60.

With the unexpected arrivals of the four wolves from Moon Dust, Mason have been uneasy. They haven't been able to answer his question because they haven't seen his father since their imprisonment. Michael asked how they escaped out of sheer curiosity and how they found themselves in the royal territory. Their answer was a bit far-fetched but everyone who was around to listen to their answer wasn't pleased with it but kept their mouth shut.

"Mason," one called out to the future beta.

"That's Beta Mason to you, pup," Isah said with an edge. Landon sent a warning to him and he stepped away from the newcomers but still surveying their movements.

"Please forgive me. Beta Mason" he said smugly. Back at Moon Dust, the men under Mason's father found it in themselves that the quiet son who affiliated with the wolfless girl was unfit to be the next beta. Now that he's to be the next royal beta they weren't pleased with it one bit, the question they asked among themselves was how? How did this young wolf from their pack become positioned as the next royal beta?

"Yes. Proceed with whatever question you were about to ask," Mason stated coldly, looking at them closely. He was never close with these men, he didn't find it in himself to affiliate with people who thought themselves superior to his friend Emma.

"I must say we are happy to see that you've survived the attack on our pack. Are there any more survivors?" He asked.

Michael moved closer to Mason sensing the underlying tone of the wolf's words as he stepped forward. The other three seemed at ease but were in a defensive stance.

Michael found it suitable to have them in the war room, it was located above the dungeons the war room was part of the royal army's quarters so the building was away from the palace. Most importantly away from Emma. He didn't trust these men who happened to escape Malcolm's hold.

"No," Mason answered in the same cold tone as before. He won't acknowledge Heather and the others at all, not after the stunt they pulled at Dark Moon.

"What of your friend? The Delta's wolfless daughter?" Another asked.

'Do not mention Emma.' Michael warned them all.

'Yes, your majesty' they replied.

"Her name is Emma and no I'm afraid I've lost contact with her the night of the attack," Mason said feigning sadness.

"No one saw her amidst the crowds nor her brothers. It was weird. Even her parents didn't seem concern about their whereabouts." One said. They were fishing for information, something to prove the rumors wrong. Back at Malcolm's the talk that was that Emma did have a wolf and is now the present princess. Heather first told them of her finding her mate at Dark Moon where they found refuge before being banished. The so-called strongest pack defended the wolfless twit. The beta and alpha family always protected her and the elders and pack didn't like it at all.

"If so then I guess the brothers you speak of have led her to safety," Michael said barely holding on to the calm after hearing the tone they used asking after Emma.

How can a pack think so little of a member because she was 'wolfless'?

"We truly hope so, your majesty" one said. The four were far from being honest in their words and the men surrounding them knew that.

Michael and Landon nodded in response and excused themselves from the room.

"I'll show you to your rooms. Please get some rest, it must be a long journey to our lands. The king would ask for your presence soon. " Isah said to them and left. Mason watched the four again with the same calm he had since his men found them then left. They were to be watched carefully throughout the next few days.

The men looked at Mason as he left them to the tall Beta who now stood before them, the second in command watched them in disdain. A look you would give a filthy beggar or shit under your shoe. They didn't like it one bit. They made it in and that's all that mattered.

'They are following Malcolm now aren't they?' was the question Emma asked. Mason thought back to what he felt from the wolves he called family. Fellow pack members. Their story was weak. The questions they asked weren't out of sincerity but of curiosity. A thought crossed his mind, have they broke the bond between themselves and Moon Dust if they didn't then Aiden would sense his warriors.

'Can't say but stay out of sight. Don't go near the barracks' Mason said to her. She was anxious to know his answer, what he thought. She left the channel of her bond between herself and the wolves of the pack open without knowing. Anxiety. Nervousness. Fear. It all was felt by her loyal members.

One by one they all reassured her, hope and strength grew within Emma as they all pledge their loyalty to her and her family. 'It all would be over soon baby. I promise' Michael said to her. Emma felt how sincere he was in his words and knew he would do his best nor to let any harm happen to her. Michael also knew she would do the same for him also.

Mason made his way to his friend's room where he has been for a while. He knew something was off with the four but needed to confirm with Aiden. Last time he visited Aiden it didn't end so well imagine this visit. Approaching the door he saw no guards, Mason stopped just outside the threshold, harsh whispers were heard but none that made any sense. Angry that no one was outside Mason opened the door harshly and stood with arms folded looking at the guard and Aiden. To any newcomer, you can see the interrupted heated discussion between the two.

"James. Did we give you permission to abandon your post?" Mason asked the guard beside Aiden.

James and his wolf fought to control themselves; this pup spoke to him like he was insignificant, he didn't like the fact that this kid was now his beta also. This pathetic teenager.

"No beta," he grounded out.

"Then why are you in here conversing with the prisoner. Plotting against the throne are we?!" Mason said smugly. The looks on their faces became guarded. A simple teasing brought such a look alarmed Mason, quickly he sent a message to Michael about James.

"James you're to report to the courtyard NOW. You are no longer assigned here. You may leave." He ordered.

Aiden stood there still in shock at how his old friend had so much authority over the guard and how much of his power overwhelmed him.

"Yes Beta," James said bowing then left.

"Impressive. You've come a long way, Mase. Ordering men twice your age. Your father would be so proud" Aiden taunted.

"Enough of your crap Aiden" Mason shouted. Aiden's eyebrows shot up in disbelief, Mason never been so authoritative with him guess being royal beta has its perks.

"Don't you dare shout at me. I'm still an alpha" he returned to his friend. "You may still be alpha but I'm no longer yours to command. I do not answer to you. I answer only to my king and prince, not you. Now tell me as to why was my guard in your quarters. You require nothing that needs his assistance" Mason stated.

"I was in need of company since I no longer have friends to call on. They abandon me I must say" Aiden answered cockily and sat on the sofa in front of the TV.

"Abandon you? One may think to break a promise to his girlfriend and was close to killing his best friend says something other than abandonment of those friends. I'm thinking more along the way of betrayal?!" Mason answered with a weak smile.

Aiden was trying hard to contain his anger, everything would have been perfect if that mate Emma has now wasn't found, he would've been with her becoming the next prince. Malcolm would make it happen. That was his promise.

"For that I am sorry. My actions were all result in my anger. Losing so many wolves in the attack then being captured. You and Emma are the only ones who gave me hope. To hear that Emma found her mate, it meant that I lost her and you... You abandoned me, Mason... You were the one that left." He said feigning sadness.

"I did it for the person we swore to protect. Our friend. Our best friend. My sister. Emma may now be mated....." Mason started to say.

"Mated?!" Aiden said shocked. That's why she hasn't visited? They are fully mated now. When he was told by James that they were he refused to believe now Mason just confirmed it.

"Yes mated. Either way, she's still our friend. Your so-called love ruined the friendship you two had. " Mason continued.

"What are you. An expert on love. Didn't your mate reject you? I heard your howls the past few nights. How pathetic," Aiden said walking to the window.

"What's pathetic was rejecting your mate for someone who refused to give up her mate for you," Mason scoffed.

Aiden's wolf surfaced causing him to shift out of his human form, he lunged at Mason but he simply sidestepped the wolf. "Don't do this Aiden. Your temper is getting worse. Attacking the prince now his beta how would your pack members react to this." Mason said waiting for the attack but it didn't come. Aiden stood still for a moment then growled at Mason. He ignored the threatening growl and stepped forward. "Can you sense them near? Your loyal members. Well, what's left " Mason said. Again he stilled but he took his nose to the air, confusion was shown in his eyes. Aiden shifted back, "You're lying. The remaining members are at that compound along with my father. No one can escape, those wolves won't hesitate to kill you on the spot if they find you trying to escape. I only came out because Malcolm brought me along" he shouted. Believing his old friend's words he turned to leave.

"How's Emma?" Aiden asked softly.

"Happy" Mason answered right away then left.

'Aiden cannot sense the four. They're working with Malcolm. He just confirmed that its impossible to escape Malcolm's hold' Mason informed Michael.

'Very well. Don't alert them of our suspicion of them. I'll keep them away from the palace. James would be moved to palace duty. Did you catch any pieces of their conversation?' Michael asked rushing to see his mate.

'No but it was very heated. Something is up but we have little time to handle their connection. Wolves are starting to arrive soon your family would be here. Their journey was said to be a few hours early.' Mason said entering the courtyard where Landon and Isah stood with eight guards stood around them.

'Avery surely was rushing to get home. Tell me when they are near. I'm going to Emma now' Michael replied before cutting off the link. He entered the lounge area of their wing, a smile lit up his face as he took in the scene that greeted him.

Arabella and Rayan were watching a movie, Emma and Ariana were talking animatedly while the twin vampire kings were taking in a football game in his little man cave. They all seemed so at ease but he knew they all were there to keep his mate company.



Michael made his way over to Emma and kissed her cheek. "Thank you for coming. I know you are busy" she said softly. "Never too busy for you baby. Feeling better now?" He said in response kneeling in front of her, he brushed away a loose strand from her face. Michael still was fascinated by her natural beauty and got lost in it. "Yes. You all made me feel better. I'm glad to know there are still loyal people in our corner," She said stroking his cheek lovingly.

Emma and Michael were so caught up in each other that they didn't notice the audience they created. The queen mothers adored how in love they both were while the kings were proud to see the future king and queen so dedicated to each other which means they would rule the kingdom wisely. Ariana welcomed the show of affection it left her thinking about Mason and how he gave himself to her a few hours earlier. She knew now that he can be trusted with her heart.

'Its time. The first two packs are a mile away. Michael your pack would be here in three hours according to Avery's location' Landon told his family.

Michael held onto Emma's hands with the happiest smile she has ever seen from him.

"Let's get ready for everyone. Be in the courtyard in fifteen minutes" Arabella said excitedly. She was happy to finally meet the pack that gave her a son and also who took care of her daughter when she couldn't.

They all filed out of the wing to their own quarters leaving Emma and Michael alone.

"Mom and dad would be here in three hours. It feels like years I haven't seen them. I hope Maxie isn't mad at me for leaving once again" Michael said sitting on the sink counter watching his mate getting into the shower.

"I have a feeling Max would be okay. He's always so observant." She said setting the shower for both of them.

"Yeah. Its dad I'm more worried about though. We just got back to a good relationship I don't know how he would handle all of this. His first son is mated to the lost princess which makes him now the prince." He said releasing a tired sigh and joined Emma in the shower.

"It wasn't your secret to tell and after he hears what we have to say he would understand. Give him a chance baby" she said washing his hair for him.

Michael looked down at the girl who was responsible for all the changes in his life and smiled. She was right. It's his father's choice to react badly to his outcome or accepting either way, he won't give up on his girl.

"Do you know how much I love you?" He asked watching her eyes lit up as he lifted her up and placed her on his waist.

"Nope. Tell me." She said kissing his lips lightly.

"I love you, Emma. With all my heart in this life and the next. You're the only one I would love, the only girl who can say my heart is hers. I'm yours. Now and forever" he said gazing into her eyes. His words filled her heart that words couldn't form in her mouth to reply. She kissed him with an intensity that shocked both of them, their wolves reveled in the love they both had for each other, their bond was stronger than most mated wolves and couldn't be broken. 'And I am forevermore yours' Emma said to her prince.



Dressed casually to receive the first two packs to cross the border the two royal families sat on an elevated stage in the courtyard awaiting their arrival. Landon and Arabella sat regally on their thrones talking to Isah who stood behind Landon on the right. Emma and Michael sat immediately on the right of the present king while the vampire family sat on the left. Mason stood on Michael's right as the twins flanked either side of the royals as well as the head guards.

After a few minutes to themselves, six watchers came leading the packs. The families stood as the new wolves came to a stop merely five feet away from the family. They were all in human form, you can see the awe and pride in their eyes as they took in the royalty before them. Their leaders who kept the peace in the kingdom for years.

Landon stepped forward just as the leaders of the pack did the same.

"I am alpha Douglas of the Silver Moon pack. We are here as allies and loyal members of the throne. We accept your request to join your army your majesty" a muscular man with hair as black as the night with green eyes. He seemed to be around the age of 26 and held himself confidently. He bowed before Landon along with his pack.

"Thank you, alpha Douglas. Your father was a great man I had the honor to fight alongside him years ago. I thank you for keeping the alliance he made between your pack and mine" Landon said gesturing for the alpha to stand. "Its the least I can do for the man who saved him and my mother. Thank you sir" he said shaking Landon's hand in pure gratitude.

The second man stepped forward after a moment with a mischievous smirk on his lips his blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

Arabella rolled her eyes at the look biting back a smile also.

"Alpha Aaron of White Moon pack at your service, king Landon," the man said bowing along with his pack.

"Ah. Aaron. Behaving yourself I see." Landon said holding back a laugh.

Alpha Aaron of the White Moon pack was known for being the Playboy of the pack and pure trouble but he has taken things seriously when his father died leaving him the pack at 21. White Moon had a reputation to uphold as the strongest in every way.

"Yes brother," he said as Landon enveloped him in a brotherly hug.

"Hello sis, looking damn beautiful up there. Where's my niece?" Aaron said aloud going up to his elder sister.

White Moon pack was also a royal pack; Queen Arabella is the elder sister of Alpha Aaron. His pack was protected by the throne.

"You waste no time don't you Ronnie," Arabella said going to her baby brother. "I've missed you so Ari" he whispered to her. "So have I. Thank you for coming." She returned.

Alpha Aaron stepped back to join his pack as Landon stepped back onto the stage.

"I would like to thank you for joining my request. It is that time in which your elders have spoken of. A war is about to happen between our own kind and others who we call our brothers. The banished prince Malcolm is alive and wishes to take over the current throne." He addressed the crowd.

"The rightful heir to my throne is my only flesh and blood. Princess Emma" Landon continued. Emma took her place next to her father and smiled softly to the men in front of her.

"May the goddess bless you, our princess Emma," they all said.

"Your loyalty should not only stand with myself and my queen and our faithful allies the vampire kingdom but to your future king and queen. Prince Michael and princess Emma." The king continued as Michael stood next to Emma. Pride filled their chest as they bowed in respect to the prince who's power radiated in full waves.

"We are here to serve you, your majesties," they said with full sincerity.