Rise of the Cursed Princess

Chapter 1

Green and brown swirls flew past me as I raced through the forest giving everything I had. I faintly heard everyone else behind me. They were much closer than they should be. I pumped my legs harder and felt the burning ache set in.

The end of the forest came into view and I saw the crowd waiting in the clearing. With a smirk, I picked up speed and tried to increase the distance between those behind me. I was the fastest in town and I never hesitated to show that off.

I burst out from under the shade of the trees and into the clearing. The sound of cheers filled my ears.

“YOURE ALMOST THERE ARI,” I heard in the crowd.

I snuck a glance behind me and saw that a cute blonde boy was catching up. With every ounce of energy I had left I pushed my feet against the ground and felt the gravel crunching beneath me. My muscles relaxed and my lungs expanded to allow for more air. My heart rate slowed to a more steady rhythm. This was natural, instinct began to take over. I had an advantage that nobody else had; werewolf genes.

I shot forward, blowing through the finish line. More cheers erupted behind me as the voice on the loud speaker announced, “Ariella in first followed by Theon in close second!” I stopped listening after that because I was suddenly surrounded by lots of faces, most of which I had never seen before.

I tiptoed to see over the heads of everyone and once I found what I was looking for I pushed my way out of the crowd where I was greeted by my best friend, twin brother and father. I looked around for my mother and was met with a look of dismay.

“Ari that was amazing,” my brother Sebastian said as he wrapped me into one of his hugs.

“Hey, I’m pretty sweaty but hug away,” I giggled at him as he scrunched up his face and dropped me to the ground.

My father looked at me proudly, “I knew you would win. You always do.” With a wink he turned to go to my mother.

My mother was raised in a more traditional home. Men were athletes and warriors. Women were graceful and charming. Women were to be good wives, mates and mothers. She had never been proud of my running. I discovered my talent as a little kid and ran practically every chance I got. She was never satisfied. As the alpha king’s daughter, I had responsibilities. I was to act like the princess I was. According to my mother, “princesses do not run track and field.” My father, on the other hand, was very proud. As the Alpha King, his opinion was the only one that really mattered to me anyway.

I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I turned to find the cute blonde boy, Theon, staring at me. My stomach fluttered as we made eye contact.

“Hey ever-reigning champion!”

I barely had time to turn before I was engulfed into a giant hug. The strong arms squeezed me gently and I immediately relaxed into them. A sweet earthy smell mixed with Lavender Old Spice filled my nostrils. I would know that smell anywhere; my best friend and first love Asher.

I took a small step back so I could look up at him. Taking in his features shocked me. While he had always been cute, it struck me that his features were no longer that of the little boy I grew up with. He was a man with stubble on his cheeks, a sharp jawline and a six foot four stature. Although, golden honey eyes and milk chocolate brown hair were ever constant.

Asher and I had been friends since kindergarten, roughly 11 years. We had gone through everything together. The death of his mother was what really brought us closer and it was that day I realized that I wanted to be more than just his friend. He had my heart and had absolutely no idea.

“Hey you,” I answered him with a smile.

“You always win so I’m not really surprised, but there was one guy out there who was really giving you a run for your money. Pun was absolutely intended.”

I shoved his shoulder and giggled. Asher never failed to come up with some lame joke in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“I saw that little exchange with your mom, are you okay?” The concern in his voice was evident and made my heart swell. I knew he cared for me, but there was so many reasons that we couldn’t and shouldn’t be together, starting with the fact that he could never be romantically attracted to me.

“Yeah I’m okay. It’s nothing new,” I answered with a shrug.

“Sweetie it’s time we head back. Will you be getting a ride from Asher?”

I heard my dad’s voice clearly in my head. It was easy for us to mind-link in our human form because of our status. Not many other werewolves have that ability. Being were-royalty has its perks.

“Yes dad, we will be right behind you!”

“Hey want to stay for dinner,” I asked looking at Asher expectantly.

“If your dad is cooking? Absolutely!” He opened the passenger door to his Jeep Cherokee to let me in. Always the gentleman.

Our territory was about twenty minutes away from the little town that I attended school in. My pack, the Midnight Moon pack, was one of the largest in the country with just over one thousand members. We were also the wealthiest. Our ancestors chose this area as a sacred spot to build their kingdom and what royals don’t splurge on big houses, fancy cars and beautiful decorations? Everywhere you looked there were beautifully rustic buildings made from dark red brick. Tiny vines grew up the sides of the older ones. There were large gardens splattered with bright colored flowers and extravagant fountains. Fruit trees in every yard that produced large juicy produce. The entire territory was color coordinated and everything matched. Not a hair out of place, exactly what you would expect for a werewolf kingdom.

Although I loved Midnight Moon, the drive home was always so relaxing to me. The fields were always green but during the spring and summer wild flowers grew plentiful. The huge trees framed the curvy roads, creating a canopy over the asphalt. It was beautiful, like something out of a painting. Anyone would be lucky to have this view every day.

I shook my fiery red hair and let it fall down my shoulders. I ran my fingers through my curls, half attempting to brush out the tangles. Rolling down the window, I laid my head back on the headrest. The wind swirled around me and I longed to shift and stretch my wolfs legs. Nothing felt better than shifting after a long day of having to conceal my true identity.

The country music that was playing on the radio suddenly got quiet so I opened my eyes. I snuck a glance at Asher only to find him looking at me and smiling.

“Watch the road dummy, you’re going to get us killed!”

“Sorry I just love when you can forget all your problems for a little while and just be Ari,” he said as he turned his focus back to driving. I imagined him resting his hand on my thigh and my throat went dry. The things this boy could do to me with just a look was insane. I was in way deeper than I thought.

We passed through the gate without any resistance. Our guards knew this vehicle well and never questioned us, only a nod and occasional wave or smile was given.

The drive from the gate to my house was a short one. Asher and I sat in comfortable silence. That was one of the great things about being friends with him so long, we could simply just exist in each other’s company and be perfectly content.

“Almost to the house,” I said. “I’m starving and so ready to eat!”

Asher laughed at me and rolled his eyes. “How can you even say ‘house’?”

He was right. My house was more like one of those castles that you see in movies. The only white brick building on the territory. Anyone could see it from miles away. It was huge. We had over 200 wolves working for us, anything from chefs and maids to handmaidens and event planners.

Everyone who provided us their services got to stay with us and had access to all of the same things we did, with the exception of private records and my fathers throne room. The only time anybody was allowed in there was during important meetings that he himself called.

When we pulled into the driveway I could already smell the smoke of the grill in the air. With our advanced sense of smell I could identify all of the different foods on the menu for tonight’s dinner; chicken, shrimp, steak and a variety of veggies.

“Mmm, kabobs,” Asher looked at me with a lopsided grin. He loved when dad made kabobs on the grill. I hopped out of the car and unlatched the gate to join the rest of the family in the backyard.