38.
**Caiden**
I was proud that my little brother revealed what we've been hiding from our parents all these years. I would always feel helpless whenever I see that lifeless cold look in his eyes. He was no longer the outspoken rambunctious little brother I grew up with, Angelo was now private unpredictable and shy all because of one night. I envy his strength of living on and not letting the death of his mate burden him, if I ever lost Rosaline I knew I would die along with her she is my greatest weakness.
I looked across the room where my brother was behind his desk doing paperwork while I sat back in my leather chair mulling over the past month. He was always there for me pushing Rosaline and I, all I can think of was would he ever be truly happy why won't he take a second mate. I want him to have what we have.
The closing of our office door brought me back to reality. "The infamous Saville brothers at work." Shaking my head in amusement I looked at my best friend and brother Micah as he sat on the leather couch by the window.
"What can I do for you brother?" I asked going back to my reports.
"Just came here for some peace and quiet," he said wistfully.
Angelo snorted in response which made me looked back at him, crouching over his work, his left handwriting a hundred miles an hour he no longer looked the part of the feared prince but the part of the successful CEO.
"Shut up Angelo" Micah snapped.
"What is it now you two?" I asked not really wanting an answer but I did get one.
"Eva" was all Angelo said.
Micah released a tired sigh, "She's still not talking to me I know she wants too but she's fighting something"
"Love" Angelo answered once again without missing a beat in his work. I chuckled at my brother infamous abrupt responses.
"What?" Micah shouted jumping up from his seat, Angelo released a frustrated sigh and looked to me in response I rolled my eyes.
"She loves you but scared of getting hurt when you do get your 'real mate'" I explained.
"But she....." he started to say but Angelo ever more the straightforward guy cut him off.
"Tomorrow at the ball all will be revealed" was all he said. I literally face-palmed myself it was to be a surprise for them both but now it's ruined. He would be expecting it now.
'Seriously Angie' I snapped at him over our link.
'Look the faster you do your part the faster this lovesick moody Micah is off our backs. Some of us have shit to do ya know. Like I don't know run a million dollar company than listen to how bad he needs her' he returned in the same tone.
Someone was grouchy today, I thought as he stalked out of the room.
"What's up his ass, " Micah asked confused just as I am. Leaving my desk I went over to his when I heard an alarm go off on his Macbook.
"Oh fuck. I'm the worst brother ever" I cursed after seeing the reason for the alarm.
"What is it?" my friend asked coming to see the reason. He silently cursed. It was Elise's birthday and the anniversary of her death. We both rushed out the office following his scent, just as we left the castle walls we heard the all too familiar howls of our little brother. Rion began to whimper fighting to come out which I gave in.
We thought that this year would be easier on him since he opened up about her how ignorant we were thinking a week after his confession he would be fine.
The shifting of bones next to me made me aware that Micah also shifted, "Cay where is he?" I heard my sister called out. Turning to her voice I saw her running towards us shifting in mid-stride.
'I think I know where' I said to them leading them towards the most secluded part of the forest. No one knew of this spot except Angelo and I. We found this spot the month after her death. It was a heavily shaded area with a broken stone altar covered in moss and flowers around it, wildflowers bloomed. It was truly peaceful and far away from the castle.
I told them to slow down when we approached him, there he was in Lykos' form lying atop the altar, his fur was dark as mine the only difference was the white tip on his ear. His whimpers were loud and broke our hearts.
'It gets worse every year, Cay. I thought... I thought I was fine. But seeing you with Rosaline teaching her how to use her gifts. I pictured myself doing that with Elise. I guess knowing what you would be doing for Micah tomorrow made it hurt even more. Why couldn't I have what you guys have,' he said to only me.
He turned to me that's when I saw his sad green eyes so much like our mother's.
'Would you believe me if I say things would be better when you move to New York? You need to leave her behind Angie' I said.
It was harsh but he needed to hear it.
'I believe you, brother but I don't want to lose her fully. I'm so fucking scared that one day I would wake up and her memories would vanish. I feel I would be giving up on her. I promised her Cay, promised to love her forever'
He whined and howled once more to the sky before gazing off at the distance. We said nothing but stayed by his side until he was ready to go back in.
**********
It was the night of our annual King and queen ball where everyone near and far was invited. I was seated beside my father on our thrones as we watched our mates hold counsel with a few Lunas. Alphas were constantly coming to us, seeking advice but I was distracted looking at my beautiful mate. She looked so lovely in a red floor-length gown her raven hair in an elegant updo where the crown of her position was placed delicately on her head.
'You look so radiant' I said to her over our link. With that being said she turned to me and gave me a shy smile, slowly she made her way to me but I couldn't wait for her to meet me I hurriedly stepped down the platform and made my way to her. I didn't care who was watching I pulled her into my arms and claimed her soft lips. My body was molded perfectly against hers as she locked her arms around my neck. The familiar shivers when I touch her ran down my spine, she moaned into my mouth as I deepened the kiss. Reluctantly I ended our kiss both of us breathing heavily, I laughed as I took in her state.
"Would it be wrong if I steal you away from here?" I said softly in her ear.
Her body shivered slightly as I kissed my mark on her neck.
"Yes. After all, we are the ones hosting it" she said softly biting my ear. I groaned as her fingers played with the hair at the nape of my neck.
"I want you in my bed as soon as I finish my speech."
She raised her eyebrow at me.
"Pleaseeeeee," I whined like a little kid.
She laughed out loud, that melodious sound touched my heart as I watched the delight in her eyes her beauty never ceased to amaze me I was proud to say she was mine.
"Is that so your majesty? Do you have anything in mind that you want me to wear?"
I groaned at her teasing tone, clutching her waist tighter. I was about to tell her what I wanted when Angelo popped up beside us. I growled in his direction but was answered by a raised eyebrow from him and a disappointing look from my mate.
I released a defeated sigh and apologized to my brother that's when I saw the inkling of amusement in his face.
"No, I'm not whipped. Are they ready?" I said to him.
He nodded in reply and gestured to Eva and Micah having a tense moment together. Then he showed me my uncles being flocked around my unmated she-wolves, Uncle Noah kept up his cold look while Uncle Jonah was flirting shamelessly.
"Okay. Let's do this," I said giving my mate one last kiss before going back to the platform where my father was seated talking to uncle Mason.
I made my way to the podium with Angelo on my left while my Rose stayed on my right.
"Ladies and gentlemen can I have your attention please."
******************
**Eva**
"You look beautiful tonight, red." The way my heart beats faster when I hear his voice would never stop. Slowly I turned around to face the man who corrupted my dreams since that day.
"Thank you" I replied trying to hold back my blush. No matter how hard I tried he was the one who my heart longed for, who my wolf cry out for at night. This blonde god in front of me. He made me want to be a better person.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked shyly his eyes showed worry and I knew why. Worried I will reject him but just for tonight, I won't. I want to pretend that I'm freaking Cinderella and he's my prince charming. My very own prince that took away all the painful past and who would protect me.
"Yes," I breathed out. I had to smile at the way his face lit up by my answer. He held out his hand to me and slowly I took it. I had to take a deep breath as I felt electrifying tingles as I touched his hand, he tightens his hold on my hand by that motion I looked up at him. In all the times we touched that never happened our kisses were passionate, our touches were pleasurable but not that intense.
"Eva... tell me you felt that" he pleaded with me.
I was about to answer when King Caiden called our attention to him.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Can I have your attention please."
We all turned to him my hand still held by Micah and I had no intention to let it go.
"I would like to thank everyone for coming even if you just came to confirm rumors," he started which earned him a few chuckles and he was right. They wanted to see the next queen and to confirm that she was truly human.
" First and foremost I would like to simply state that due to unforeseen circumstances I was blessed as the new king. We all know that when I'm 25 I am to take the throne officially and that would still remain. My father is still king until that time comes. Now I would like to introduce everyone to my mate, my love, your next queen Rosaline Montoya"
I practically cheered the loudest as she stepped forward and shyly curtsied to the crowd. They were all welcoming as I heard compliments of how beautiful she was and how they both made a great couple.
Angelo was actually smiling at the two as people came and congratulated them. Caiden went back to the podium as Angelo escorted Rosaline back to her seat next to Queen Emma.
"Okay I would like the protectors of our present queens please step forward," he said before moving towards the center of the platform. I hesitantly let go of Micah's hand and instantly felt cold, I looked back at him over my shoulder and gave him a smile of reassurance that I will come back to him.
He nodded and walked away. Where was he going? I didn't want to be away from him it felt wrong.
Myself and the twin Deltas stood before the young king, he glanced my way and gave me a sly smile while I rolled my eyes at him in return having being used to his teasing ways.
"Mama?" he called out behind him and she quickly came to his side.
"Tonight is a special night not only it is the night of a new moon but a night for new beginnings," She said looking at her brothers with tears in her eyes.
I was getting confused by their behavior what were they doing.
"Over the years the queens of your kingdom have been given protectors to guide them till they either meet their mates or being crowned respectfully. We value them so much, they are our friends, our confidants our family and we want what's best for them. My protectors are my brothers they have been beside me since I was a little girl, stood up for me even brought my mate back to me all those years ago. I would like to thank you for everything, not every day your brothers watch princess movies with you when you are sick-making them cancel their championship game. I love you guys so much and this gift Caiden and I are giving you both and Eva tonight is one I wished for so long" Queen Emma said wiping her tears away hastily.
Caiden stepped forward and looked at three of us intently. With a wave, his hand the lights in the ballroom dimmed and the moonlight seem to be brighter than the usual light from the moon. It shone directly on us, I began to feel lighter much more at peace. I looked at the twins and saw how relaxed they were, unconsciously we went to our knees and bent our heads low. A warm breeze passed over us before the young king began to speak.
"I, King Caiden son to the present white wolf and son to the Moon Goddess have been blessed to place my own judgment and also do what I know is right for my people. My first change as your future king may seem selfish since this change is for those in front of us. They are the ones who guide and protect us, your leaders, in order for you our people to continue to live in peace. You three take the oath given by the Moon Goddess to practically dedicate your whole life to care for us. Where we go, you go. You put up with our moods and our problems. You stood by as we find our mates, the journey we took as our mates, and ourselves became one. You guys deserve the happiness we feel with our other halves.
Thank you for protecting us, being our brothers, uncles, and friends. This is why it gives me great joy to do this for you three.
From this day forth, past, present, and future protectors are now and forevermore free to be with their chosen soul mate by the Goddess herself. Your duty to the crown still stands but no longer bound to be without happiness." he declared.
I froze as I processed the words, tears ran down my cheeks, my heart was racing as I acknowledge my chance to have a mate. To be happy.
The loud cheers around us were all but background noise as I came out of my reverie and began my search for Micah.
"He's in the gardens," someone said in my ear. I turned to the voice and saw it was Caiden. I threw my arms around him crying my thanks to him while he held me tighter. "You take care of my brother," he said to me as I pulled back. I couldn't find my voice so I simply nodded before pushing through the crowds looking for the exit.
Running through the hallways in my heels was a task, getting frustrated I took them off and ran to the gardens. The closer I got the happier my wolf and I got, my heart lifted as the word mate was being chanted through my mind.
"Micah. Where are you?" I called out as soon as I entered the garden gates. My eyes scanned the dark gardens no sign of the hybrid I loved.
"Micah!" I called out again my voice breaking. Where was he, Caiden said he was here. I subtly sniffed the air waiting to catch his scent it was faint but I followed it. His scent led me to the path that we took to the meadows. Remembering the path correctly I ran faster dodging whatever tree stump and rocks.
"Micah. Are you there?" I called out as I approached the field. There he was sitting idly picking the flowers and pulling at the petals. "Micah Ashmore where have you been?" I shouted trying to hide my smile.
My wolf was going wild and it took a lot for me not to copy her happiness. He looked up and those blue eyes were all I needed to see to tell me that he was mine. He was right. He is my mate.
'Mate' my wolf exclaimed.
My prince charming was right in front of me this whole time.
"Eva? What's going on? Why can we hear your wolf?" he said confused coming towards me slowly.
"Caiden.... he lifted our bonds. I can have a mate now. I can have you." I cried.
"Finally" was all he said before he pulled me against him and claimed my lips.
That simple kiss shot pleasure straight to my heart my body went limp against his body. His fingers unraveled my hair from its pins as we fought for dominance. "I" "Love" "You," he said between kisses. Those three words from him now completed me. He was mine as I was his.
"I love you too Micah," I said when we came up for air.
"You don't know how long I waited for you to say those words," he said before kissing me senseless once more.
Slowly he brought me down to the ground, laying me gently on the flowers as he hovered over me, his eyes shone so brightly with love as he placed soft kisses on my face and shoulders.
"Mine" he growled trailing his hand over my body while brushing his lips over mine. My skin was heated as his fingers teased my bare skin, he took my lips once more and showed me how much he loved me in that kiss.
His mouth left mine and trailed down to my neck, I was excited for what he wanted to do, pulling his body closer, he growled as his erection rubbed against my core. His tongue sent shivers down my spine as he licked the spot where he would mark me.
"No one else can have you. You understand?" he said gruffly against my skin. "Yes," I groaned as he grinds roughly against my core. I buried my face in his neck placing butterfly kisses, I felt his body shudder against mine causing him to hold me tighter.
'Claim mate,' my wolf begged. I felt his fangs against my skin then the piercing of my skin, his hand found it's way below my dress to the thin material of my underwear as the pain began. He slipped a finger in and began to pleasure me, it overwhelmed the pain fully by then. My moans were loud, he covered his mouth with mine after licking the mark sealed. I was near my climax when I pulled away and positioned my self to claim him.
By then he skillfully released his member and thrust into me, "Fuck" we said in unison. Slowly he began to thrust into me, whispering sweet nothings in my ear, our movements went wilder as the pleasure took over. I kissed the spot where my mark would be imprinted and bit down gently.
"Oh shit. Eva" he moaned out before pounding into me wildly. I didn't remove my fangs until I knew he was near his breaking point. Licking the wound close I flipped us over and began giving him my all. He held onto my hips tightly as I clutched on to his shoulders, his name escaped my lips as I gave into my orgasm. Micah soon filled me calling name over and over.
'I love you, red and I would tell you that every day of our lives together.' he said over our newly formed mate link.
Caressing his cheek, I felt it all through our bond I can never give this up. This was what I longed for.
"And I won't get tired hearing it," I said aloud going into his embrace.
Who would have thought that Rosaline and I, two street kids would end up living in the castle, being loved my sinfully handsome men, and finally gaining a family? The moon goddess sure has blessed her children beautifully. I regretted being a protector to a human at first but due to the situations I've learned why she chose me and I am grateful to her for giving me this opportunity. But most of all I'm thankful to her for blessing me with my very own wolf prince.
**The End.**
*********************************************************
Saville Series Book 1 - The Hidden Princess
Book 2 - The Wolf Prince Mate
Book 3 - Healing The Quiet Prince