed the brick of her nose.
"I can't believe my dad said yes to that." She exclaimed, grinning happily.
I shrugged nonchalantly,
"not really, the sooner the better. I want my dad to get his head out of the chosen deal." She nodded solemnly.
"Today? But isn't that too early?" She asked, raising her brows.
"You're right. I'll start packing then." She chirped, standing on the tip of her toes and planting a soft kiss onto my lips.
I wanted to ravish her, spend the entire day kissing her senseless, but I knew now's not the right time, neither the right place.
"I'll be waiting for you, love."
Lola tugged Mia's hand and dragged her out of the room.
"Can we tag along?" Mark asked putting his hand inside his pockets.
"Sure man, but let's keep that a little surprise for Lola." His grin matched my own.
He texted Mia telling her to pack as well, warning her not to open her yappy mouth about it to Lola, and left to pack his own stuff.
I sighed plumping down on the sofa, smirking as I remembered that Lola and I will be sleeping in the same bedroom.
I better start sorting my tactics, I don't want her to come out with some sort of plan to sleep with Mia in the same room.
Maybe I'll make Mark and her share a room together.
Yes, that's definitely what I'm going to do.