The Hybrid Princess

Chapter Four: The Banquet

The end of the week comes fast, my cheek heals as well as the rest of the bruises on my body. I stay out of the way of Hallie and Naomi as well as Bryce. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself especially since I didn’t know which wolf had witnessed me using my healing powers in the woods. I still feared what would happen if someone found out or spread the rumor that a witch-hybrid was illegally using their powers.

It was after dinner and about a couple hours from the ball when Naomi came barging into my small attic bedroom. She looks up into the corner at the spider web hanging and immediately pretends to gag. “Ew. Listen wretch, I need you to serve wine at the ball.” She states, throwing a serving uniform at me that consisted of a bright white polo and black dress pants.

“Make sure your hair is tied back and make sure you don’t embarrass me. The Alpha King and his family are here.” I reach to take the uniform and she grabs my arm, digging her long-manicured nails into me. I wince slightly as she leans close to my face, “Don’t f*****g embarrass me. Or else.” Her breath smelled heavily of alcohol, “I will make sure you regret living.” She releases me quickly and stalks out my room, leaving me.

I sigh quietly to myself and look out the small window, watching the sunset. We might find our mate! Snow howls excitedly. ‘If we don’t find our mate, I’m sure Bryce will allow us to leave with him.’ I smile at the thought of getting away from Naomi and Hallie.

Either way we will be free! The last word sticks with me and I can’t help but think of freedom as I get ready to work the ball.

Wolves dressed to impress file into the banquet hall, buzzing excitedly about meeting the royal alphas. I smile and bow to each one, offering wine on my serving tray. I make my way around the edge of the banquet hall, listening to every wolf talk about the royal family. All I knew was that they were known for their strength, good looks and kind but stern nature. Wolves my age buzzed about the identical twin princes who had just turned eighteen. Neither had found their mates and the she-wolves were excited and hopeful to be the one.

I smiled to myself and chuckled, to be apart of the royal family would be an absolute nightmare. To constantly be in the light and in front of crowds of people were too much for a wolf like me. It would be a loud life full of social events and high expectations. Something that Hallie would excel in. I make my way towards the back corner at the same time Naomi comes to the front of the Banquet Hall.

“Good afternoon, and Welcome to Our Alpha Summit Ball!” Naomi projects to the crowd of wolves. People clap and whisper excitedly. “Thank you all for coming!” She moves to the side of the entrance and raises her hands. “Without further ado, Please welcome the Alpha Royal Family!” She begins clapping and everyone else follows suit as the royal alphas enter the hall. The Alpha King and Queen enter with their arms linked and everyone bows in respect. I bow the best I can with a serving tray and look up just in time to see two very good-looking wolves walk in.

Both wolves were at least 6 feet tall with jet black hair and striking honey-colored eyes. One had a sexy, clean man bun as the other had a slightly long top with buzzed sides. They had matching strong jaw lines with masculine roman noses. Their bodies were just as beautiful as their faces, toned muscles that were hidden by dapper black tuxedos. Their scent hit me with that familiar ocean beach smell and my heart instantly sped up. MATES! Snow howled excitedly in my head. I blushed hard as an unfamiliar warmth spread between my legs.

As soon as the desire pooled within me, both had stopped and looked at each other for a few moments like they were mind-linking. Their eyes began searching the room, ignoring the rest of the wolves in the room. The queen stopped and looked back at her sons, shock on her face. She turned and started whispering to the king.

Fear struck my heart at the thought of the attention being drawn to me. Before I can stop myself, I tear my attention away from the royal family and place the tray of wine on a nearby table. Much to my demise, the platter falls to floor and red wine spills all over my white polo. I try to run but slip on the wine and fall to the floor, hard.

Wolves around me begin laughing as I try to get up, slicing my palms on the broken glass. I begin panicking, continuously slipping on the wet surface. I look to the side to see Hallie glaring at me and Naomi cursing under her breath. Tears flood my eyes, at the thought of my punishment from my stepmother. I look up to see the twins looking in my direction as well as the rest of the royal family. Fear and adrenaline courses through me as I force myself up despite the cuts in my hands and knees. I run out the side door and down the hall towards the gardens, tears falling down my face at the embarrassment, laughter booming from the banquet hall.

The twin princes could not possibly be my mate. I’m not worthy to be their mates. I was a maid, a slave. I was no one important in my pack. I was shunned for being a hybrid. I was a bastard child out of an Alpha and a slutty witch. I was lower than the s**t on the bottom of a shoe. I was a disgrace in that hall, bring shame and embarrassment to not only myself but our pack as well.

I ran to my favorite hiding spot in the gardens, a small little gazebo located in the back corner, behind the pond. I hid behind the gazebo on the mulch filled ground, pulling my knees to my chest and sobbed. Everything is going to be alright. Snow soothed, They will still want you no matter what. I sobbed harder, hugging my knees tightly. The blood seeping out of my pants from where I was cut by the glass. ‘Snow, they couldn’t possibly want me after that scene. What an absolute disgrace. They will reject me in no time.’

“Are you okay?” a deep seductive voice asks above me, making me jump and look up to see both princes standing in front of me. The one with the sexy man-bun held out his hand for me, “Please don’t cry sweetheart. Here, let me help you.” I look up at him, my face red from embarrassment. The other twin stands further behind, a stern almost annoyed look on his face.

“Please?” Sexy man-bun asks again politely. I hesitate but slowly reach up and take his hand. He pulls me up gently, the scent of warm ocean breeze with vanilla filling my nostrils. “Are you okay?” He asks again, taking out a small rag and gently wiping the tears running down my cheeks. I nod lightly and can’t help but stare into his honey-colored eyes.

“My name is Gabriel and this grumpy guy over here is my brother Kai, if you didn’t already know.” He says with a smile on his face as he looks me up and down. His gaze sending pulses of desires through me. Snow purrs as he holds my chin in his hand, “May I ask your name, beautiful?”