Her Fae Prince

The Prince

Ember only got to have that first dance with Caleb, since once she hit the floor it apparently opened the floodgates. Every time a song stopped, much to Calebs dismay, there was someone else to take her hand. She was being twirled and spun and whirled. It felt as though there was a never ending line of wolves hoping to get their chance with her. Some were polite, some were way too flirtatious or handsy, some could barely keep eye contact for more than a second, none gave her the thrill of the bond.

Finally there was a break in music and Ember used it for her chance to escape. She slipped out of the grasp of her latest dance partner with excuses of needing a drink and snuck out the glass doors closest to her onto the terrace. The sun had long since set and the cool night breeze was a blessing on her skin. The moon was high and clear that night, it’s light cascading down in a soft glow. Ember quickly walked to the end of the terrace and slipped off her shoes sitting on one of the benches that was in the shadows of the castle. She felt bad for Caleb, he had been looking forward to dancing with her and he only got one dance in. She had seen him more than once try to get to her but most of the unmated males were also trying to get to her. She heard giggling from the gardens before she saw a young she-wolf walk out of them fixing her hair and dress. Ember rolled her eyes. The gardens were often a place where young wolves would go to sneak away with one another. What can she say, they were part animal. Not everyone believed wholly in finding ones mate. She couldn’t even say anything, she had been enjoying Caleb’s kisses and caresses. More than once this evening the thought crossed her mind as yet another unmated male placed his hand too low on her back while dancing, or leaned in close to her neck to sniff her, that maybe she would be better off choosing Caleb.

“Is this seat taken?” Ember jumped startled, she hadn’t heard anyone approach, she was so deep in thought. Crystal blue eyes flashed in the moonlight and she realized it was the man she saw when she first entered the ballroom. She couldn’t help staring as she took him in. He was even more good looking up close if that was possible, she felt her wolf stir a little as his gaze took her in as well.

“No, it’s free.” She smiled up at him, she got a light whiff of a deep earthy masculine scent and thought he must be wearing the sexiest cologne. As he sat down beside her she caught a glimpse of his ears and saw they were pointed. He must be from the Fae party. No wonder he’s tall and handsome. She had heard the Fae were known for their looks almost as much as werewolves. He flashed her a dazzling smile as he leaned back on the bench casually. She couldn’t help but notice the outline of his six pack under his tight fitting shirt as he stretched his arms behind his head.

“Shouldn’t you be in there socializing and searching for your mate?” He gave her a sly look with a raised eyebrow. Ember couldn’t help the snort at his comment.

“If they had their way, every unmated male would try convincing me they were my mate tonight. I needed air. I’m not usually one for this kind of… attention.” She rolled her eyes and leaned back casually herself, rolling her head from side to side to ease the stiffness from her neck. She noticed that the Fae was watching her with interest. He was just about to say something when Ember heard her name.

“Ember, here you are. Who’s this?” Caleb stalked across the terrace, his face flashed from relieved to jealous when he saw Ember wasn’t sitting alone. Ember opened her mouth to introduce him when she realized she didn’t even know who he was yet. She started laughing. Both men looked at her sideways. Caleb with frustration and the Fae with a curious grin.

“Why is that funny?” Caleb asked, half growling.

“Probably because she realized she doesn’t actually know who I am. We both came to escape the noise and hadn’t really said much. I am Torin. Nice to meet you…” Torin held his hand out to shake his hand but Caleb just glared at him.

“Torin, I like that it’s different. I am Ember as I am sure you already knew, and this is my friend Caleb. He can be a little protective of me.” Ember raised her eyebrow at Caleb noticing the quiet growl when she called him her friend. He didn’t notice, he was still glaring at Torin who kept eye contact with him, his grin never faltering.

“I believe your grandparents were looking for you.” Caleb finally broke his staring contest with the Fae and turned to Ember who sighed and groaned. She stood up and slipped her shoes back on as Caleb took her hand and pulled her into the crowd.

“Well that was rude” Ember told Caleb.

“I know, I’m sorry, but that was Prince Torin. He is known to be quite the player and I just didn’t want him adding you to his list. I am sure having an heir and future Luna on it would be just up his ally. That and you are the most beautiful person in this room just makes it easier for him.” Caleb explained. He looked around and pulled her into a shadowed corner, away from all the eyes.

“So did my grandad ask for me or was that just an excuse to whisk me away from the player Prince.” She giggled at her own joke. He blushed a bit and she knew she guessed right. “Well I need a drink! Let’s go find one and you can whisk me away for another dance before more unmated males come after me. Caleb leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, and went in search for a drink. He wasn’t gone for long before he showed up again with two glasses of some purple liquid.

“Ooh what is that?” Ember took the glass and smelled it. It had a soft sweet scent that made her think of a late summer night.

“Be careful and sip it slowly. Alpha David brought out the Fae wine for our guests. I thought you might like to try it.” He smiled at her as she brought the purple liquid to her lips. It was divine. She had never tasted anything so delicious. It was sweet yet subtle, there were floral hints but it didn’t taste like perfume.

“Wow that is delicious. I can see why it could be dangerous, it’s so smooth.” She took another sip, closing her eyes and savouring the flavour. Then another, and before she knew it, her glass was empty. Caleb laughed at her when she pouted at the empty glass, they set them down and went back onto the dance floor. She managed to get another dance in with Caleb before getting whisked away by another dancer. After that dance she saw a waiter with more of the Fae wine and managed to grab a glass and down it before the next dance partner could twirl her away. She twirled and laughed enjoying the evening much more after her two drinks. Feeling amazing she talked her next dance partner into fetching her another drink claiming she was parched. By the time she finished that drink, her head was feeling light and she felt like a feather floating across the dance floor. Suddenly she was twirled into the arms of Torin.

“It’s seems you are enjoying yourself more now?” Torin smiled down at her as he turned her gracefully across the dance floor.

“Anything is more enjoyable after a drink or two!” She laughed happily. Her whole body was buzzing. Perhaps three was a little too much. Or perhaps she should have another. “Have you tried the wine? It’s simply sinful.” Why did she say that?

“Sinful indeed.” Torin c****d an eyebrow at her and chuckled as she laughed again.

“Yes! And I think I need another. I was told I shouldn’t dance with you because you are a player Prince.” She gave him what she hoped was a serious and intimidating stare but he simply kept smiling, the song turned slow and he glared at the next person who came forward to dance with her. Warning them off. He pulled her closer as they moved to the music. Ember couldn’t help the butterflies in her stomach as her head started to swim. Torin was graceful and supported her easily guiding her across the floor.

“You know, I don’t think you do need another one. Fae wine can sometimes have a euphoric effect but too much and you will wake up with the worst headache tomorrow.” He leaned in slightly letting his words whisper across her skin giving her goosebumps. The song changed again and he still held on.

“Really? The player Prince but not the party Prince. Who would have thought.” Ember giggled again at her own joke, her body started to feel hot. She was glad for the slower paced song. Torin held her very close his earthy scent overwhelming her. She could feel the muscles under his shirt as she held on to his arms. “You are a lovely dancer.” His eyes glimmered as he smiled at her.

“You are surprisingly good as well considering you are drunk.”

“I am not.” She replied indignantly, glaring at him making him laugh. She heard a low growl from behind her and she thought she saw a quick flash of annoyance cross Torin’s face, but his grin was back immediately causing her to second guess herself.

“I think your turn is done, Prince Torin.” Caleb stepped forward and took Ember’s hand that had been clutching Torin’s arm turning her towards him.

“Shouldn’t it be up to Ember when she is done dancing, and with who she is dancing with?” Torin kept his other arm on her waist keeping her close to him. Ember’s head started swirling now that they were standing still, it was incredibly hot in the ballroom. Sweltering. She was having trouble breathing.

“I am sure Prince, that you can find another partner to keep you entertained.” Caleb spat at him, he tugged on Ember’s hand slightly and looked her in the eyes begging her to go to him. She couldn’t focus. She started seeing dots and she brought her free hand to her head.

“I think it’s time for me to go to bed.” With that she collapsed on the ground, everyone around her stopped dancing. Torin and Caleb both tried to catch her as she fell causing her to end up slipping through both their hands. They both stood over her glaring at one another when a large booming voice rang out.

“What’s going on here?” The crowd parted and David made his way to the two men and his granddaughter on the floor. “Lachlan will you bring her to her room please?” Lachlan appeared beside him nodding as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the ballroom. “Go cool off boys.” Was all David said giving each of them a pointed look, before going off and the party slowly continued on.