Lavinia's POV
I landed heavily on the ground with a thud, the wolf pinning me to the ground with its weight. It growled at me aggressively, looking like it was ready to tear me to pieces. I was too afraid to shift at this time and even if I could, I had received no training whatsoever. How am I supposed to defend myself? I closed my eyes in fear, tears falling down my cheeks but then it suddenly stopped and got off of me.
When I couldn't feel its cold and ragged breath on my cheek, I slowly opened my eyes and saw the wolf standing a few metres away from me.
Just then, it shifted into a man and a very handsome one at that. There was just one problem, he was completely naked!
He looked at me straight in the eyes, seemingly unashamed of his nudity. A huge blush instantly spread across my cheeks as my eyes travelled downwards to the place they were not supposed to.
I turned away instantly in shame, mentally kicking myself for staring at him so boldly.
I heard him chuckle behind me before hearing his footsteps which indicated that he was leaving.
I didn't have the courage to turn back and take a look, afraid that he might still be in his birthday suit but not long after, I heard him return.
"You can turn around now." He said and I hesitated a bit before complying. Thankfully, he was fully clothed but he still looked just as handsome as before.
I still couldn't stop myself from blushing. I haven't directly communicated with any other man apart from Dad before but I'd just gone ahead to see a sexy man unclad.
I kept my head down, not even knowing what to say. I have no social skills and I'm afraid that I might say the wrong thing.
"Are you really that shy?" He asked with a half smirk. "I'm pretty sure you must have seen a man naked before since pack members shift in front of each other so why are you being so coy?" He asked and I gulped before answering.
"No, I haven't seen a guy naked before you and I feel weird because I intruded on your privacy and I'm sorry about that but what were you doing out here in wolf form at this time of the day?"
"I should be asking you the same thing. I went for my morning run, I always go for a run at this time of the day. When I saw you snooping around, I thought you were a spy so I attacked you and I'm sorry for that." He explained and apologized and a smile plastered on my face.
"It's OK, we're both culprits. I was about to go for a morning run as well but I wanted to take a good look at the Pack house since it's still new to me." I explained softly and he threw me a questioning look but his face soon morphed to that of realization.
"You must be Princess Lavinia."
"Yes, and you are?"
"I'm Prince Rylan of the Shadow Stone Pack." He introduced himself and I instantly felt foolish for not taking a guess. How had I not even suspected? This man's aura screamed dominance and regality. At least now I understand why seeing him gave me butterflies, he's my mate.
But I certainly could never have expected to meet him in this way. The goddess really does work in mysterious ways.
"It's really funny though, I've been anticipating your arrival but I never expected to meet you in such a situation." I voiced out my thoughts before I could even stop myself.
"The feeling is mutual. I've heard quite a few things about the mysterious princess of the SilverClaw Pack and to be honest, I really wasn't excited about our meeting but now that I've met you, I feel like never taking my eyes off you. I know that this is a very unconventional way to meet but I'm happy we met this way because there are no formalities, no upholding mannerisms and no pretense. Just a boy and a girl meeting and getting to know each other, you have to agree that it's destiny." He blurted and I bit my bottom lip in innocent demure.
How does he know just the right thing to say? Why are his words affecting me so much?
"Maybe it is, we'll just have to find out." I replied, finally gaining control of my emotions.
He stretched out his hand to me but I hesitated, staring at his face instead, he held a warm smile and I instantly felt secured. I was just about to place my hand in his when we heard sounds.
The guards instantly arrived at the scene and so did my father and a few others. They all seemed apprehensive but when they saw that it was just the both of us, they all looked visibly relieved.
"What are the both of you doing out here at this time of day? We heard a scream and we rushed here thinking someone was in danger." My father interrogated, looking unimpressed.
"I'm sorry Dad but I didn't mean to cause anyone worry. I just wanted to go for a run but I met Prince Rylan in his wolf form and I panicked. I probably could have handled that better, I'm sorry." I apologized quickly.
"I'm sorry as well your majesty, the fault is all mine. I saw Princess Lavinia outside and I attacked her without thinking. I frightened her and that's why she screamed. I'm grateful that I didn't hurt her but I feel deeply ashamed of myself. I should have been more careful, I apologise for that and any trouble caused." He apologized deeply, shifting all the blame to himself.
My father's frown quickly disappeared and was rather replaced with a smile.
"The both of you aren't even married yet but you're already behaving like soulmates, trying to cover for each other. I'm truly happy to see you getting along so well. I guess there's no need for any more introductions since you've already gotten to know each other." He opined.
"Indeed. Princess Lavinia has completely beat my expectations, both in beauty and character and I feel truly honored to be chosen as her mate. I only wish to spend a little more time with her before our mating ritual because I'm pretty sure that being in her company will be quite riveting." Prince Rylan spoke and I tried really hard to hold back a smile but my lips betrayed me.
"I suppose I should ask my daughter as well. Lavinia, what do you think of Prince Rylan?"
"I can't decide just on the first meeting but I can say for sure that he's a very interesting person and I would be delighted to spend some more time with him." I replied in a rush, wondering how I had managed to say the words without stuttering.
I stole a glance at Prince Rylan and our eyes met, he threw me a mischievous smile and I instantly looked down. I can barely contain myself, my heart is beating so much that I'm surprised that no one else can hear it.
"Take it easy, Lavy, or you'll die from excitement. I know that it's our first time getting advances from a boy but if you don't control yourself, we might not live long enough to see our wedding night." Isis teased, only adding fuel to the fire burning inside me.
I was about to scold her when my father spoke again.
"I'm glad that you both seem to like each other, it means that the goddess is in support of this union and she's showering her blessings on us. I assure the both of you that you'll be allowed to spend some time together before your mating ceremony but right now is not the appropriate time. It's the dawn of a new day and everyone ought to get on with their duties."
And with that, we both had to part ways temporarily and I managed to keep a straight face despite my disappointment.
Before he left, Rylan winked at me and I blushed uncontrollably like an idiot.
I arrived back at my room and was served breakfast. I couldn't really eat much because he was all I could think about. My mind began wandering around certain things, like how our future would be like together. I wondered what type of husband he would be to me but I was almost sure from our encounter that he would be good to me.
Since I was going to be a bride in only two days, I wasn't allowed to do anything and thus, I was bored out of my mind.
In the early afternoon, I could handle being idle anymore so I decided to take a walk through the Pack garden since I had only just heard about it from one of the maids.
It would be my opportunity to experience nature and if the garden turned out to be as big as I was expecting, I would finally be able to go for a run.
I stepped out of my room and was followed by a few other maids. I arrived at the garden and was mesmerized by it. It was big, beautiful and full of different types of pretty flowers. The air was fresh and smelled divine. I'm willing to get lost in this place with no regrets.
As I wandered around the garden, still enchanted by it, I could never have anticipated the danger that was lurking in it.
"Princess Lavinia, look out!"
I suddenly heard my name being hollered and I quickly turned around.
My heart felt like it would break out of my chest as I saw an arrow heading straight in my direction……..
Lavinia's POVI closed my eyes, petrified, waiting for the intense pain that was to inevitably envelope me once the arrow lodged into my body but it surprisingly never came.I opened my eyes slowly and saw Prince Rylan standing a few metres away from me, a bow in his hand and a quiver of arrows hung around his shoulder.He held an apologetic look and I turned around to see that I was standing in front of the target. The arrow was embedded directly in the bullseye, which meant that it had missed me only by a few inches…..The arrow was never meant for me but I had unknowingly gotten in the way and was almost hit. Thanks to the goddess for the prince's perfect aim."My lady, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?" The maids soon clattered around me, checking my body for any signs of injury but they found none.Prince Rylan finally approached me. "Are you OK? Please tell me that you're fine." He asked, worry and guilt etched on his face."I'm….. I'm fine, just feeling a little shaken."
Lavinia's POVI followed the maid to my father's room and though I was slightly upset, I didn't show it.As I knocked on the door of his room, the maid retreated. I heard his voice from the other side of the door and when I informed him of my identity, he told me to come in.When I entered the room, he was standing by the window gazing outside, he didn't turn around to acknowledge and this worried me a bit. Had I done something wrong?I cleared my throat before speaking. "Father, you called?""Yes." He replied before finally turning to face me and it was then that I saw that he was holding something, a golden box.He clutched it protectively and I wondered what it could possibly contain."Please take a seat." He requested and I obeyed."Lavinia, you'll be getting married tomorrow and once this marriage happens, there's no going back so I'm giving you a final chance to decide if you want to go through with it or not. I realize that the first time I asked this of you, I was indirectly
LAVINIA'S POV"Son, I still don't understand why you agreed to this marriage in the first place, we could have easily gone to war instead. That girl is cursed, she could bring destruction to our pack but yet you're still adamant about it." Alpha Argo said and my heart clenched. I didn't realize it but tears had gathered at the edge of my eyes.Was this really what my future father in-law thought about me? How can he refer to me as cursed and a bringer of destruction? What had I ever done to him? I was beginning to worry if I would be treated right in the Shadow Stone Pack after marriage."Lavinia please calm down and control yourself or they'll be alerted of your presence. In life, not everyone will like you, there's always bound to be people who dislike you." Isis tried to console me."It doesn't seem like Alpha Argo just dislikes me, from his words, it's clear that he hates me for some reason." I muttered sadly."That shouldn't matter right now, Rylan is the one we're going to marr
LAVINIA'S POVMy eyelids open gradually and I'm blinded by the darkness all around. I blink repeatedly and it takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the dim light coming from what I assume to be a lamp.I try to move but then notice that I'm stuck, I try again with more force this time and the thick chains around me bore into my skin, rubbing roughly against it and leaving my skin sore and raw. I seemed to be chained tightly to a chair.Confusion instantly sets in and I start to wonder where I am but just then, a deep but familiar voice causes me to still."I see you're finally awake."I turned my head to the direction of the voice and I saw him sitting in the shadows. Even in the dark, I could make out his figure, he was sitting back, legs crossed. His eyes were fixed on me and I could make out the small smirk at the edge of his lips.His eyes twinkled in the dark, they held a raw emotion I had never seen, one that scared and intrigued me at the same time."Lavinia focus! Have
LAVINIA'S POVI'm awakened by the sound of birds chirping. As my eyes flick open, I'm nearly blinded by the sharp rays of sunlight that wash over my face. Only then do I realize that I'm chained to a chair just beside the window. It takes a few minutes for my eyes to adjust to the light but when they finally did, another realization quickly hit me.Taking a good look around, I soon discovered that I had been kidnapped and was currently being held hostage in my own cottage!Yes, the cottage I'd known as home my entire life had suddenly become a prison for me and I was being held by a twisted and sadistic man who I'm sure is completely out of his mind.I think back to the events of yesterday and though much of it still makes absolutely no sense to me, I decide not to focus on it.The most important thing to me right now should be escaping from here. I should try my best to free myself and leave before Rylan comes back. The sooner I'm able to return to the pack and tell my father everyth
Lavinia's POVHe tore at my panties, leaving them in shreds. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, readying myself for the intrusion but just then, the door pushed open and I saw the last person I expected to see.Siri was standing at the door with anger expressly written on her face and I had never been so happy to see anyone.Rylan paused, obviously shocked. Siri didn't grant him a moment to second guess as she rushed towards the both of us and pushed him away from me. For a woman of her age, she seemed to be really strong and I'm grateful for that.Rylan fell flat on his face and she quickly helped to untie my hands."Siri…." I cried and grabbed her into a hug, crying into her chest."I thank the goddess that you're OK, I'm glad I got here just in time. I'm so sorry about what you've been through dear but now's not the time to cry, you have to leave now. Shift and run to the pack as fast as you can, inform the Alpha about everything. I'll deal with this sicko for now while you b
Alpha Damon's POVIt had already been a day.One whole day since Lavinia went missing and I'm on the verge of losing my mind. I've thought severally about the possibilities and the fact that she just suddenly disappeared without a trace is scaring me.I doubt that she ran away from the wedding because if she did, someone would have seen her leave but no one did and no matter how much I've tried to explain this to Argo, the Alpha of the Shadow Stone Pack seems to believe that Lavinia purposefully jilted his son just to make a mockery of him and his pack.As much as I'm worried about Lavinia, I also feel sorry for Rylan. He also seems to believe that Lavinia ran away because she didn't want to marry him but I doubt that's the case.At some point, I had felt like I was putting too much pressure on her and forcing her into this so I gave her the choice to back out of it but she didn't. She decided she wanted to go ahead with the alliance and she seemed genuinely happy. I was happy about
ALPHA DAMON'S POV"We really shouldn't be doing this, what if it's a trap? What if she's just a spy and she only wants to deliver you into the hands of the Vampires." Ryn, my wolf warned me."It's not a trap, I trust her completely. If she wanted to harm me, she would have done it already." I argued."You're in love with her but that doesn't mean you should act blindly." Ryn continued."This isn't blind trust, I'm just following my heart." I corrected him."Even if she isn't trying to betray you, you know that whatever the both of you have going on is wrong." He blurted and I sighed."If it is, why does it feel so right? I've never felt so alive in my entire life. Everytime I'm around her, I feel so happy, so refreshed, it's like we're the only two people in the world and everything else fades away." I tried to explain as I kept walking up the mountain path."You know perfectly well that what you're doing is a crime but you're still doing it." He wouldn't seem to give up."Love is not