Claimed by the Ruthless Alpha Prince

Chapter16

Kael’s POV

A delegation is waiting for me—Alpha Blackwood flanked by several pack members, all arranged in a formal greeting formation. The Alpha steps forward with what I assume is meant to be a welcoming smile, but I can smell the nervous sweat beneath his composed exterior.

“Your Highness,” he says, offering a deep bow. “Welcome to Silver Stone territory. We are honored by your presence.”

I don’t return the pleasantries.

“I want to see where she disappeared.”

Blackwood’s smile falters slightly.

“I’m afraid the situation is... complicated. Perhaps we should discuss this inside, where you can rest from your journey—”

“I didn’t come here to rest.” My voice cuts through his deflection. “I came here to retrieve the female who defied the crown’s decree. Show me where she was last seen.”

Blackwood’s heartbeat quickens; I can hear it even from this distance.

“Of course, Your Highness. But first, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Harper. She’s... well, she’s our most skilled healer. The strongest female in our pack, actually.”

A young woman steps forward, her golden hair catching the afternoon light. She is undeniably beautiful in that soft, innocent way that some males find appealing. Her blue eyes are shy but intelligent, and she curtseys gracefully.

“Your Highness,” she says, her voice melodious. “It is an honor to meet you.”

I study her for a moment, noting the way she blushes under my gaze, the way her father watches our interaction with obvious hope. She’s exactly the type most males would find attractive—sweet and demure, but powerful in her own right.

I feel nothing.

“The female who escaped,” I say, turning back to Alpha Blackwood. “What is her name?”

“Elara,” he says dismissively. “But Your Highness, surely you’re tired from your journey. Harper could show you to your quarters, perhaps discuss her healing abilities—”

“This is not a social visit.” My patience is wearing thin. “I need to know everything about this Elara woman’s disappearance.”

Alpha Blackwood exchanges a glance with his daughter.

“Of course, of course. But maybe we could discuss it all over dinner? Harper has prepared—”

“Papa,” Harper interrupts gently, “I’m sure His Highness would prefer to handle his business first.”

The Alpha’s jaw tightens, but he nods.

“Very well. Please escort Prince Kael to the guest quarters while I gather the relevant information.”

Before I can protest, Blackwood and the others hurry away, leaving me alone with his daughter. Harper clasps her hands in front of her, suddenly looking uncertain.

“Your quarters are this way, Your Highness,” she says, gesturing toward a nearby building.

I follow her, noting how she steals glances at me when she thinks I’m not looking. As we walk, she seems to gain confidence.

“I do hope you’ll find your accommodations comfortable,” she says, her voice taking on a warmer tone. “I selected the bedding myself. The softest silk we have.”

“Fine.”

“And I’ve prepared some healing tonics that may help with travel fatigue. I’m told I have quite the gift for creating remedies. The pack healers often say my potions are the most effective they’ve ever seen.” She moves closer to me as we walk. “I’d be happy to demonstrate their effects personally.”

“No.”

“Oh, but I insist! I don’t like to boast, but everyone here says I’m remarkably gifted and beautiful—though I try not to let it go to my head.” She laughs softly, as if embarrassed by her own words. “The pack members are always commenting on my appearance, my grace. They say I have the most enchanting smile, the most captivating eyes.” She peers up at me through her lashes. “I suppose I’m blessed in that regard.”

I remain silent.

“Perhaps you’d allow me to show you around our territory tomorrow? I know all the best spots—quiet places where we could talk privately. Everyone says I’m such wonderful company, so kind and caring. The children especially adore me.” Her voice drops to what she probably thinks is a seductive whisper. “I’m told I have a very gentle nature, very nurturing. The pack members always say I’d make the perfect mate for any male lucky enough to win my affections.”

“I see.”

“Of course, a man of your importance must have many responsibilities. But surely even princes need moments of relaxation?” She “accidentally” brushes against my arm. “I’m told I’m quite good at helping people unwind. So attentive to others’ needs. The pack members always comment on how thoughtful I am, how I always know exactly what someone needs to feel better.”

As we approach the guest quarters, she continues her assault of self-praise disguised as modesty.

“I do hope you’ll consider staying longer than planned. It would be such an honor to spend more time with someone of your stature. Everyone says I’m remarkably mature for my age, so intelligent and well-spoken. They say I have a very calming presence.”

I stop walking just outside the door to the building.

“Your father referred to you as the strongest female healer in the pack.”

She freezes, clearly not expecting the abrupt change in topic.

“I—What do you mean?”

“He introduced you as the strongest female in the pack. But according to the reports, this Elara person was supposed to be your pack’s most powerful female. The one selected for the cross-mating decree.”

Harper’s face goes pale, and I can hear her heartbeat spike.

“I don’t understand what you’re asking.”

“I think you do.” I move closer, studying her reaction. “If you’re the strongest female healer, then what was Elara?”

“She was...” Harper’s voice trails off, and she looks at the door as if hoping for rescue. “She was... She was our most powerful healer, actually. Even more skilled than I am.”

I catch the flash of irritation that crosses her face as she says it, gone so quickly that others would miss it. But I’m trained to read people, and that brief moment of resentment told me everything I needed to know. Her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly as she forced the words out.

Something doesn’t add up here. The way she just spoke about this Elara, the reluctance in her voice, the barely concealed annoyance—it doesn’t match what I’d expect from someone describing their pack’s most powerful member.

“Don’t insult my intelligence.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Your father is clearly hoping to use my presence here to arrange some sort of alliance through marriage. He’s whoring you out like a commodity, hoping I’ll be impressed enough to make an offer.”