22.

**Eva**

I watched silently from my bedroom window as sentinels shifted and bounded into the forest behind the compound. From what I've heard from hushed voices, the prince has gone off on his own; thinking to myself that this was a normal thing right?! For the prince to want some alone time but the way I heard Beta Micah and Delta Noah barked orders to the men I knew it was something they feared. Something was off with the prince but it isn't any of my business. My duty was to protect his mate.

Sighing to my self in frustration I fell back on my bed and thought of my life before I was set to protect Rosaline. It wasn't perfect, it also wasn't an ideal life but it was a life I wanted to receive something good at the end. Now. It's all gone.

My wolf whimpered as we both long for something we can never have. A mate to love us unconditionally, we don't know why we were chosen but accepted it to live.

The banging on my door brought me out of my morbid thoughts, I stayed quiet because I knew who was behind the door-Beta Micah. I've been avoiding him since my breakdown, he saw my weakness something I vowed never to show anyone; during my training with Delta Noah, he has been an avid onlooker, smiling my way in encouragement when I didn't get a move right also giving me advice.

Why was he so nice to me? A guy like him can get any woman but he was determined to pursue me. I was afraid to give in because in the end when he finds his mate I will be the one thrown to the side. Again.

"Eva. I know you're in there. We have to go," He yelled from outside. You can hear the frustration and desperation in his voice. Quickly I opened the door but wasn't ready for the sight in front of me, unconsciously I stepped back and took a deep breath. Micah stood dressed only in dark basketball shorts and trainers his lean muscled body was gleaming with sweat; his curly long blonde hair was in a messy ponytail with a few escaping its hold. This man was gorgeous even while stressed out. His blue eyes were dark as he began to speak I saw a peak of his vampire fangs. That's when I remembered he was a hybrid. My last encounter with a vampire wasn't a good one but I couldn't hold it against this beta, he has shown me nothing but kindness yet I always turn away from him.

"What's wrong?" I asked frowning.

"I need you to go look after your charge. Pack a bag for more than three days. You have fifteen minutes to meet me out back," he ordered before he stalked down the hallway. I looked at his retreating back and saw how tense he was; whatever it is it can't be good. At the back of my mind, I knew what was wrong and I really wasn't up to it. Call me selfish or bitchy or whatever but I wasn't in the mood to be a big sister at the moment, right now that's what I needed myself.

Slinging the traveling bag I found in my new furnished room I rushed out to the lavish backyard where I met up with Micah and Delta Noah along with eight other men. Micah now had on a hoodie and a bag hanging from his shoulder, he turned towards me as he heard me coming I kept my expression neutral even when he gave me a small smile.

"Micah and Eva I want you two to stay with the princess till we find the prince. Sentinels will be around the area after what happened earlier" Noah said keeping his focus to the forest ahead of us.

"What happened?" I asked out loud.

"Later." Was all I was answered as the sound of a helicopter coming in the distance, looking up I saw the silver and black helicopter making its way towards us. As it got closer we all stepped back from the winds it picked up while attempting to land a few feet away from us, the pilot didn't fully power down even when someone opened the door to step out. Micah came and grabbed my arm to quickly lead us to the flying machine, the man who lumbered out smiled softly at me before turning to Micah.

"Eva, this is Prince Angelo," he yelled to me over the noise of the chopper. My eyes widen in surprise, quickly I bowed to show respect but couldn't stop the erratic beating of my heart. The stories I've heard of him and Caiden were enough to put fear in anyone. His green eyes just like the queen seem to pierce right through my soul, in fear I lowered my eyes and allowed Micah to help me into the waiting chopper. When I first met him at the impromptu dinner, the same fear struck me. Just how powerful was this family. We didn't move off immediately but waited as the prince went to greet Delta Noah. The delta and Prince Angelo held each other in a warm embrace that can only be shared within a loving family. Something I envied for my entire life. Noah was speaking to him and his only response was a slight nod and quick glance to the forest; with their conversation over he jogged back to the chopper and occupied the co-pilot seat securing his helmet as we both at the back did the same.

I looked on as I was shockingly corrected when I saw that Angelo was the pilot while the man beside him was speaking into the headphones all sorts of terminology before we got into the air.

"Angelo will also be coming to look after the princess. He doesn't talk much so don't be offended if he may come across as a pompous ass" Micah said through the headsets. That statement earned him a flip of the finger from Angelo; I snickered as Micah playfully pushed him slightly forward. Though it was a little interaction anyone can tell how close the two were.

We were in the air for less than twenty minutes before we were hovering over a tall building, it was nighttime and the view was spectacular but the appreciation had to wait as we departed the chopper as soon as Angelo powered it down. Micah led me to the elevator door in silence as we held it open for Angelo as he was making his way towards us. Though dressed in coveralls with the Ellis-Saville logo embroidered on it, he looked every way regal. He walked with head held high and showed strength as he walked easily with the heavy looking bag on his shoulder. His black hair was sexily messy which gave him the most delectable look like a bad boy. His presence made me feel somewhat safe but on my toes also. Who wouldn't? This was the unforgiving prince as people called him. The ride down was quiet and short as we stopped one floor down, stepping into a beautiful black marble foyer.

Subtly I sniffed the air and found Rosaline's scent and the faint scent of Prince Caiden. Micah punched in a code for the door and we slowly entered the apartment. It was dark apart from the lights from the moon and neighboring buildings. Someone released a deep sigh before the click of their fingers were heard, instantly the room was bright with light, I didn't make any headway to move, feeling somewhat guilty for running away from my only friend.

Angelo dropped his bag and went to the leather sofa to crouch before it, confused as to why he did that and why Rosaline hasn't appeared, Micah didn't follow he was rushing down the hallway.

"Angelo?" I heard the sleepy and confused voice of my friend from behind the sofa where he crouched. I rushed to see if it was really her just as she threw herself in his arms, he quickly caught her and began to stroke her hair as she began to cry.

Is Rosaline thick with Prince Angelo? When did that happen?

"I-I tried Angie. I swear I did," she sobbed into his chest while he held her tightly stroking her hair. Without thinking I went to her side and touched her shoulder, she immediately shot up in surprise from Angelo's hold and focused on me. I gave her a weak smile as her eyes widen in shock, "Eva? Eva!" she cried out in shock and relief. Rosaline tried to calm herself but found it hard as her tears began to flow harder, her breathing hitched I instantly kept count and timed them in case of a surprise anxiety attack.

"Sweetie. Tell us what's wrong?" I said stroking her hair. In my peripheral vision, I saw Micah approaching us with a confused look on his face as he looked down at my charge.

"It all happened so fast. One time we were happy then we..... I know he loves me but..... oh god what have I done" she continued. She wasn't making any sense to us, I tried again but she became a blubbering mess with us only hearing broken words of how she messed up. The loud snap of fingers silenced us, we quickly turned to the sound. Angelo stood tall above us with a fierce look on his face, he slightly turned his head and looked down at Rosaline; he held her gaze for a few moments. Angelo then stepped back and smiled sadly at her, "Sleep" he commanded, and just like that she fell into a deep sleep.

"What did you do?" I shouted at him catching Rosaline as she fell back.

"Looked into her memories from earlier. She's alright, she's asleep now. Now she will be calm." Micah answered for him. I watched silently as he came forward and picked her up bridal style, curious I followed him to a room down the hall that was decorated in rich feminine décor. A hint of jealousy surged through me as I saw the gifts on the bed I was certain Prince Caiden bought for her.

Angelo gently laid her beneath the covers that Micah pulled back, they both tucked her in as any big brother would do for their little sister. They just met her yet she was loved by them, was it because she was their brother's mate why they showed so much care and affection for her.

Micah made his way towards me leading me out of the room I took one last look at Rosaline and saw the loving smile Angelo gave to her before kissing her head.

Some day maybe I would be cherished like that, I thought to myself. 'Not for us. That will never happen' my wolf sadly reminded me.

I was led to the room opposite of Rosaline's, I wasn't surprised to see my bag there but was surprised to see the beta's own. "I'm not sleeping in the same room as you. I will take the couch" I began to protest looking to make my way out but he blocked my path.

"Eva. Just tonight can you stop fighting me? I'm not planning to seduce you at a time like this. I just want to be next to you. It...It calms me when you are near. I don't know why but I need to be calm now if I need to figure out where my brother is" he said to me in a tired voice.

I froze at his words, confused and pleased that I have that effect on him. "How?" I breathed out.

"I don't know, red. You just do." He said turning away from me. Releasing his hair from its hold, he ran his fingers through it in frustration. "I can't stay away from you. I know you can't be my mate because you are a protector" he grumbled aloud.

"Thanks for the reminder" I grumbled in return making my way towards the bed.

"You want a mate?" he asked after an uncomfortable silence.

I released a defeated sigh, now or never right plus he's the only person who seems pretty genuine. Wanting to know me, protect me as he said before, I looked at this Beta, a royal beta to be exact who seem to be attached to me in some inexpiable way, a feared and respected hybrid who saw me at my worse yet didn't turn away.

"I did but now I can't. As you said earlier I'm a protector."

"But you chose this life didn't you know you had to sacrifice that one thing every wolf and vampire longed for," he said in disbelief rushing to my side.

I let out a bitter laugh, "I had no other choice. It was that or kiss my pathetic life goodbye. Sure as hell wouldn't miss the people in it." A memory of my mother and her then-boyfriend came to my mind I scoffed as I recalled her last words, 'You are nothing but a mistake who would ever want a bastard slut like you is beyond me'. A tear ran down my cheek, quickly I wiped it away with the back of my hand.

"Red. What happened? I don't believe that this is the real you. No one so beautiful and strong as you can be so cold and distant" Micah said tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. Just his touch sent shivers through my body, I willingly leaned into his touch. He took it as an opening to cup my cheek, using his thumb to caress my freckled cheek. I reveled at that moment cherishing it, wanting to believe that this is how it felt to be cherished. Cherished the way Caiden did for Rosaline, how Micah and Angelo cherished her as a sister, I wanted that so much.

"My sweet little red" His words brushed against my ear as he kissed my cheek, he then lightly passed his lips over mine.

"You shouldn't do this. I can't be yours" I breathed out. My heart began to race as our noses rubbed against each other his blue orbs, focused deeply into mine, gently he bit my bottom lip before pressing his forehead against mine.

"If I have to ask the moon goddess to make you mine I would sure as hell will," he breathed out before crashing his lips against mine. It was nothing like I expected, just the feel of his lips caused my heart to lift, the feeling that ran through my body was too much, tears threatened to build behind my closed eyes. It was intoxicating. This is what I longed for, his touch said so much, his kiss was so slow and gentle; to me, he was savoring every little touch we had between us. My hands went on their own accord as they tugged at his soft blonde locks, he groaned against my lips putting more pressure into it before I knew it he had me pinned beneath him his tongue asking for entrance.

"I need you so bad. I wish you were mine to have. To love. To protect." He whispered against my lips between kisses.

Those words brought me back to reality, abruptly I cut our kiss short and looked up at him. Lust and adoration were evident in his eyes, his hair fell like a curtain around his face, his now swollen pink lips was proof of our passionate kiss. "What's wrong?" he asked with concern in his voice.

"I'm not the one for you Micah," I whispered. What he said next was too much for my heart to handle.

"Yes you are. If I have to mark you as mine to prove to you how much I mean it I would do it now. I don't care Eva. I want you. I never had such a strong connection to any woman ever. " he grounded out.

The tears I tried so hard to hold back came rushing down my face." Now tell me. Why would a Royal Beta want a ruined bastard she-wolf like me." I said softly. It took him a moment for him to understand my words with that he slowly came off the bed and looked at me with pity. With clenched fists, he attempted to come back to me but something held him back. He bent his head and took a deep breath.

"Eva..." was all he said in a tortured voice before he left the room.

At that moment I understood why Rosaline was reluctant to give into Caiden she had her demons and I had mine. No one would want a girl like me. I scoffed at the thought of someone wanting to love a girl who was constantly raped and tortured by her mother's boyfriend just so he can control her wolf.

NO ONE wants damaged goods.

No one.