The Lycan Kings Princess

The way of the world

Aria POV

We departed the Packhouse early the following morning. I was quite happy we left so early. I didn't run into anyone I didn't want to see.

There were four vehicles. My parents, myself, and Beta Yulson were in the first car along with our driver. The last three had the warriors who would be accompanying us for safety. Even if the Alpha summit was a neutral ground, it didn't mean there weren't other dangers lurking about. I would be seeing quite a few Alpha's and Luna's for the first time since my birthday at the summit and while I was excited to attend the event, I was terrified of facing their questions.

I had to keep reminding myself I would be okay.

I think what I was the most if afraid of was the pity and possible judgement. I didn't want to embarrass my parents. first I was the alphas daughter, who had gotten her wolf far later than most, then my mate and I rejected one another.

I internally sighed, I had to stop dwelling on what had already happened. There would be a day when things worked out. I would find a mate on my own, I would get stronger with my wolf, and do my pack proud as its future Luna.

The trip in total took about four hours. the drive from our pack territory to the Vancouver national airport lasting about one hour. it was always convenient that our family had a private plane, my fathers main business being in imports. It was an easy way to keep a steady income for the Evergreen Pack.

We owned our own territory, my grandfather had purchased the land our territory surrounded when my father was but a pup. Our situation a little difficult. See, being werewolves we had a very delicate balance going on with the Native American tribes that spread out across Canada much like werewolf packs did. They had their reserves and territory and we had ours. My pack thankfully were in a good standing and relationship with the tribe that lived nearby. As long as we didn't wander onto their land without permission we could go about our business freely in the forests. We also did not hunt any endangered species or cut down any trees that were considered sacred.

Still, despite that things were good. We even made trades for things sometimes, like blankets or other sorts of carvings. My mother in particular had a love for their totems.

We blended well with the humans too, no one would often look at us and think anything strange.

The odd rogue wandered by now and then, usually if they were well behaved and kind, my father would give them a trial run within out pack, if they became hostile or refused to follow rules, they had an option to leave and not come back...if they resisted well.

I didn't want to think back to the last time I saw a rogue get taken down by our people. It had not been pleasant.

After we had boarded the plane, take-off and landing only took about an hour and a bit. Landing at the YYC national airport in Calgary, Alberta the next province over, we disembarked the plane quickly. I piled into the limo awaiting us with my father, mother, and Yulson. A human driver would be taking us to our destination from here. The SUV's were occupied by our warriors. I had only been to Alberta once before for a human event. I was about fourteen at the time but it had been a big country festival and there had been many rides. I think I had made Carson (who had come with his father) sick with how many rides I had taken him on. Dizzy and buzzing on sugar highs, I don't think I'd had more of an adrenaline rush in my entire life.

I was thankful that I lived in such a beautiful place though. British Columbia was full of rolling valleys, mountains, and massive forests. My own pack living near the ocean on a big mountain side. Alberta was nice but, unless you drove two hours to the rocky mountains it was a pretty bland place to be with more prairies than forest. There were probably only about three werewolf packs occupying this province.

It didn't matter though, how many packs occupied a province or piece of land meant little when it came to our real leaders. Alphas were just a middle man if anything. No, the real brains of the operation were the Lycan royals. I had never met one up close before and I had been too young to ever attend the Alpha summit, where of course the royal family would be too. It was almost like a big convention for the packs to reunite and mingle, form alliances, find mates, or introduce their offspring to other eligible werewolf's. Some were lucky to find their mates, other's formed bonds through mutual attraction. The apex of the entire summit would be the massive meeting over seen by the Lycan King. There the packs could air any grievances they had over territory lines, hostile packs, rogue's and the like. Sometimes, packs would receive an extra bit of special funding if the King found they were investing in something worth while and to help grow smaller packs.

My mother had told me that the grand finale of the entire event was the big party that would be held two days before the packs were expected to return home. It was like a fairy tail ball except no princess's or prince's. It would still be amazing.

I practically glued myself to the window when we entered Banff national park. I had researched thoroughly before the trip. It was a bustling tourist destination with a lot of human and Native American history. I watched all the people and shops pass by as we drove through town, the sidewalks packed with people, humans walked their dogs or carried them, others were riding in horse drawn carriages and taking pictures. I also saw a lot of advertisements for human attractions.

I cracked the window a little too and sniffed, my nose being attacked by a lot of delicious smells.

Caramel and apples.

My mouth watered, I had to have a chance to come explore after the summit.

"Enjoying that Aria?" I heard Beta Yulson chuckle from my side as I flushed slightly closing the window again.

"It's so different and I smelt something really delicious." I admitted earning a pat on the top of my head, Yulson's large hand making my head shake slightly and my brain rattle.

"Well, you're going to enjoy what comes next." he said as we turned down a winding road. I blinked and turned in my seat pressing the button for the window divider that blocked the driver from hearing and seeing us.

"Aria your seatbelt!" my mother chided reaching out to grab my ankle as I leaned from the back seat to the spot between the driver and the passenger seat.

"Pardon me." I said politely when I received a side glance before the driver quickly turned his gaze back on the road. My mother's grip on my feet was replaced by Yulson. He held tight like I would fly through the window at any second due to an unexpected stop. I wondered what Yulson had said I would like what comes next? What came next? all I saw were tree's now. "Yulson what am I looking for?" I asked but didn't need a response. The car turned out onto a long road down into a valley. I finally saw the destination, a massive castle.

"Are we staying there?" I asked quickly, "it's huge!"

"It's the Fairmont Hotel love, an old castle, the summit is held there every year." My mother informed from behind me and I couldn't help the excitement. We got to stay in a castle? okay this was quickly turning into a very cool trip.

"Ma'am please take your seat and fasten your seatbelt." the driver requested gently, I blinked at him wondering why he would insist on it, there were no cars in front of us. He then pointed to something on the side of the road and I followed the direction to see what he was pointing at.

Beware of Moose

Oh....

"Do they cause a lot of trouble?" I asked, I didn't see moose where we lived often.

"They could flip our car in a second flat, we would not walk away from it, the moose would though." he informed.

My mouth formed into a little 'o' as I took heed of the warming now and shifted back to sit in my seat once more. Beta Yulson reached across me to secure my seatbelt quickly and I chuckled gently. When I was settled again I looked out the back window to see a line of cars now forming along our little convoy. Other limo's and black cars following our path. I didn't need to see in the cars to know that they were other alphas coming to join in the biggest event of the year.

Butterflies filled my stomach now...

It was time to put everything I knew into action, after all I refused to embarrass my parents.

As we pulled into the long stone drive leading to a set of stairs that lead to the entrance of the castle I took a deep breath. My hands shaking. I was in a whole new place with a whole new set of rules.

Beta Yulson was the first out of the car when it came to a halt, circling around the back and to the passenger's side. He grasped the door and opened it. I was suddenly hit with hundreds of different scents. All new packs I had never met converging on one piece of land for a whole week. I felt panic and excitement rush through my veins as Aeris started to pace in my mind and search for what was making me so giddy and scared at the same time.

My parents were the first to get out before Yulson reached a hand into the car door offering it to me. I reached out taking it hesitantly. I was scared but I supposed...that's just the way of the world.

----------

It was surreal, I didn't know where my eyes should look. Yulson was in the process of getting us checked in and our room keys. My father had begun to greet familiar Alpha's who had also arrived just behind us. Their Lunas and children at their sides. I met a few who were either familiar with the summit or this was their first attendance. It made me feel a little better that I wasn't the only one my age here.

I even made brief acquaintances with a she-wolf from further east. She was excited to 'hang-out' with me later and spoke French. I spoke some myself but I wouldn't ever say I was fluent. I had a lot of talents, but I knew there was a lot I wasn't really good at. My real passion always had, and perhaps always would be music.

She promised to find me later before flitting of to mingle with other men and women. I wish I had that confidence.

I stuck by my father's side though, it was almost as though we had become professional greeters at this point.

I knew my father had connections but it was like he owned an entire network of social acquaintances.

I was baffled when two Lycan's entered the hotel. One man and a woman. The woman was beautiful, she stood about a half foot taller than my dad and surely a full foot with the heels she was wearing. Her blonde hair was curled perfectly and not a hair out of place. She wore a tight fitted black dress that wrapped around her neck and stopped at her knee's. Her sunglasses hid her eyes but I could already tell, she had gorgeous golden eyes as was common for Lycans.

The man wore a business suite of deep emerald with a cream colored pocket square. His brown hair was slicked back and he looked bored but stopped in front of us, his deep voice startling me. "Good day Alpha Skylar, how is the business doing?" he asked.

"Fantastic thank-you, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, she turned eighteen three weeks ago and this is her first Summit attendance." My father explained drawing both Lycan's attention to me.

I can't help but keep my eyes down when they stare, my hands folded tightly against my sternum. I gave a graceful curtsy. "Its a pleasure to make your acquaintance." I greeted with practiced ease. I was told Lycan royals were of a different breed, they didn't really associate with werewolves. It was best to be polite and keep out of their direct path unless you were directly asked to mingle.

"Oh, she has such wonderful manners." I hear the female Lycan speak praising me for using etiquette.

I am suddenly very glad I took some lessons.

"Aria's very bright, she is cautious of respecting different cultures." I hear my mother explain, it seemed they were familiar with these Lycan's, otherwise why would they speak so casually as if greeting old friends? I still can't bring myself to look directly up at them, the urge to bare my neck strong.

Lycan's were different from regular old werewolves like myself, when they shifted they were more human like than animal. They could stand on their hind legs, their bodies more humanoid than anything, retaining their range of motions. They were strong too, incredibly strong. I had read that they had thicker skin and their teeth like razor blades inside their long snouts. I don't think I would ever like to see one in action.

"I'm pleased to hear that, She's well behaved, most pups are falling over themselves fawning for attention and praise." I hear the male Lycan this time. I'm silent, I don't want to speak unless directly addressed.

"I'm happy you think so, we've raised Aria to earn praise and not seek it out." My father informed placing his warm and large hand on my upper back, I can practically feel him smiling as he hears the two Lycan's speak of how impressed they were from my behavior.

"Is that so young lady?" I glanced up slightly and find the Lycan males eyes on me. "You know to earn praise?" It's almost taunting as he looks for confirmation to my father's words. I don't want to embarrass my parents.

It takes all my willpower to not avert my gaze as I answer, "To earn praise warrants more merit than to seek it, If you seek it sir, you only make a fool of yourself by doing unnecessary things."

There's a pause between the five of us as I am stared down and then a booming laugh escapes the man, "haha!" the man slaps a larger hand on my fathers shoulder almost making him stagger with the force, "Ah! Alpha Skylar truly, some of the other Alpha's in attendance could take a few parenting pointers from you." he praised and I almost sigh out loud with relief as I now watch the exchange. "You've raised a very impressive daughter, good, good! we should have a drink later." the man states a smile stretching his features as he removes his sunglasses revealing his golden eyes.

My father nods, "I'll have my Beta forward our suite number to you so we can arrange a time, it was a pleasure to see you again Mr.Colt, Mrs, Colt."

Finally names! I almost want to step on my father's foot for withholding their names during the entire exchange.

I give one more curtsy, "It was a pleasure Mr and Mrs. Colt I hope you enjoy your time at the summit."

Mrs. Colt smiles and it seems almost strange considering her sharp and beautiful features, "My, I absolutely cannot get over such manners' Mrs.Knightengale, we should do brunch tomorrow, bring Aria along."

"Oh please, call me Sierra no need to be so formal with me Mrs.Colt," my mother's a natural at small talk and flattery, "We would love to join you, have a good rest of your day."

With that the two Lycan's walk off and Beta Yulson is quick to take their place. He has three key cards in hand having already distributed the room cards to our warriors, They would be sharing double rooms on the lower floors. Beta Yulson would be on the same floor as us. My parents having booked a suite that connects to a separate suite for myself, Beta Yulson would be just across the hall from us. We quickly make our way to a set of elevators and pile on select the appropriate floor. Once the doors close I let the breathe I've been holding go and my shoulders sag.

"I thought all Lycan's don't like werewolves!"

I hear a laugh from both my parents and I quickly frown at them. "What's so funny?"

My mother chuckles, "Well a lot of them don't, they have very strong opinions on us since they are, well superior in some ways but-"

"But," my father interjects, "Mr. Colt is my business partner, he gets a lot of imports," he explains his arm wrapped around my mother's waist now pulling her against his side, "And most of his business goes through our company, so we've gotten to know one another over the years."

That makes a lot of sense now, the familiarity between my parents and them had seemed strange based on the rumors I have heard.

"Even so, you did well, Lycan's don't like when your stumbling over them to get attention." My father ruffles my hair messing it up a bit and I frowned slapping my hands on top of my head to stop him from tangling it up anymore. "A lot of the Alpha's and Lunas here want to be in the Lycan's good graces because they hope it will give them an upper hand with the Royal families support, it's all about connections."

I look between my parents and tilt my head, "what about you guys?" I'm curious to know their position. Were they in the same running?

A shake of my fathers head assures me they are not, our pack is powerful but not desperate to seek unwarranted attention.

"We don't need to bother the Royal family for support, Your father was raised to earn everything he wanted. Work hard, play hard." my mother smiles.

"Mm, Your dad has done everything mostly on his own, if he get praised by the Royal family it will be because he's worked hard and earned it and not kissed ass." Beta Yulson states making me smile.

"I don't think I can imagine father doing something like that." I shake my head. It's impossible, my father's not a suck up. He's strong, smart, and fair. It was the reason our pack was so large and well maintained. I hoped I could do half as much for the Evergreen pack in the future as my dad has done now.

We exited the elevator and on to our floor, It was the upper most floor. I knew that we would be sharing with some Lycan attendees, my father booked consecutively every year in order to ensure he was always on the same floor. It was apparently a very coveted part of the castle. I still couldn't believe we were staying in what was once a castle. It was quite exciting and I was curious as to whether there were an secret passages.

We made our way down the hall and I couldn't help but inhale as we passed a hallway leading to the east wing. Something tickled my nose and I slowed my pace.

It was deliciously sweet.

Cinnamon and Maple mixed with a woodland spice.

It smelt fantastic and my heartbeat picked up a little. I inhaled once more and I suddenly felt all the worry and anxiety that had been slowly building up inside my dissipate like smoke. I felt dazed and my brain a little foggy as a happy sensation made itself present in my chest.

"Aria, love are you coming?" My mother called yanking me from the sudden stupor and I blinked owlishly forgetting what had just happened.

"Yes Mama." and I quickly trail after her again, I don't glance back or inhale again, the smell gets duller the farther away I get. By the time I am in my room, its but a distant and forgotten memory in the back of my mind.

Aeris is making noise and its distracting, she seems happy though, content in fact.

Her grumpy mood seems to drift away for the first time since our rejection from Carson and her tail sways back and forth lazily.

I smile softly as I settle into my room for the week unpacking my suitcase an putting items where they belong.

'Aeris, how do you feel?' We don't speak much as I had worried it was because she was angry with me still.

'I am feeling better Aria...much better' she purrs softly in my head, its a slow and calming rumble that sets my heart at ease for the first time in weeks.

'I'm glad ' I settle on the edge of the bed and slip off my shoes so I can lay back and get a little rest after the long journey. 'We really need to talk more.' Aeris is my wolf and I know little about her, yet she's a part of me. I don't want to be a stranger to my other half.

'We should remedy that.' Aeris lays down and folds her paws over one another her head held up.

I close my eyes and exhale contently, this feels incredibly right.

-----------

I'm not sure when I drifted off as I talked to Aeris, asking question after question about her. I had wanted to know why she hadn't appeared when I was sixteen, why It had taken so long. She had told me I wasn't ready and would understand one day the reason why she had said that. Today apparently was not the day I was meant to understand. She assured me I could take it slow and not rush for answers to questions I hadn't even aske yet.

When I do awake though, the suns dipped low behind the mountains casting everything in the valley a deep blue. The forests are surely starting to come alive the further the moon rises into the sky. Everyone's surely on edge right about now and getting antsy. The fully moon will be out at the peak of summit, so everyone would be craving to transform the fuller it got. This time, I intended to join in, to run with the rest of them. I wanted to take full advantage of being alive and able now, not ready to die.

There's a knock on the door to the far right of my room and I stand up. I quickly smooth the wrinkles out of the skirt and fluff my hair so it doesn't look like a hurricane from sleeping. I then hurry to the door and turn the knob. This door connects my suite to my parents and it's my mother standing there on the other side. "Your father wants to know if you would like room service or to go down to the restaurant." she asks reaching out to tuck one of my stray hairs behind my ear.

"As fun as room service sounds Mama I actually want to see more of the hotel." I can't help my growing curiosity.

"Sounds good, why don't you freshen up and we'll head down in fifteen minutes."

"Okay Mama, I'll be quick." I close the door as she turns to go and tell my father my decision. I'm truly spoiled.

I pick out a nice cobalt blue pencil dress, it had two inch wide straps that sit just on my shoulders with a while swoop neck. I pair it with a pair of black pumps and a simple gold necklace that is just a chain with a little skylark. I take my brush through my hair too, smoothing it out and leaving it slightly wavy. I'm pleased with the end result and grab my little black clutch purse. I don't need much since we're going downstairs.

I meet my parents in the hallway, Beta Yulson is waiting with them took. He's swapped his suit for something a little more casual. A pair of black slacks and maroon colored button up. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and the first button on his shirt in undone.

My father looks similar but he is wearing a gray shirt with a clip on tie, a black suit jacket draped over his elbow. My mother is wearing a grey pencil skirt and a canary yellow blouse that is paired with cream colored heels.

"Ready songbird?" I nod quickly and fall in step with my parents, Beta Yulson following up the rear as we approach the elevators. We past the east wing again and I'm briefly assault by that scent again. It's a lot weaker than before as if it had faded away with time. It must be the air freshener they use here. I really did smell fantastic. I should ask the hotel where they get it. I'd love the smell for my room back home.

We wait patiently at the elevator and when it comes we quickly pile on. Beta Yulson informing my father that the warriors would be joining us at the restaurant. Even though they would be on duty my father wouldn't deny them eating with us, he always made sure his security team was well fed and taken care of. It's probably one of the other reasons why so many are loyal to my father.

As the doors begin to close, I hear the other elevator ding indicating it has just arrived at the top floor, its occupants exiting swiftly. Before our elevator closes I'm struck once more with the smell of Cinnamon, Maple, and woodland spice. I feel my knee's go weak at the strength of the scent. I grasp the handle along the mirrored walls and lean back.

Aeris growls softly in the back on my mind but says nothing. it doesn't sound angry or hostile but I can sense something is grabbing her attention.

A warm heavy hand steadies itself on my waist and I glance up to see Beta Yulson looking at me confused.

"Are you alright Aria?" he questions and puts the back of his hand to my forehead to check for a fever.

I give a quick shake of my head blinking past the haze and glance at him, "I'm fine, sorry I don't know why but I just felt a bit woozy."

I notice my mother gazing at me now concern in her eyes, "If you feel unwell Aria tell us okay?"

I nod quickly, "I will, I feel okay now, maybe it's just the change in altitude." I conclude it as the most logical explanation.

"Yes, that's probably the case, still don't over do it." My father warns, I can tell they are still worried for my health. I had only been three weeks since my birthday and recovery. I do feel fine though and Dr. Finch had given me a clean bill of health. "I'll be okay." I assure.

I'll be okay.....