We Met Again

Chapter 3

Derek’s POV

“We are going to Goshen tonight. Get ready”

I nodded to my father's words. I didn't care about Goshen or its people. I didn't care about its princesses either.

Yes, princesses.

Father thought it was a brilliant idea for two great packs who despised each other to come together and settle their differences- that was the glamourized story but the truth was that both packs were lacking in manpower. And recently, a few packs had been attacked by unknown people and they didn't want to risk it at all.

Marriage seemed like a great way to seal this deal.

“I hope they don't pull a fast one on us again” Father mumbled his eyebrows knitted in concentration.

“I could care less,” I said coldly. “Y’all think all of this is some great idea… But it wasn't worth all this trouble”

“Your duty should be to your people!” my father roared at me.

“And yours to who? I don't want to be married. You are not in any position to school me. You sucked as a father and husband and you suck even more as a king so save me all of this bullshit” I spat at him.

“You will respect our royal families and obey everything I say!” he screamed, his face flushed with anger and fear.

“How many times do I have to repeat myself before you believe my words and leave me alone?” I said calmly as I started walking away.

“No” he growled “this isn't over yet”

“ Is it? Because the last time I checked, she died because of you” I sneered

“You insolent child! Don't speak to me like that” He yelled furiously.

“Did I trigger something, my father? or do you prefer to be addressed as dear King Julius?” I said with a hint of sarcasm.

His face contorted into an ugly sneer, “I won't tolerate such language from my own flesh and blood”

“Does that even bother you, father? Do you ever sit and think about her, of the things you had put her through? Does her face haunt your dreams as I hope it will? Does it?”

Father seemed greatly shaken, his breathing was hard and I cared less.

“That's enough Derek. Show me some respect. One day you will be king and you will understand that great kings make difficult decisions and you will understand me…”

“When I am King, I will be nothing like you. Nothing at all” I had enough of the drama so I walked away, leaving him behind as he fumed.

I went back to my room and grabbed the flower vase that sat beside the door. I slammed the vase against the wall. The glass shattered around me. I grabbed the nearest thing and threw it against the vanity mirror. It cracked in half, pieces of glass stuck in my hands and hair. I kicked the chair, knocking it against the door frame.

I felt something snap inside of my head.

It was all pain. The pain I was living with, it grew with me and I fed it. It was the kind of pain that pulled you in slowly until there was nothing left of you. I had grown accustomed to it, it was a part of me and I knew it would never go away.

The pain subsided, but I knew my rage would never go away so I took a couple of deep breaths. When I calmed down again, my eyes started burning.

“Is everything alright in there?” I heard Clare’s voice.

She was the oldest servant and the mother figure I had since I was thirteen after my mother passed away . She was kind hearted and understanding, and her presence always managed to bring out some sense of happiness in me.

I cleared my throat, trying to hide my emotions, “I am fine” I still didn't open the door.

“Do you want me to come in Derek?” She asked again.

“No Clare”

There was silence for a while before I heard the shuffling of feet and I didn't need anyone to tell me she left.

The evening came by really fast and I was forced to sit with Father in the car that took us there for unbearable hours.

The king and one of the princesses came down. I didn't pay attention to any of them, the last place I wanted to be was here.

“I hope this one doesn't run away like the other one,” Father asked the king after we had exchanged pleasantries and had taken our seats.

King Alexander, the king of Goshen’s face twisted in anger but I could see him trying to fight for control.

It was no longer a secret that his oldest daughter whom I was supposed to marry eloped a week before the vows-taking ceremony and he had to replace her with her younger sister.

Not like I cared, I didn't give a f**k about any of these things.

My hands kept tapping furiously against the screen of my phone and I zoned out completely.

When it was time for us to leave, it was only then I noticed the Princess.

She was staring at me, her eyes were fearful and watchful but her face showed nothing other than complete neutrality. I glared back at her, wondering what she was thinking.

I tried to ignore her but her piercing stare made it impossible. Eventually, almost like she had just snapped back into reality, she looked away.

But I didn't, I wanted to but it seemed another force had taken over my body, forcing me to stay still. My Wolf was running inside of me with excitement , telling me that something unusual was about to happen.

She was back to staring at me and I stared at her in surprise. I didn't understand what was happening. The strange excitement inside of me didn't make sense either . I couldn't figure out why she was looking at me like that.

After a little bit of uncomfortable silence. “Why do you stare at me? What's your problem?” I almost snarled but I didn't because we were already walking out of the door when I heard my Wolf whisper "Mine".