ASHLEY’S POV “Alpha Smichtt,”“Vance Louis,” my father responded in a very stern tone to Vance. He made a quick gesture with his hand, one that would have gone unnoticed, if I wasn’t looking closely at him, terrified that he would take a swing at his face. In response to his gesture, two guards walked to me and took me away from Vance. “What brings you here?” my father questioned. This was going to be anyone’s reaction. It would have been mine too, if my wolf didn’t completely lose it while he was miles away. He was the fragrance that triggered her—that made her alive. “I seem to remember that there’s a competition going on and for the duration of it, I cannot be considered a guest or stranger to Crystal pack,” Vance responded confidently. It was evident from my father’s face that he hated his guts, but Vance was not saying anything that was false. Up until the next week when my decision was finalized, he was still considered in a competition, provided he never openly declared tha
ASHLEY’S POV“How could you? You should know better. I expect much more from you, Ashley!” my father was extremely furious, he paced about his room. I couldn’t say I was embarrassed, even though I wished he didn’t walk in on Xavier and I in such a terrible position. “Do you not know you cannot have anything to do with him until after the mating ceremony?” my father probed. “Answer me!” he ordered. It was the first time he was demanding response from me, after yelling for about fifteen minutes. “The rule book only said in the instance of a competition, until I have made my choice and the ceremony had taken place, I am disallowed from having anything to do with either men,” I responded, “In this case, there is no either men. Xavier is my mate,” I defended. My response was only neck deep. It was the first time I addressed Xavier as a mate and everything I said felt false. I felt dirty for lying. Overtime, I had learnt to see Xavier as a lot of things. Sometimes he was a brother, other
ASHLEY’S POV I didn’t get the chance to scream, because I was lying with my back on the ground and Xavier lying over me. Our faces were very close to each other. We were caught in the moment, but only for a short while. An arrow landed just above my head, with the sharp end stuck to the ground. “You saved me,” I whispered to Xavier. I was too terrified to speak any louder. I never imagined that the same crystal pack I was raised in would become a war ground overnight. My father used to always say it was unsafe outside the pack house, but now It turned out, it was unsafe inside too. “We should get back into the castle, there is no telling what’s out here,” Xavier said, getting off from me and helping me up too. “I agree,” my response was quick,“You two go ahead. I’ll be getting no rest until I figure out what’s going on here,” my father said, walking farther away from us towards the gate. “Father, I highly doubt that you’ll find any solutions or explanations out here,” I argued,
ASHLEY’S POV“The ceremony is starting now,” the maid announced.“Three weeks,” I took a deep breath, “It’s been three weeks,” I sighed, “what makes him think it’s okay to disappear for three weeks.”The maid stood quietly. I knew she had been caught in an awkward conversation. I myself hated that we were caught there, but I needed to let out all my frustrations. I had a million thoughts and the fact that I had no outlet was eating me up.“Princess,” she called softly. Her voice was filled with compassion,“He did not have the decency to explain his reasons, or at least say goodbye.” My heart was breaking into shards as I spoke. The maid walked up to me, held my hand in hers and squeezed it very tightly. She said nothing. There was nothing to be said. I was dressed in a black quince dress and my crown was shining on the mirror from the top of my head. My steps through the hallway was dragging—not from the weight of my dress, but the heaviness in my heart. “Princess Ashley Smichtt of
VANCE’S POV “Christiana,” she said, with her mask in her hands. Her ocean blue eyes weren’t the only thing beautiful about her, her pink lips and pointed nose were equally as divine. “Wouldn’t you be in trouble for this?” I probed, “Only if I go back,” she walked slowly towards me, maintaining eye contact. My mouth was opened, but I could not say anything. Christiana completely closed the gap between us, sat right beside me on the bed and slowly brought her face to mine, until her lips pressed softly against mine. I could not resist her, or so I thought. I wrapped my arms around her waist and felt every part of her lips on mine. Her hands rubbed my chest softly and I did same around her waist. Christiana curled under the duvet with me and reached to take off my chest. My wolf growled. I held her hand firmly in place, not letting it get past my abs. “I can’t,” I said softly. I was overwhelmed by disappointment—at myself. “Why can’t you?” Christiana was quick to ask. It felt good
VANCE’S POV “Where do you think you’re going?” the both guards at my door formed a wall. “I had a heavy meal; wouldn’t I need to empty my bowel?” I probed. I couldn’t see their faces, but I hoped they were disgusted, which was precisely what I was going for. Both men were quiet and stole glances at each other for about fifteen seconds. “Take him,” one of them ordered the other. I was extremely pleased. It appeared my job had been made easier. I didn’t need to take on both of them. The escort with me walked directly behind me. I walked slowly and calmly into the woods from, behind the camp. It was impossible to leave through the front, because of the guards on mount, but I assumed it wasn’t going to be as tedious from behind. “That’s to the extent you go,” the guard held my arm when I had gone few steps away from the last tent. “You can take three steps forward and do your business, while I look away from you,” I nodded. I bent forward, folding into two, such that I could see him