40.

**Malcolm**

I sat listening to the men in front of me arguing about an issue that was brought to their attention. My thoughts were on my niece. I scoffed. She inherited my power on top of being a white wolf. This cannot be good.

The power I was blessed with was no longer strong as it was. More reason to get rid of her.

Rubbing my temples, the issue of her mate Michael acquiring his gift caused my head to throb with the stress of it all. When fully mated they would be stronger than the present royal couple now but having all four of them alive is suicide if you want to challenge them.

My plan has to go through.

"Malcolm!!!! Are you in this conversation or not?" An angry voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Watch how you're talking to me bloodsucker," I returned.

He stood glaring at me then sat with a huff. Disrespectful nightcrawler.

"What is it now?" I growled.

"Is it true that the royal bloodlines continue?" One asked down the table.

"Yes," I answered.

Shouts erupted most in disbelief and others in anger. The people assembled here came for one purpose only. To take down the crown. I brought them all together to help mid-way with my plan. To have hunters, wolves, and vampires under one roof was not to my liking.

The humans were so weak they were lucky to know our weaknesses and made it their duty to be armed with silver and wolfs-bane. Without their armory, they were nothing but spineless cowards.

A wolf can kill them with one slash.

Then there were the vampires.

Filth. Lifeless bloodsuckers. They need more protection than a wolf. They even had our protection for Pete's sake. It was amusing to see some of their own against the people that gave them their life. Few of them are day walkers, this was made possible by being a half-human or having a human or werewolf mate.

Its the irony of it all that has me smiling at the moment. We all need each other yet fight to be in control.

"This is suicide. This new generation of the royal bloodline is said to be the most powerful than their past families. I am not sacrificing my men for this." A hunter shouted.

He was right I would give him that.

"She's only 17 and doesn't know her true potential. This is why we are going to attack sooner than we planned," I simply stated.

"How can you do that when few of your men have been killed and captured by the crown," a vampire shouted. He was right, my dear nephew has been hunting me down and caught a few of my men. Keeping my scent away was harder now since I've gotten weaker. The little princess is killing me slowly without herself knowing it.

"Calm down. It will be alright. I don't think she has reached her strongest yet but she is vulnerable, its a seventeen-year-old girl there is no threat there" I stated.

"But being an offspring of Landon and Arabella is a threat....." A vampire started to say.

"I said she's of no threat. The time for that isn't near." I shouted. I hope I'm right, I've known of Emma and her potential for years, that's why I've tried to kill her at birth.

Thanks to the moon goddess and her effort of trying to have me learn from the mistakes I've known of her power.

It was even greater than mine.

That's why we must strike before her eighteen birthday.

"Your words mean nothing to us, Malcolm," the hunter sneered.

"Then tell me how are you going to take down Landon and Arabella? How are you going to weaken the kingdom?" I asked smugly. No answer.

They all were deep in thought as my second-in-command came in with a cold look on his face.

"We have a problem and also a bit of a surprise," he said for only my ears to hear.

I nodded in reply as he turned to leave. "I can't take that risk with my men. This has become a suicide mission" the vampire said standing up along with the others of his kind.

"Pity and here I thought you had the guts to fight for your own protection. Guess I was wrong" I mused to myself but did it to cause a reaction to the stupid bloodsucker.

"Funny. Because that's what we are doing" he said walking out of the room using his supernatural speed. The others followed after sending me glares.

Not only they don't have souls they don't have guts.

"So what's you four decision," I asked standing.

"Its possible" one said.

"Great. See you in two weeks' time," I said leaving the room. Its a shame really that they didn't truly know who I am, the banished prince as everyone calls me.

Outside of the door was my second in command patiently waiting, "Where's Caleb? Why isn't he dealing with this situation?" I growled. He shrugged and continued to lead the way. My body was pushing itself to walk strongly, I just wanted rest.

'Or vampire blood. ' my wolf said. Their blood apart from a white wolf has the power to give you strength when most needed. Though I hate them, their strength and agility weren't to be taken lightly. I ignored my wolf and followed Derek to the prisoner bay.

"Landon is searching in the other kingdoms. I have word that the Warriors have been meeting with the heads of the vampires and humans also we lost another five men. Their trackers are close." He said with venom.

"We always had the best." I mused stepping into the dark hallway.

He snorted behind me in disgust. Derek always hated Landon after he was banished for claiming a wolf that wasn't his mate. 'Rules' my dear nephew said. Just like Lucian, always following the rules.

Making my way to the captives, I heard someone ranting, "Little bitch got us all here. What's so special about her anyway?" It was a foreign voice to me. I turned to Derek he had a sickening smile on his face, "Surprise. The last survivors of Moon Dust" he said grinning.

"Where were they headed?" I asked walking towards the she-wolf who was ranting.

"To the palace but they got lost along the way," he said.

I scoffed which meant they had no high ranked wolf among them. Only wolves with position knew the way to the palace, it was of security measures that were put in place after..... Well since then.

"Oye. Pup. Why the sad girl monologue?" I barked at her. All eyes snapped in my direction some in fear, some in hatred.

"If you should know, the bitch you people wanted, kicked us all out of our last refuge from you... You murderers!" she shouted. Someone from the other prison cell was telling her to be quiet.

"Don't tell me to be quiet. You treated her like some fucking queen even though she was wolf-less. I thought it was pity but I was wrong. Our own fucking beta left our pack because of her. We were thrown out because of her." She stood shouting at the person. I turned to see Daniel, Jack, and Richard their beta looking at her with anger. "How in the goddess' name was it her fault you bunch got kicked out?" Daniel shouted.

"It was her mate. The next alpha of Dark Moon" she spat. Murmurs began of the news she broke to the whole prison quarters.

I let them continue their dispute, a smile was on their faces, pleased by the news.

"Pardon my intrusion but it seems like I'm a bit lost in this lovely ranting. Beautifully done by the way but who are we talking about here and why do you hate her so much it has to be more than this?" I asked gesturing to the place.

I already knew the answer of course but it was so amusing.

"His daughter" she shouted pointing at Daniel. He was furious at the kid. I motioned for her to go on. Her anger level was so high that she would say anything.

"She's nothing but a stupid weakling. Did they see that? No. Emma was their perfect little girl. Fucking piece of trash......" She began.

"Heather you better watch your mouth about her" Daniel warned.

"Are you serious? You're in prison because of her yet you still defend her?" she screeched.

"She's my daughter" he yelled.

"Actually...." I started to say.

"Oh shut up Malcolm. Your glory days are over, just give up" he spat at me. Derek growled at his disrespect but I flung him back against the wall knocking him unconscious.

"She's not your daughter and you know this" I continued while shaking my head. The cells got quiet even the girl Heather, I smirked at her.

"W-what do you mean not his daughter? I've known her since she was a baby," an elderly wolf asked.

"Father I've got a........" I heard my son's voice said interrupting my answer. He rushed to the cell which held Heather. The look that was shared between them was all too familiar.

"Mate" they both said. Proud moment. My son found his mate, fricking Kodak moment. I motioned for Derek to release her when he did Caleb enveloped her in his arms like the most precious thing to a man.

"Welcome to the family kid," I said smiling at my son's happiness since his mother's untimely death I haven't seen it. Maybe now he will focus on his true and dominant side as a Royal wolf and not a weak human. It took me years to get that soft side out of him, he will be a wonderful replacement for me.

"Oh father, the plan is in motion," Caleb said to me before turning back to his mate.

"Perfect," I said smiling, "oh and your answer is......." I continued with the elder.

"The Emma you people knew for all these years and what your dear alpha has kept from you is the fact that she's... My dear niece... and the last royal"

The looks on their faces were priceless.


**************************************

**Emma**

Safe. Contented. That's how I felt as I snuggled closer into warmness that had a hold on me. I heard a groan which made my eyes flew open. I relaxed as I saw the soft lips I ached to kiss, his sharp jawline, and the thick dark curly hair I loved to run my fingers through.

He came back.

My mate was with me after the pain he went through because of me. 'Still loves us but deeply hurt', Alia whimpered. My smile faded, my eyes filled up with tears once more. They were aching and scratchy from the constant crying from yesterday. I ran my fingers through his hair, traced his jawline and lips then his nose. My hand rested on the side of his neck as I played the hair at the nape of his neck.

"I am sorry, Michael. I wasn't thinking right. Please forgive me. I never meant to hurt you I didn't even know it," I whispered. He stirred in his sleep a few moments later and opened his eyes staring into my green ones. His icy blue gaze wasn't of anger and malice but of hurt and love.

"Hi," he croaked stroking my cheek. His eyes never left mine. Having him touching me was a good sign.

"Hi," I returned. A smile crept upon his lips, a sad one though. "Promise me you will stay away from him," he said calmly.

I knew who he was pertaining to and I didn't mind. I nodded in response.

"I don't think I want to know what happened down there, all I want is my mate by my side. I am still hurting Emma but you should know I still love you" he said softly.

"I'm sorry for everything. I understand why you're hurting and I would try to make it go away. Thank you for coming back." I said rubbing his ears.

His smile got wider. "I can't stay away from you, my love. I can never do that," He whispered fiercely before crashing his lips on mine.

I cried out in pleasure as it flowed through my body. That one kiss affected me so much, I was starving for his touch, his kisses, I was starving for my mate.

Our lips were molded to each other in a passionate kiss as he straddled me. My hand fisted in his hair as his kisses got wilder and possessive.

'You're mine, Emma. No one else. Say it.' He said over our link. The demanding and authority was felt in his words and I freely gave in to him.

'I'm yours, Michael always yours' I said with conviction. It was the truth I spoke, he had all of me.

I heard him growl but not playful it was really possessive, he took off my vest and bit over my mark. My body arched to his, a loud moan of pleasure escaped my mouth, he licked the mark for faster healing, the simple motion had me yearning for him. He looked at me in wonder outlining my face then lips, gently he placed a soft kiss on my lips then pulled back slightly. Our lips were mere inches apart, he brushed his against mine while I traced his with my tongue. "My love. My heart" he whispered against my lips. My heart soared as his words reached my ear, my hands were around his neck keeping him in place.

I was so stupid to put my life on the line for Aiden than the guy in front of me. The one who can make me and break me with one touch. This man who loves me unconditionally that he's still by my side after the pain he went through, because of me. I would never give him up nor would I leave him.

I know I have a lot of work to do to build back the trust we had and it would be worth it in the end.

"I'm in love with you Michael and that will never change," I said against his lips then kissed with the promise and love I had to give. He responded with the same meaning.

Soon they were turned to passion and hunger, his hand cupped my breast and he began circling and pinching my nipples. I moaned into the kiss which made him ground his arousal against my core.

I slid my hands down his back, he shivered at the motion, his hold on my nipple got tighter. Michael pulled away and straddled me his eyes roamed my body my skin heated from his gaze. With that look he makes me feel wanted.

I took that time to fully look at my mate, his body was toned to perfection, you can trace every ab with your finger, dark hair lightly matted his lower stomach area which led to a very hard erection. His eyes were dark with lust at the moment but I can tell he was holding back for whatever reason.

"I'm in love with you too Emma. Everything is yours. My heart and soul are yours to keep" he said softly. I pulled and held him in my arms, he turned to the side holding me close to his chest.

We both needed that moment, we were so close to losing each other but the love we had was strong enough to bring us back closer.

"If any doubts, you would tell me right?" I asked.

"Of course. And the same with you" he answered kissing my head.

We stayed quiet again lost in our own thoughts.

"What's your plan for the day?" I asked getting out of his hold.

"Spending it with your mom. She was complaining to Landon how he had me all afternoon" he replied with a laugh. I shook my head and smiling.

"I guess I'll spend time with the boys," I said looking to leave the bed but he pulled me back in. "It's still early. I need my mate first" he growled. I squealed as he began to tickle me, then his hands wandered down to my pajama shorts. My breath hitched as his fingers lightly brushed against my core. "I love how you react to my touches," he said in my ear, I groaned out loud when his finger slid in smoothly. "All this for me," he said again. I couldn't speak just nodded he began his motion.

In and out.

My hips moved in sync with his motion, his lips found mine with haste. He went faster as his kisses became demanding. 'Scream my name. I'm the only one to have you like this. Isn't that right baby!' He said over our link.

'Yes. Yes .....' I groaned as I felt myself tighten around his fingers. "Do it baby" he grounded out hovering over me, our eyes were locked on each other's as he continued to bring me to my limit. "Don't stop please" I moaned he caught my breast in his mouth and began to tease me with his tongue. It was sweet torture as I neared my climax. I clutched on to his shoulders it was right there. "MICHAEL!!!!" I screamed out loud not caring who heard, I released all over his hand, he looked up at me and sent me a smug smile.

"No other name is to escape your lips like that," he said with triumph. I nodded my head with a sated smile.

Possessive. My possessive prince.

"Come now my sweet, let's take a shower," he said getting off the bed. Weakly I followed him to the bathroom, when I got there he was already naked I blushed seeing how he boldly stood waiting for me. I did the same then went into the running shower, he came in and held me against his chest.

"You're so beautiful" he whispered.

My mind came over to wonder as to why he hadn't mated me yet fully.

"Because when I do mate you it should be when we both are on common grounds. I am still hurting and don't want you to feel I mated you because I had to. You will definitely know when I'm ready" he said kissing my shoulder. I playfully scowled at him for reading my thoughts. "I understand baby," I said.

If it takes years to end his hurt I would do it. My fault. My mess to clean up.