Alpha Princes Hidden Mate

3- Tulips

The snow covered mountain caps could be seen from the window as the jet moved nearer to its next destination. He was sitting in the lavish royal jet with three levels which included an extensive suite for him that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. It had a medical suite that could function as an operating room for emergencies and a fully equipped high tech armory. There were a few warriors on the board, accompanying him along with four of his Supreme Guards including Beta and Gamma Supreme.

Eros sighed as he prepared for his stay to yet another pack of Valor. 

It had been seven months since he was on this tour away from his castle, his pack and family. He was proud of his people, though they were skeptical yet they all  decided to trust him when he announced the return of supreme guards. After the draining crowning ceremony he was summoned by the regent.

It was a hectic and tiring ceremony and Eros wanted nothing more than to bury himself in the soft inviting mattress and tempting fluffy quilt . Eros was just putting on his shorts when there was a knock on his chamber door. With an inaudible groan and pulling on a poker face, he called the omega to come in. 

The omega bowed to him as soon as he entered Eros' chamber.

"Apologies prince but Alpha Regent has summoned you in his study at this very moment" the omega said while looking down towards the ground, not daring to look up at him.

"It's fine. Tell him I will be there in a few minutes"

The omega bowed  once again and went away.

"Take a sit Eros, we have some important things to discuss" Regent  said as soon as the doors to the study were opened to let Eros enter the dark space illuminated by the candles all around the room. Eros saw his uncle sitting behind an ornate mahogany table in a plush large arm chair inhaling a cigar. The large window behind the desk which helped the moonlight from the bright full moon to enter the study which will after sometime belong to Eros.

Eros just sat down without any questions and an expressionless face, looking directly in the eyes of Regent to let him know he was listening to whatever Regent needed to discuss.

" I called you to inform you about your tour to learn from different packs in and out of our kingdom as well as make new alliances. You are the youngest Moon Supreme so far. So all the advisors and  elders are in agreement that you are still young. You have still to experience and learn a lot before starting your training for becoming king.

You will visit every pack in the Kingdom of Valor, learn about them, learn from the experienced alpha's and strengthen their trust in you. After that we have arranged for you to stay in other kingdoms for a duration of three months each to learn their customs, ways as well as create new alliances. I and all others think it will be beneficial for you as well as the kingdom. Also, your decision of reviving the Supreme Battalion had caused unrest among alphas and other rulers. This will be a good chance for you to settle some of their issues regarding that. What do you say Moon Supreme?" 

Though Regent was asking Eros' opinion, Eros knew that tone very well. There was no changing his mind and whether Eros liked it or not, he had no choice. Moreover, he trusted the judgement of his uncle and valued his advice. If he and other elders thought it was important and beneficial for the kingdom, then there was nothing left to discuss.

"I am in accord with the decision, Regent. When would I leave?"

"Very well. I knew you would like this. Your schedule is ready, the plane and other necessities are also prepared for your departure tomorrow morning. I have prepared a few warriors to accompany you as well."

"Accompany me?" There were a million more questions running in Eros' mind but he never showed it on his face. He asked this question without any emotions whatsoever.

"Yes you are crowned prince of Valor after all, your safety is essential. Moreover, there is a fair chance you might meet your mate on this tour. You should be prepared to protect the future Queen Luna of this kingdom." 

Eros tensed up as soon as he heard 'mate' and 'Queen Luna'.  He never thought about his mate, ever. Yes, mates were very sacred to werewolves but he had seen with his own eyes what they could do. How big of a weakness they could become. So at a very young age Eros had decided that he would never accept a mate even if by accident they crossed his path. He was not concerned  about that but was not going to let Regent know this.

"Alright Regent. How long is this tour specifically?"

"As long as you take. But as far as the planning, give or take one year. Anything else?"

"I would like to bring Beta and Gamma Supreme with me"

"I don't think that is necessary but it is your battalion, I have no say in that. You can do what you want"

Eros gave him a nod and stood up looking at Regent to get dismissed.

"Get ready by five in the morning, the plane departs at seven. All the best"

With that Eros went back to his chamber with his thoughts running wild about this trip and his plans.  

"Prince, we would be landing in about thirty minute. Do you want me to bring you anything?" 

Eros looked up from the pack's report he was going through towards the new flight attendant standing beside his seat trying not to shake in his mere presence. He just gave her a curt nod as a reply dismissing her to her relief. She couldn't have scurried away fast enough!

Eros turned towards his companions and asked for Beta and Gamma Supreme to follow him to the conference room. They had important things to discuss before landing.

The weather was clear as the plane landed on the strip. The only indication of the heavy snowfall the previous night was the thick knee high blanket of snow that was spread out all around the landing strip. Eros walked up to the crew standing at the exit of the plane. He gave them a curt node. Before taking his exit, he paused near the flight attendant who couldn't help but fidget on her place.

"Thank you for your hospitality Miss..."

"J...Ja...Janet" the wide eyed attendant replied nervously.

Eros just smirked, winked at her and left the plane, leaving a shocked paralyzed girl.

Their prince was definitely bipolar or something, wondered the entire crew.

A few large black SUVs were parked besides the plane with a few wolves standing to greet The Moon Supreme. The Alpha and beta of the pack that resides in the northernmost point of Kingdom of Valor stepped forward. This part of the kingdom was once part of the USA, a human established nation. Now it was the territory of the Guardian Wolf pack, the protective wolves. Most of the personal royal guards came from this pack.

"Welcome to the Guardian Wolf Pack Moon Supreme Eros. I hope you had a smooth journey" Alpha Jerome said as they shook hands. 

"Indeed Alpha Jerome and I feel it will be a lot smoother with the entourage you brought."

"Ah! This is just for precautions, prince. It had been snowing a lot since last night. Thank the moon goddess, it cleared enough for you to arrive safely. Let's head up to the pack house. It is quite a journey up there, especially with the covered roads."

"Yes, I would like to rest a bit before we start with our scheduled meeting."

Hmmm....Moon Supreme seems quite a lovely and light hearted lad, unlike the rumors that portray him differently. Alas, they were rumors after all.

Alpha was amazed to see the humorous side of the prince and he could feel that this trip would be good for the kingdom as well as his pack. Prince was indeed charming throughout the journey to the pack house. Alpha couldn't help but admire the young but mature and chivalrous prince. He was indeed the son of late King Dimitry and Alpha Jerome couldn't wait to see his negotiating skills.

The pack house was a huge white colored structure with huge snow covered mountains giving it a picturesque backdrop. It was indeed clever to hide the pack house within the snow bound environment with white color creating a perfect camouflage. One would not see it if they didn't know what to look for. Eros was impressed with the way he saw the pack working and its sheer intelligence reflected from the way they were living at this end of the kingdom, in a very harsh natural environment.

"I have to say Alpha Jerome, not many things can impress me at this point of time but the way you have been hiding your pack in clear view is worth appreciating. I am sure we would be able to use your wisdom for the benefit of the kingdom"

"Haaahaaa, this was exactly what Dimitry said when he first visited here. I knew you are just like your father. And you can call me Jerome or Uncle Jerome. After all, your father was one of my closest friends."

Alpha Jerome patted Eros' back as they walked inside the pack house. He felt at ease with Eros now he knew he was not the serious all mighty prince everyone said him to be. He was opposite to that, totally opposite. After learning about the relation between Alpha Jerome and his father, Eros was a little curious to know more about his father. He always admired the man he never got to know much about. 

"Yes, Aunt Eiona told me about some of your shenanigan from your youth years. I have also heard about the future Alpha of this pack. I would like to meet the fiercest protector of our kingdom. I thought he would be here to welcome us as well."

"Ah so you have heard. I am sure you will meet our future alpha soon. Why don't you and your warriors rest first. Here, John will take you and your warriors to your room. We will meet at six in my office then."

Eros  could see the proud glint in Alpha's eyes but there was something else as well, like he was hiding something which did not sit well with him. Eros did not point that out just yet. He would first observe his surroundings before reaching any conclusions. He and his warriors went with John to the first floor of the pack house that had many guest rooms for occasions.

"Beta John, I assume my request has been fulfilled."

"Yes, Prince Eros. We have prepared interconnected adjacent rooms for you, beta and gamma supreme. The other warriors are placed in the warrior quarters but on the same level as well. This way please"

Eros entered a large room with black and white colored scheme. It was smaller than his suit back home but was homely. It also had a balcony opening towards one of the most beautiful scenes he had ever seen in his life. He put his bags in one corner and walked and opened the balcony glass doors. Strong cold wind hit his face as he stepped out on the balcony. He could see the Alaskan ranges and just below the balcony was a frozen lake. The scene was beautiful as well as felt gloomy to Eros, devoid of any life or color.

Just like how my life is.

The serene lonely moment was interrupted by the opening of two doors as the Beta and Gamma Supreme entered Eros' room from the interconnected doors. Eros turned to look at the two from the corner of his eyes still facing towards the mountains. Both the newcomers stood besides him. They have ditched their masks in the safety of their room.

"You both shouldn't be out here without the masks. It could be dangerous if anybody sees you both."

"We needed to talk. Can you feel it too?"

"Yes" 

Eros sighed and took a hold of the balcony railing. 

"Something is going to happen. I can feel it coming."

"Do you think Alpha John knows something? Maybe where the beta...", before he could complete the sentence, Eros pinned him to the wall while squeezing his neck.

"DON'T YOU DARE COMPLETE THAT SENTENCE GAMMA", roared Eros as gamma tried to get out of the chokehold Eros had him in.

Beta quickly zipped to Eros and pried him away from a blue faced gamma. 

"Calm down Eros. We don't want any unnecessary attention. Gamma, you go and freshen up for the meeting with Alpha. Eros you also do the same"

Gamma gave Eros a pointed look and went to his room, followed by the Beta, leaving Eros to his own wandering thoughts.

After freshening up, Eros decided to explore the pack house and pack wolves before meeting with Alpha Jerome and his son. After exploring his floor, he decided to go to the ground level. He was walking towards the stairs at the end of the corridor when a tantalizing smell hit his nose. He abruptly stopped in his tracks and started to take larger whiffs of the smell.

Tulips. It is definitely tulips.

Something started to stir from deep within. He was becoming restless as the smell slowly started to subside. Afraid of losing the trail, Eros quickly followed the scent. He was about to climb the stairs when an omega called for him.

"Prince Eros, Alpha Jerome and others are waiting for you in his study"

"Yeah, ah I will be there, ah, tell them I will be there in a few minutes." Eros answered him in a distracted tone, still reeling from what he smelled and felt. Omega bowed and scurried away. Eros turned towards the stairs again but was disappointed to find the trail cold. 

Now this will have to wait a bit.

Eros entered Alpha Jerome's study which was illuminated with the faint sunlight pouring through the floor to ceiling window behind Alpha's desk. The study was neither big nor small, it was just perfect for an Alpha of a large pack. All the furniture was of expensive polished teak wood with minimalistic design. He saw that the left wall was entirely covered with book shelves; he could make out some of his favorites there. Alpha Jerome was already seated on his chair along with his beta John, Beta and gamma supreme.

"Ah good evening Eros, right on time. Please have a seat and we shall start this meeting"

"Good evening Jerome. Where is your son? He should have been here by now. Lateness is not acceptable for future Alpha, Jerome."

"Don't worry prince, my future Alpha is very capable and punctual. There was some emergency at the east border, just taking care of that."

"Well then let's start. As you told us on the phone Jerome, you were contacted by the Alpha King of Ardor regarding some issues with human kingdoms there?"

"Yes, Eros. They contacted me after the failed communication with the royal palace. It seems that the royal contacts have been intercepted I am afraid and they were never able to reach you or Regent Prince Abaddon. So as the guardian wolf and my direct contact with the palace, they called here."

"What is so important that they tried so hard to contact us?" 

Eros was a little apprehensive at this news. He had been thinking about Alpha Jerome's report for the last few days. There shouldn't be such a huge problem, after all the issue was with the human kingdom. Mere humans. King Ardor could have taken care of them by himself.  

"Apparently, the humans have cut all the connections with the werewolf kingdom and have started to build higher, stronger reinforcements around their kingdom. But that is not all, they are using silver in those reinforcements."

A silence swept throughout the room. Alpha Jerome's words echoed through every mind present in the study. Could this be the start of another war? Nobody was prepared for that. And why now, why after millennia of peace and silence.

"Are there any other strange activities being reported?" Eros asked in a very calm voice. It was so calm that it could instill fear more powerful than a ferocious growl of beast from one's nightmares.

"The humans have also refused to send the purple moonseed and that is another violation of The Concord"

Eros took a deep breath but that breath caught in his throat as the same tantalizing smell entered his system through his nostrils. He became tense. Both his beta and gamma also took a defensive stance sensing something a miss. The air shifted inside the study as the door to Alpha Jerome's study opened. Everything around Eros was a little blurred and something stirred inside of him. Again.

Only one thing kept on repeating inside his mind as he slowly turned to look at the person carrying this scent.

Tulips. Tulips. Tulips 

The first thing Eros noticed were the warm brown eyes that showed wisdom beyond the age of the person they belong to. They showed many emotions ranging from warmth and love to fierce protection and strength. Then his eyes moved lower towards the plump pink lips pulled up  in a slight frown. Probably mimicking his. And then he moved to where the long silky golden blond hair flowed gracefully, framing the petite but well built  frame of a girl standing at the door wearing a professional attire of nude female suit and trousers.

"Ah prince Eros meet the future Alpha of the Guardian Wolf pack and the fiercest protector in our kingdom, my pride, my only daughter,  Katherine Rosaline Alookie"