I'm an alpha, not your princess

Chapter 4

Cleo Yates’ POV

I woke up in Caleb’s arms. We went to bed early last night but we didn’t get to sleep until after midnight. I should have been tired enough to sleep in but my nerves were getting the better of me and I woke up before the sun even came up.

I looked at the clock on the bedside table, there were a couple of hours before lessons were due to start which gave me plenty of time to prepare myself for the day ahead. I gently removed Caleb's arm from my waist and got out of bed.

I changed into my workout clothes and left the apartment. I started jogging as soon as I exited the building. I gave the palace a wide berth and headed straight into the forest. I was heading for one of my favourite spots from when I used to live here. It was a small clearing a few kilometres into the forest. It was a beautiful spot and I thought it would be the perfect place for some early morning yoga. Well, that was the idea anyway.

I was a few metres away from the clearing when I heard something ahead of me. I slowed my pace to a slow walk so that I wouldn’t disrupt or alert whatever it was as I approached.

As I got closer I realised that there were two people in the clearing ahead of me. I could hear the voices of the two men talking before I could see them. From the tone of their voices I could tell that their conversation was intense.

I should have turned around and left, but I was curious. I creeped closer till I was just outside of the clearing, being careful to stay hidden.

“No, my dad is really serious about this mate thing. I really don’t think there is any way around it.” His voice was vaguely familiar to me but I couldn’t place it.

I inched a bit further forward so that I could see who was talking. It was Mars Hunt. I felt a cold chill run down my spine. I would recognise that face anywhere, it had haunted my dreams for years. My heart rate increased and my senses became sharper as the adrenaline kicked in.

I had to calm down before I made a mistake and gave myself away. I took a deep breath. I couldn’t smell him and I wasn’t downwind, there was no way he would be able to smell me. All I have to do is keep my cool.

“What about taking a chosen mate?” I didn’t recognise Mars’ friend but his words hurt me. It was irrational and I knew it but that didn’t change the way I felt.

“My dad would never accept that, being with your fated mate makes you both stronger. He wouldn’t let me do anything that would make us seem weak.” Mars said.

“So what are you going to do about it?” Mars’ friend asked.

“My dad is arranging some big event next month. He is inviting as many ranked families as possible. He hopes my mate will be there.“ Mars answered.

My mind was starting to go into overdrive. I would probably get an invite to this event and if I did how could I get out of this? I couldn’t go, that was for sure. My plan would go completely out of the window if I did. What should I do?

My phone started vibrating in my pocket. The noise of my phone was enough to stop their convestation. They looked around, their gaze eventually settling on the bush I was hiding behind.

Sh.it, I have to get out of here now!

Crown Prince Mars Hunt’s POV

What was that?

Was someone watching us?

It was probably just some she wolf that had a crush on me but I should check it out anyway. I started walking towards the source of the noise. Whoever it was they were stealthy, they had managed to get within a few feet of me without me noticing.

By the time I reached the treeline there was nobody in sight. It was clear that whoever was here didn’t want to be caught. I breathed in deeply to see if I could pick up a scent. There were a few she wolves who had been warned about following me before and I knew them by scent now.

I could smell that a she wolf had been here but I couldn’t pick up her trail or even which direction she had travelled in. It was unusual for wolves to be able to cover their scent but it wasn’t unheard of, particularly among powerful wolves. That wasn’t what stopped me in my tracks though.

I couldn’t be sure because her scent was fading quickly but I think this unknown she wolf might be my mate.

“Mars, what is wrong?” Rob asked.

I couldn’t tell him the truth. I would look so stupid if I was wrong. I would be known as the prince who was so desperate to meet their mate that they hallucinated them. I would look for her later but right now I needed an excuse.

“I think it was just some teenagers who wanted to get close to us. No need to panic.” I said. I tried to look casual. It must have worked because Rob started to walk away from me back towards the palace.

Now I only have one problem, find my mate. Get ready my future princess, I am coming for you.