CHAPTER FOUR

Rylan's POV 

I have just got back Into the kingdom after five years of being away in the exile because of a crime I know nothing about. I don't want to talk about it now, because if I did….. it would only make my mood worse than it already been.

But no one knows. Other than those who called themselves my family. Even Rylan—my best friend knows nothing. The only thing he'd suspected was how I have lost my spark since I left the kingdom. How I couldn't stay in touch, no matter how hard he tried to reach out. What he doesn't know was that I wasn't even in the right frame of mind to talk to anyone. I was fighting a battle—one so tough that I doubted if I'd survive until the next day.

Everyone else thought the prince heir had probably travelled overseas, living like a royal that he is, but it's nothing like that.

I didn't even tell anyone I was coming back. I was in the hotel room, feeling bored when I decided to go to the nearby bar and have a drink or two.

The moment I stepped into the restroom yesternight and saw a lady standing by the mirror, my wolf whimpered beneath me, jumping around in circles. 

No, she isn't my mate.

But my wolf reacted to her in ways that I don't understand. In ways it has never done before. In ways that felt too familiar for a stranger. 

And when she turned and my eyes fell to her cleavage, It was like the control I had prided on myself was slipping away like sand. 

I really tried to look away but I couldn't. My eyes were fixed on her like she was the only thing that had made sense in a long time.

I have seen thousands of girls. Have sex with over a hundred, but none of them had an effect on me like this woman beneath a silver mask.

How so?

My cock throbbed, straining hard against my pants—painful, urgent.

Fuck!

Her feminine scent was so intoxicating, and addictive.

I bite down on my lower lips, muffling the moans threatening to spill past my lips and I didn't realise when I complimented her beauty.

Then she smiled and that was when I literally forgot how to breathe. Just one smile of hers, is like a miracle—enough to calm to chaos inside me.

As she walked past me, I summoned all the courage inside me not to pull her back and slammed my lips on hers.

Then when she said she wants to have fun with me. She wanted a wild sex, I smiled inwardly. That was my speciality. That was the only thing that kept me sane for five fucking years. 

Finally, the Moon Goddess had come through for me.

As much as I wanted to jump on her, I had to confirm if she knows what she was saying. If she was in her right senses. Reason because, I don't want it to be a drunken mistake. Women were too many to be with one who think I was the one who took advantage of her, don't you think?

When she confirmed that she was sure, I didn't wait anymore. My hands found her rounded and bouncy ass and pulled her on the counter. Ready to give her that wild sex she so much desired.

When she removed her face mask, I froze.

Lira.

Rylan's sister.

And that was the end of it.

My eyes narrowed as shock coursed through me. 

How did the small girl of yesterday grow up to become such a beautiful woman?

How did the fat pumpkin trim down and become a beauty queen?

But it quickly morphed into rage. 

Is this how she seduce every man that comes her way?

I know she would have a mate already since she is above eighteen, so why did she act like that?

I lost my cool. Gave her a piece of my mind and called her dress 'Crappy.' That was a blatant lie. That dress was gorgeous—perfect like it was sorely made for her.

I didn't know why I said that though.

Maybe because I was annoyed that I was captivated by a girl I raised and now she's become a woman that is clearly off limits.

I stormed out of the bar and made my way to my hotel room.

That night was long and cold. I couldn't sleep a wink; I was restless, tossing from one side of the bed to the other.

When I get to the College this morning to enroll as a transfer student, I heard the whispers and murmurs swirling around. She was being mocked for being rejected by River on her birthday—which was yesterday.

And that was when I realised how much of an asshole I was for talking to her in such a rash manner.

The attention I had garned from the students was too much. Everyone was wondering who was the person beneath the mask. Only few students who were from the Moonfang Pack knows who I am.

Yes, I'm the cursed ice prince of the Moonfang Pack.

Named 'Curse' because they believe the scar on my face was a curse from the Moon Goddess; that wasn't true though. And 'Ice prince' because I'm cold. Ruthless. Never smiled before. 

But why would I smile? There was nothing exciting going on in my life.

The odds has been against me since I was born until this very moment.

I was moving away from the attention and not looking forward when I bumped into someone.

She stumbled backward and was about to fall when I caught her. Then I felt that spark again.

My wolf whimpered. My cock throbbed.

And it's the same effect. Same woman. 

Lira Hale.

The silence between us thickens. I wanted to apologise for yesterday's misunderstanding but my ego won't let me say a word, so I turned to leave but her voice stop me in my tracks.

“I need your help,” she says.

My eyes narrow in disbelief. I turn, folding my arms. “How can I help Lira?“

She swallows. “Lucien is about to be expelled because of me,” she says, her voice trembling like she was fighting back tears. 

Lucien? Expelled? The words turned bitter on my tongue. No. That couldn’t happen.

Then she explains further on how Lucien had hit River to defend her.

Sure, I should step in. Lucien is my friend. He was the only one who reached out to me a couple times while I was exiled.

Even if I don't want to, the fact that this would only cause a rift between River and I seems exciting. He hates to be challenge. And what other way is there to announce my return if I don't give my little brother a welcome back gift by pissing him off.

A small smile tug at the corners of my lips. “Sure… Lucien is my friend,” I say, my voice smooth like silk. “I should help him.

Lira sigh in relief, a grateful smile spread across her face. Her hands reach out, grabbing mine. “Thank you so much, Rylan.“

I feel that darn spark again.

I quickly withdraw my hand from her. “It's fine.“

As we turn to leave, another thought drop in my mind—one that is enough to make River go crazy. 

Rylan!!!

You're such a smart asshole.

I stop. “I will only help you on one condition.“

Lita blinks, confuse. She must be wondering how I have agreed to help her easily just seconds ago and now I'm suddenly placing her on a condition. "What?“ She mutters.

I know I'd be a dickhead for suggesting this, but I don't care anymore. I care about no one but myself. I'm no longer the same validation seeking prince that was sent away years ago.

“Date me, Lira,” I say, my voice low. “Let them see us together.”