The Prince's Guard

Chris pushed open the door, his stomach in a tight coiled knot. He just couldn’t shift it, couldn’t calm down. His parents prattling on with the importance of the next stage of his life. “Trey?” he called into the Gamma suite.“Yup? What’s up?” Trey’s oak haired head popped through the doorway to their living room.Chris walked right past him, making himself at home without invitation, “Why does anything need to be up?” his nonchalance did not match his internal feeling.“Because you look like shit. It’s not tomorrow is it?”“Course not. I’m going to find her straight away.” His confidence a mask, a hope no one would sense these worries... anxieties.“You probably won’t find her tomorrow," Trey reassured warmly. "There’s no pressure for it to be instant. Your brother didn’t find his mate for nearly a decade, remember.”“I don’t think I can wait that long,” Chris whispered.Trey’s hand fell heavily on the younger wolf. “You don’t need a mate to complete you.”“I know… I just… erm- I ju

‘You can’t stop me having my mate.’‘The moon goddess was incorrect. Behave.’‘The goddess is never wrong. Your human mind is stubborn.’‘You want pups?’‘Yes.’‘Then shut up.’ Chris finished straightening his bow tie. What if his mate sought him out at the ball? What if he was made a fool out of? No, the guard wouldn’t dare. Chris could merely claim slander. And to slander him would be to disrespect the crown. No. No wolf under their rule would dare. ‘Mate.’That word was going to get old, and fast. His wolf was being relentless. A war on his own mind that he despised. But it was necessary. His wolf may care less about his reputation, but he did. His reputation was everything. He was already the little prince that was captured and came back strange. He was already the family oddball. He was damaged enough. ‘Mate.’ His stomach twisted, he felt sick, he didn’t want to go down there. Why were they throwing a ball? He was much better alone. He’d prefer to spend the evening with hi

Chains dragged across the rough stone floor, he coughed, his throat dry. His ribs were sore but not as bad as the day before. The fear chilled him more than the damp cold air. He wanted his mother, his father, his brother. He wanted his sister to be OK… where was she? He was so scared. Be a good little boy, that’s what the man had said… he just needed to be good. The creek of the cell door swinging open made him scuttle back to the far wall as far as his chains allowed. Clouds of terror fogged his mind. Deep cognac eyes floated into the fog, he felt warm, he felt safe. He looked around, the dark dank cell had made way for a cloud of golden light, he was floating. Beautiful silky auburn hair tickled his neck as lips caressed the sensitive skin. No-one had ever kissed there, it felt so good. Large hands roamed over his chest and abdomen, his whole body tingling.

The silence of his wolf only lasted until morning. Unfortunately, he’d take the silence anyday. ‘Mate. Mate knows. Mate upset. Don’t want anyone but mate.’ It was a constant monologue.  Con.stant. ‘Go to mate. See mate. Smell mate. I can smell mate. Want mate.’ Chris pressed his palms into his eyes. He had to admit the night before in that alleyway had been an awakening. He’d never believe it would feel that good. Never believed it would happen outside of a mateship. And certainly

Jaxson pitched over, his hands on his knees after he’d finished the course this pack had set up. It wasn’t as complex as the one in the Royal packlands, but it was a lot longer. His head thudded with exertion… but it was a welcome feeling. “Did that in record time, no wonder you’re protecting the prince.” Matlock approached him, slapping him on the back in congratulations. “Gotta work hard,” Jaxson panted. “Yeah, can see that.” He’d heard bad things about the Huntermoon pack, but so far, he hadn’t sensed any issues. They were welcoming, the Alpha wasn’t as nearly hot headed as he’d heard, and the warriors trained hard.  Matlock handed him a bo