THE BLOOD MATE

CHAPTER 2 - THE GOLDEN PRINCE

I have been feeling uneasy the entire day as if a sixth sense is warning me of something to come. It makes me nervous, this nagging feeling that I cannot seem to get rid of and as the night draws closer, I'm beginning to think that maybe I should call my older sisters and let them know that we will not be attending. However, tonight is a big deal. Perhaps the most important day since the start of my sisters' reign. Royalty is visiting, a prince from the counsel is going to be in attendance. It is an honor for any pack to win the notice of the Authority, as long as it's on good terms. According to the letter addressed to our family, the prince is specially attending tonight's feast to congratulate my sisters on taking back our family's rightful place as heads of Barcalou. Not only did they free our parents' throne from the ruthless Maximo, but our uncles also needed to obtain freedom after the deaths of our relatives. We were only children, during the savage take-over, ten years ago. Due to my uncle's offspring finding an early grave, the territory held no direct legitimate heirs. This considered, Moira took his seat as the next best in the line of succession, becoming the first female Alpha of the Monora Pack, while Laura took up our parents position as the Alpha of the Sundora Pack. Tonight, the two packs would congregate as allies to welcome the prince and his warriors as a united front for everyone to see. My sisters and I grew up coached on deception and politics maneuvers enough to know very well what their visit is all about. My sisters had made a name for themselves, the Revenge Twins. The Authority would be eager to see exactly how two female highborns managed to do the unbelievable. Moira and Laura are incredible warriors, and the people within the stolen packs had still held loyalties to us, in support of our name. They were more than happy to commit mutiny on behalf of the Castor house. Our enemies biggest mistake was leaving myself and my sisters alive and, in the end, the arrogant Maximo paid for it in blood earning my sisters the notice of the Authority. The Authority is an entity ruled by the Agron Royal family and the most elite packs of our world. They wouldn’t care if I showed my face or otherwise, my name is overshadowed by the fame of my sisters, but they would be displeased. So, I go about getting ready, slipping on the sleek black dress, showcasing my entire back and arms while the rest is hidden beneath the soft material. I match it with black heels, light makeup and lots of gold accessories. A gold watch, rings, earrings, and bangles decorate my figure. As usual, I am dripping in the yellow gold that favors my warm-toned skin so much. I’m still debating what to do with my long dark-red hair when the bedroom door swings open and Nate steps in with the brightest smile on his face. A light blush creeps into his cheeks when he looks at me, the omega in him making the male shy even in the face of his highborn mate.

“Hi beautiful!” He says sheepishly with so much love in his words that I cannot help, but smirk at the way he clearly worships me.

"Do you like it?" I ask, doing a little twirl and grinning like a teenager.

Nate laughs, coming closer and wrapping his arms around me in a way that only he can, "You look stunning in anything that you wear." He whispers against my neck, right over his mating mark, triggering goosebumps to rise immediately.

"You would say that." I tell him, letting his hands travel wherever they wish. "You better get ready, or we'll be late." I say, stealing a quick kiss and loving the effect I have on him.

He groans playfully as I push him away. "Fine, I'm going." He moans, a smile still on his lips.

He always has a smile on his lips, it's one of the reasons I adore him. I smack him on his firm ass as he turns away and disappears into the ensuite. I don't have to wait long before he re-emerges in all his finery. His dark gray suit complementing his dark hair and pale skin. He hasn't got the muscle mass that the warrior or highborn werewolves have, but his sleek build still has my mouth watering. His warm brown eyes dance as I run my eyes over his fine figure, appreciating everything that is mine.

"If you keep looking at me like that, I might find a reason why you and I cannot attend tonight." He says, giving me a lopsided grin.

"If only…" I tell my mate, quirking my brow at him suggestively just as a knock at the door sounds.

An omega servant comes in hesitantly to announce the arrival of our escorts. I dismiss her with a wave of my hand and a thanks, before taking hold of Nate's arm.

"You ready?" he asks.

I nod with a sigh, "Let's go darling."

***

We leave my mansion behind, sitting perfectly between my sisters' territories, easily accessible from both of their palaces should they want or need me. It's a short drive to our destination. Upon taking over their territories, my sisters felt the need to build a guest Manor House in a location of mutual ground for just such an occasion. Although the two packs are through relations allies, boundaries still had to be set to maintain order. It's part of the reason I chose to live not solely on one or the other's land. I wanted to create a safe space for my sisters to visit without all the troubles of hosting another pack falling on either. So far, it's been working out great and it inspired the idea of creating the Meeting Hall, where both packs could welcome outsiders as a united front. Tonight is one of their first occasions where the Meeting Hall has been put to use. It's a grand building, despite its quick development. Able to house over three hundred guests. Nate and I are fashionably late, arriving when most of the guests have already arrived and settled in. Music reaches our ears as we climb out the SUV sent to collect us. Adjusting my full-length dress, I catch Nate's eyes as he openly stares at me.

"What's on your mind?" I tease as he blushes.

"Just how lucky I must be to have landed up with you." He tells me with a boyish smile, dimples indenting his cheeks.

"I suppose you can thank the Moon Goddess for that." I say with a grin.

"Oh, I do." He assures me sweetly, "Every day."

I laugh, playfully smacking his upper arm before taking hold of it and gliding up the rows of polished white stairs into the grand entrance hall. The moment I step inside the entertainment area I catch the most delicious scent floating in the air. I cannot place exactly what it is, but I find myself inhaling deeper.

"Do you smell that?" I ask Nate, who has become stuck to my side like glue.

He hates events such as these. Being an omega, he would have had to serve the highborns while the warrior wolves guard and patrol the Meeting Hall as well as the surrounding area. Being my mate has elevated his status within the two packs. I would never allow my mate to serve others of my rank, it would make me look weak. However, he is an omega through and through, making it difficult for him to socialise with werewolves that strongly dominate over him. Not that any of them would dare offend him in front of me, not without being willing to test my temper. The smell gets stronger as we find ourselves approaching the stage reserved for the elite members of the pack. A fine solid dining table has been set out in front of lavish white chairs to accommodate the Elites and Alphas. I, of course, would have a place amongst them. Coming closer, I catch glimpses of the people already gathered at the table. I can see Alec stretched out arrogantly with his ankles crossed, with Moira posed beautifully beside him and Laura sipping her whiskey on the other side of Moira. The only other person at the table is a blonde-haired man in a navy suit. I can tell from here, even though he is seated, that he is a big male. I've never met the prince before, but every werewolf and even other species, know the name Lazarus Agron. The second son of the Royal Family. The prince's war stories are the stuff of legend, filled with outrageous stunts, gore and bloodshed. I remember reading a book about him not too long ago and his judgments over disobedient packs. I remember hearing the whispers, as if afraid he might hear all the way from the capital, of his hair rising deeds. The man has no idea what the word mercy means, delivering verdicts and punishments in the same breath without even waiting for explanations or reasonings. If you break the law, you are as good as dead no matter how justifiable your actions may be. The Executioner - that is his nickname. I find my eyes lingering on him the moment Nate and I break through the crowd, and I get my first clear vision of the royal. My breath catches in my throat as his head turns slightly, letting me behold his fine features. Never did I imagine the prince to be strikingly beautiful after all the death that is attached to his name. Golden-blonde, with electric blue eyes, the man has the looks of an angel and a body to match. Even from this distance, his body screams power with an aura that bleeds strength. The sight of him is addictive, I feel like I could stare at him for hours. I'm snapped from my thoughts when Nate releases my hold. I feel the claws of guilt at having shown interest in any other man but him. In fact, I've never shown interest in anyone but him before. The realization makes me ashamed. I have no more time to dwell on such thoughts as my sisters turn their heads sensing my presence. The royal guards stationed before the stage allow us to pass as my sisters guards bow respectively. The announcer catches sight of us and rushes forward to speak.

He smiles up at the stage as we pause beside him, "Presenting Belavina Castor and..."

Everyone's gaze suddenly turns back to the stage, their bodies tensing as the prince of death rises from his seat. The announcer stutters to a stop, his tongue falling over his words while my sisters exchange concerned looks. Alec finally seems interested in something other than Moira as the prince drops from the stage, not bothering with the stairs. He is excessively huge in comparison to my slight frame, strolling confidently to stand suffocatingly close, towering over my head as he stares down into my face. I feel light-headed, like I've forgotten to breathe as he feasts on the sight of my body in this tight dress, crystal blue eyes hungrily trailing over every inch. I almost forget who I am, as I watch him inhale and close his eyes, leaning dangerously closer to me. Suddenly his head snaps back, the sight reminding me of someone burned before a scold turns his gorgeous face into something much more frightening. My lips part as I gape openly at the prince, watching him turn his deadly eyes, consumed with blackness, on poor Nate.