Two Princes and a Princess

My Mate

Gray POV

It is good to be home after a month long of alpha training.  The training was intense from sunrise to sunset. I was trained to be a leader, learned to lean on others that have expertise,  and how to rule the kingdom.  I was trained to fight vampires, hybrids, and other wolves. I thought the training with the pack was hard. The fighting techniques I am going to incorporate into our daily training sessions.  They would make our pack even stronger against any rogue attacks or battles of any kind.  I decided to rent a car and drive the five hours back to the palace.  My father was grooming me for the kingdom.  I would now be required to attend all meetings and participate in all duties of a king. I was excited yet nervous at the same time.  As I contemplated  those thoughts, my cell phone rang.

“Hello.”

“Hi, son. I am so happy you are coming home.  I have planned a big celebration for you.”

“I missed you mom. You didn’t have to plan a party. I am just glad to be coming home. Training was intense.”

“Your father said that the training was going to be hard, but he knew you would come through with flying colors.”

“I knew he was counting on me.”

“I wish you were already here.  Why did you have to drive back? The plane ticket was paid for.”

“I know mom but I needed the quiet and relaxation of the drive. Don’t worry,  I will be there on time.  I am three hours out.”

“Oh, this is going to be wonderful. I have to go and put the finishing touches on a few things. See you when you get here.”

“Bye, mom.”

I hung up the phone wishing I was already there to see everyone. James kept me up to date on the happenings of the palace.  He informed me that he found his mate.  That made me jealous.  I am twenty-three and I still haven’t found my mate.  I was hoping to maybe find her at alpha training, but I had no luck. I looked at my gas hand and saw that it was getting low.  I pulled into a gas station to fill up.  I noticed a lot of men standing together talking. I got out of the car to pump my gas, but I couldn’t help overhearing that they were looking for a princess.  I continued to pump my gas so I could get back on the road. The men finished talking and got back into their cars and drove off. The last three hours seemed to go quickly because, for I knew it, the palace was coming into view. Mom really outdid herself.  There was a blue and white balloon arch at the front door.  There were blue and white balloons on the poles and streamers.  I parked the car in the visitors parking lot.  I got my bags out of the car and headed toward the front door.  I walked up the stairs hearing a lot of commotion.  It seemed everyone was busy doing something.  I opened the front door and stood in the foyer taking in all the sites.  In the middle of the foyer, was an ice sculpture.  The palace was definitely busier than usual.  I left my bags by the door off to the side so no one would trip over them.  I went down the second corridor to my father’s office.  The door was ajar and I walked in.

“Hey son, I’m glad you are home.” My father said getting up from his desk and coming around to hug me.

“Hey, dad.  It’s good to be home. Where is mom?”

“She is probably in the garden making sure everything is perfect for the evening. She has really missed you.”

I laughed to myself because I could imagine how she was.  I excused myself from dad to get my things from the foyer and go to my bedroom.  When I opened the door to my room, my wolf was immediately on alert. “Mate”.  I walked in further. Her scent was everywhere. Who has been in my room. My wolf was ready to be on the hunt to find her.  I needed to get out of the room so I could control my wolf. I headed to the garden away from the group of people that were decorating.  I shifted into my wolf; we needed to run.  I picked my clothes up into my mouth so that I would have them when I was ready to change back into my human form. We ran and ran through the woods that connected to the garden. I started to get tired. I stopped at the small pond and shifted back into my human form.  I had just put my shorts on when my wolf caught her scent. I turned around as I was putting on my shirt.  My mate was standing in front of me. 

We introduced ourselves. My wolf wanted to reach out and grab her and kiss her breathless. I was starting to lose control.  I had to say something. “You’re a maid.” Why did I say that. Embarrassed, I walked away. What must she think of me. She called my name and I stopped. 

“I’m Princess Lisa Cambridge of Edinburgh. I ran away from my palace and I’m posing as a maid so I don’t have to marry Prince Collin.”

At that moment, I remember the men at the gas station that said that they were looking for a princess.  I turned around and walked toward her.  I had to touch her face.  My body was on fire. I had to leave, so I turned around and walked away. I went to my room. “Go back to our mate,'' my wolf said in my head. “I have to get ready for the party.” I said to my wolf.  I took a shower and prepared for the evening.  

I walked out into the garden to see that the pack was enjoying my welcome home celebration. 

I grabbed a drink from the punch bowl table, when Fatima approached me.

“Hi Prince Gray. It is so good to have you back home.” She said bubbly.

“I am happy to be home.” I said.

“You missed so many things. I had my birthday. I turned eighteen. Wilma had her twin pups. They are so cute. They look just like her.”

Fatima never stopped to take a breath and she told me everything that my cousin had told me. 

“Did you find your mate?” I asked, interrupting her, while I took a drink from my cup. She paused with sadness in her eyes.

“No, I haven’t found my mate.  I thought you were supposed to find your mate in your pack.”

“Not all the time your mate is in your pack. The Moon Goddess will send your mate to you when it's time. Believe it will happen when you least expect it.”

At that very moment, Lisa walked out of the palace into the garden. She wore a blue dress that came just above her knees. I saw her looking around then found a seat at the table. Becca went and sat down next to her. Fatima was saying something, but I was focused on Lisa. She turned around and our eyes locked on each other.  I couldn’t look away.  We only broke eye contact when Rex and Harris walked over to the table. Next, Lisa got up and went to the dance floor with Rex. My wolf was not happy. “My mate.”  I left Fatima in the middle of whatever she was saying to pull Rex away from Lisa.

“Mine.” I growled.

“Prince Gray, I didn’t know she was your mate.” He stammered and quickly ran away.  

I grabbed Lisa in my arms holding her as we danced.  I could feel everyone's eyes on us.  I lifted Lisa’s head so I could stare into her hazel eyes. My body was on fire again. As I leaned in for a kiss, my mother had the music stopped and asked everyone to take a seat at the tables.  I held Lisa’s hand as we walked to the head table.  I pulled out her chair for her to sit.  My mother could barely contain her happiness.  My father stuck his chest out with pride.  We talked all through dinner. I felt like I had known her for years.  My parents mind link me to say that they approved of my fated mate and would prepare the bond ceremony.  

“Lisa, is your fated mate?” My mother asked.

“I’m happy for you son.” My dad said.

“Yes, I prayed that the Moon Goddess would send her to me. But I really didn’t think she would actually send her to me as she did. A princess posing as a maid.” I told her.

“She’s a princess.” My mother said, trying not to look shocked.

My dad was trying to not stare at Lisa because of the shock.

“I will explain later.”

My wolf was getting restless and wanted to be alone with Lisa. I stood up grabbing Lisa with me and gave my speech. As soon as I was done. I led us back to the palace to my room.  My wolf took control and he was not going to stop until he mated. I leaned against the door watching her. Then I walked toward her.  I saw her wolf had emerged.  My body was drawn to her.  I pulled her into my arms. Her lips were so soft.  I placed her on the bed and we mated.