The Lost Warrior Princess

Truth and Confessions

After I left the room, I walked back to the room Nicolas and I would share for the next three days in silence in my own thoughts. I wasn’t paying attention to my own surroundings, that I didn’t notice someone being in front of me and walked right into Riley as he stood in the hall waiting by my room door.

“What’s got you so distracted?” He said as I looked up at him. I just shrugged and went to walk around him to open my door. He sidestepped to block me before I could open the door. Seriously, can I not catch a break right now? I thought to myself.

“What is it Riley? I have work to do for the journey back to the clan.” I didn’t really have to much to do but I just had a lot on my mind and just needed some time alone so that I could get my head around everything I have learnt in the last twenty four hours.

“I was hoping to talk to you about something.” He replied.

I sighed “Is it important?” I asked him.

“Yes, it’s important and some what personal. Can we talk in private?” He asked me as he pointed to my door. I sighed and nodded as I stepped around him and opened my door and indicated for him to enter. He stepped into the room and I shut the door.

I stood and waited with my arms crossed over my chest waiting for him to start talking.

“So this is a nice room.” He said.

“Riley, you didn’t come here to talk about the condition of the room I was given. What is up? What is the real reason you wanted to talk?” I asked. He stepped towards me and let out a breath just as he stopped just in front of me.

“Luna, I have been a d**k to everyone. I wanted to apologise for my behaviour.” He said.

What the hell? Riley has never apologised for being a d**k before. This was weird, I must have had a shocked look on my face because he let out a light chuckle before speaking again. “You don’t have to seem so shocked, the words I’m sorry are in my vocabulary.”

“Well um.. thank you for apologising. Was there anything else?” I replied. What was happening? This was weird, there must be something else going on because Riley has never apologised to anyone and I mean anyone.

“I also have something else I want to talk to you about.” He said still looking at me with a strange emotion playing in his eyes. Why was he looking at me like that? He never looked at me like that before. I hope he wasn’t about to say he had feelings for me. “ I need to tell you how I feel about you...” oh god, this can’t be happening. Riley has never been my type of guy. Don’t get me wrong, yes he was well built and muscular but he had a really bad attitude and temper. I have been on the receiving end of his anger a couple times and it was not something I liked and I never wanted to be with someone that couldn’t control their anger.

“I have had feeling for you for some time now but have tried to hide it. I didn’t want to admit it to you or act on it because I was worried it would make me weaker when on missions, that I would be more focused on keeping you safe then getting the mission completed successfully. But after you were injured and that bloodsucker started to get closer to you it made me realise that if I continued to keep how I feel a secret I would miss any chance I had of being with you.” He said as he took another step towards me, I had to tilt my head to be able to look at him. “ I am in love with you.”

WHAT?!?

Where the hell was this coming from? How did I not notice that he was falling for me? That he had fallen for me! I had never given any indication that I was even interested. This is bad, Nicolas had noticed how he looked at me in just a couple hours but yet I couldn’t see it and I have known him for years. While I was still in shock and trying to figure out where all this was coming from I didn’t notice Riley leaning down closer to me until his lips were on mine.

He was kissing me! I stood there not moving. Wait, he’s kissing me!?!? No this feels wrong, so wrong! After waking up to the fact he was kissing me I was able to get control and push him away. He stumbled a little backwards from the shove, I looked at me with wide eyes. He looked hurt, like he didn’t expect me to react the way I did. That I would have just jumped into his arms like every other girl.

“Riley, thank you for telling me how you feel but I’m sorry I don’t feel the same way.” I said as calmly as I could. I watched as his expression changed from hurt to one of anger. What!? He was the one that was angry? How could he possibly be angry when I only told him the truth, that the feelings were not mutual? I heard the door open and knew it was Nicolas coming back to the room after his talk with Anya. Seriously, he couldn’t have come back any earlier? Riley’s eyes moved from me to Nicolas and then back to me. I watched as more anger showed on his face.

“It’s because of him isn’t it?” He spat out as he pointed to Nicolas behind me.

“What’s going on?” Nicolas asked in a stern voice.

I turned to Nicolas, “nothing, don’t worry about it.” I turn back to Riley and then speak, “Riley, my not having romantic feelings for you has nothing to do with the prince. I have never had feelings for you, you are my friend. Nothing more, I’m sorry that the feelings are not returned the way you would want but it would be wrong of me to lead you on.”

“ What did you do to her? Did you brain wash her or something? Has he forced you to do something? You can tell me, I will end him if he has.” Riley snapped. Oh for god sake, this has got to be a joke.

“I did nothing to her.” Nicolas says through gritted teeth. Great now they were both angry, I really don’t have the energy to deal with two males fighting right now.

“That is enough! Riley, the prince hasn’t done anything to me. My feelings are my own, you need to accept that at this current time I do not have feelings for you. Please understand that.” I said to Riley, he looked at me with hurt and betrayal in his eyes and then looked at Nicolas, his expression changed to one of pure hatred. He huffed and then stormed out shoving past Nicolas and I before he slammed the door shut behind him. Why was all this happening? Why was this mission becoming so complicated? Why does this have to happen when things are already difficult?

I went and fell on the bed with my eyes closed. I seriously just needed a break from all these new obstacles popping up. I felt the bed dip as Nicolas came and sat next to me. He was silent for a while before he finally spoke. “Are you alright?”

“No, I’m not.” I said in a quiet voice.

“Would you like to talk about it?” Nicolas asked in a soothing tone. I don’t know how but it made me just want to tell him everything that was swirling around in my head, all the things that were bothering me.

“Only if you don’t get mad.” I said knowing that once I told him what happened with Riley they he would be angry if not furious. Supernaturals were known to be fiercely protective and possessive of their mates once they had found them so I knew telling Nicolas that Riley had kissed me was going to make him angry. He nodded in agreement and told me to go on. I took a deep breath before I spoke, still keeping my eyes closed.

“Riley was waiting outside our room and asked to talk to me about something personal in private, so I invited him in and he started telling me how he has feeling for me and that he didn't want to miss his chance with me because he kept it a secret.” I paused for a second before I continued speaking, “I was in shock because I never noticed him showing any signs of liking me in that way, at least not until you pointed it out. I didn't even notice that he was leaning in to kiss me until he was actually kissing me.” A sudden growl came from where Nicolas was sitting on the bed. I opened my eyes to see him looking at me with such fury his eyes had gone blood red and his pupils had turned into thin cat like slits. I had never seen an angry vampire before. I had only seen rogue vampires with eyes like this. But they were always red, as a sign of them being a rogue.

“He touched what is mine.” He said with his jaw clenched. “He needs to be taught a lesson about touching things that don’t belong to him.” He hissed out as he went to to get up. I quickly sat up and grabbed his arm before he could storm out of the room.

“You said you wouldn’t get mad.” I said as he looked down at me. I watched as he thought something over before he took a couple of deep breaths and sat back down. “Thank you, I don’t want people being killed because you’re being possessive of your mate.”

“I’m sorry, it’s in our nature to be protective of our mates. I will try not to kill anyone that gets too close to you, that is an unmated male.” He said as his eyes slowly went back to his usual stunning green.

“Also, I can handle myself. I don’t need you going any killing everyone that comes near me.” I said with a small smile.

He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into a hug. I rested my head on his shoulder while we sat there in silence just enjoying each others company while Nicolas calmed down.

After holding each other for a couple minutes he leaned back to look at me, “ how are you feeling about everything else? I know it must be a lot to take in.” He was right, it was a lot to take in. I told him how I was feeling about the situation and how I wished everything was just easier. He listened very intently, offering input here and there. After we talked about everything that had happened the conversation changed to asking questions about each other. It was nice to just talk to someone about something other than killing rogues and keeping order between the humans and supernatural creatures.

By the time we realised the time we were late to dinner. We walked down and ate dinner with everyone. Alice doing her usual thing, talking to the vampire guards and Max while Riley just ignored everyone all together. As we sat down I looked up to see Riley looking at me with sadness in his eyes. His expression changed to a glare when he saw Nicolas. I could see that Nicolas was tense upon seeing Riley but he didn’t say anything and just took a seat.

We all ate dinner in peace until Alice spoke “what’s up with you three? You’re acting like you had an argument.” Riley huffed and Nicolas didn't say anything, I’m guessing because he didn't have anything nice to say. I just gave her a quick answer saying not to worry about it. She didn't say much else about it after that and we all finished our meal and got up and left the table. Nicolas had requested that Hunter come have a chat with him before I came up to the room. Riley had stormed off as soon as he had finished his meal and disappeared into the room he shared with Alice and Max. Max had followed behind Riley while Alice had hung back to talk to me.

“So what really happened between you three?” She asked quietly as the other vampires got up and left the table.

“Nothing, don’t worry about it Ali.” I replied but she wasn’t having it.

“Luna you know I can tell when you’re hiding something. Just tell me what’s bothering you and why Riley and the prince are glaring at each other like they are fighting over a favourite toy.” In a way she got it in one but it wasn’t a toy they were fighting over it was me. I let out a sigh and rubbed my temples.

“I don’t know what’s happening, Riley told me he has feelings for me and then Nicolas walked in and Riley accused him of brainwashing me when I turned him down and now I have to keep Riley and prince Nicolas from killing each other and then there’s other stuff going on as well, I just. . .” I trailed off.

“Riley just can’t handle rejection, he has always had girls throwing themselves at him since he was recruited.” She says back. “ But seriously, there’s something else going on that you’re not telling me and I’m pretty sure it has something to do with that sexy piece of prince you are sharing a room with. Have you not had a taste of that yet?” She says with a cheeky grin and a laugh. I feel my face go bright red from embarrassment.

“God Ali, no I have not had a taste of him! It’s just, complicated.” I reply feeling like I can’t open up to my best friend about everything thats going on between Nicolas and I and the fact that I’m not even human.

“Yeah I’m sure that’s what it is.” She winked at me and stood up. “I get if you don’t want to talk about it but Luna, I’m your friend and I’m here for you. You know that right?”

“I know Ali, I just have to figure a few things out on my own. I just don’t want to drag you into anything before I have it all figured out.” I replied with a sigh.

“Just know you can talk to me about anything. I haven’t ever told anyone anything that we talk about and I never will. I would take your secrets to the grave with me if I had too.” She smiled at me as she gave me a hug.

“Thank you Ali, I would do the same for you.” We released the hug before we walked to our rooms. I waved to Alice as I opened the door to mine and Nicolas’s room and walked in. Hunter and Nicolas looked like they were having a serious conversation before I walked in but fell silent once I entered. Nicolas nodded to Hunter and dismissed him. I turned to Nicolas with a questioning look but he said nothing, he just smiled at me.

“What was that about?” I asked him as I walked over to the bed and grabbed my pyjama’s to go and get ready for bed.

“Just talking to Hunter about security for while we are at the pack. I want to make sure we don’t have any more casualties.” He replied. He was keeping something to himself but I didn’t push the matter with him. He would either say something or I would find out on my own.

I grabbed my clothes for bed and told him I was going to go and get ready for bed that I would be out in a little while.

After showering and getting dried and dressed I brushed my teeth and walked back out to the room and climbed into bed. I lay there just relaxing for a little while with my eyes closed while Nicolas got changed and climbed into the bed next to me.

“Tomorrow we’ll have to go over your security while you’re in the meeting with the Alpha. The Alpha will have his Beta with him and possibly a warrior or two so you will need at least two in your security detail. Tomorrow we will all sit down and go over who your security detail will be in the meeting and what everyone else will be doing while the meeting takes place.” I said to him.

“Well, that’s simple. Hunter is my right hand man and you are my mate and my future Queen. But we will have to keep it professional in the meeting.” He replied. With the danger that would come from people knowing I’m the Princes mate it is best that we keep it hidden for the time being.

“Are you sure it is wise to have me there?” I ask.

“Why wouldn’t it be? You are a skilled fighter and it would mean I am less distracted if you’re within eye sight. I don’t trust your male companion alone with you.” He was right, I am a good fighter but it felt like he really just wanted an excuse to keep me close. “I also have something I would like to ask you about.”

“What is it you’re wanting to ask?” I asked.

“What are you’re plans after this mission is over?” He asked. I looked at him wondering why he was asking me that. I would have to go back to H.Q and be assigned another mission with my team.

“Well I would have to return to H.Q and I would probably get assigned another mission. Why do you ask?” I waited for his response. He took a deep breath seemingly nervous about what he was wanting to say.

“Well, I was thinking that now that I know you’re my mate that it would be very difficult for me to be away from you. I was thinking I would make a request for you to stay on as my person security, just on official paperwork that is. Once we know who it is that that wanted to put the cloak on you and why we can work to making sure you’re safe and the threat is neutralised and then plan the announcement of the Ravenwood bloodlines return. Then if you’re ok with it, we can make the announcement that you are my mate and future queen.” He said looking back at me. His emerald eyes watched me with anticipation for my answer. I was surprised that he was thinking about this, things have only just begun in our relationship but part of me felt the same way. I don’t know how I would possibly be able to go back now that I’ve met him. I just wanted to be close to him all the time and feel the comfort and safety his arms provided me and the more I was around him the stronger this feeling was getting.

We were still gazing at each other while he waited for me to say something.

“I feel the same way, even though we only met a couple of days ago I feel like if I were to leave you that I would be missing something. I don’t know how the Commander is going to feel about it though. She may refuse or send replacements for us to be your security detail instead.” I took a breath before continuing, “then there is the cloak and the mate issue, how am I meant to keep that all a secret? I can’t just tell the commander I’m your mate because I know too much and I’m a security risk to them if ever the supernaturals turn on the humans again. Then the issue with the cloak being removed is that if we don’t time it right it will put me in even more danger from who ever or what ever killed the clan I came from in the first place. There is just so many things happening right now that all I want is to just be close to you, to just forget all about the problems we have to face still. Can we do that? Just be together and forget about everything for just while we are here?”

He smiled at me before drawing me in and holding me close to his chest. He kissed the top of my head and rubbed my back while he held onto me in a protective embrace. I breathed in his scent and nuzzled my face into his cold chest. I could hear the slow faint beating of his heard as I closed my eyes and just enjoyed this feeling. I sighed from this amazing feeling, I felt safe and loved. I wanted to just enjoy this for as long as possible before everything came crashing back down on us.

“We can stay like this for as long as you want.” He whispered as he placed another kiss on my head, I smiled at the show of affection.

“Thank you, Nicolas.” I whispered back. I’m not sure how long we were laying there before I finally nodded off to sleep in his arms but it was one of my best nights of sleep I have ever had since being recruited.