Chapter 10

　　Niya is almost to her cottage when she notices a low growl coming from the shadows of the high bushes. She stops dead on her track unable to move and contemplates transforming. What was that? She slides her legs to a fighting stance and waits for the hidden beast to come out. It is unlikely that anyone from outside will be inside the clan boundary undetected by the wolves patrolling, but time is different now and after the visit to the old Crone Niya is on edge jumping over every shadow lurking. She didn’t have to wait any longer as the bushes part to reveal a huge gray wolf prowling out. Niya’s resolve weakens a little bit as she assesses her opponent. The male-wolf has the structure and demeanor of an Alpha and the confidence to walk out like this is visible through his strong build.

　　Niya looks into his eyes trying to figure out who he is. He is not from Winterfrost clan; he doesn’t look like one of hers. She doesn’t think anymore and transforms quickly. In the very next moment she charged towards the stranger and before he could react has pummelled his front right leg. His leg muscles are so strong that the impact jars her bones but her reflex has worked as the gray wolf thuds down on the ground mis balanced and shocked.

　　Father’s lessons fill her mind. ‘There is no shame in withdrawing back or calling for help Niya. If you want to save others, try to save yourself first. If you know after your first blow that your opponent is powerful, howl as loud as you can and I will be there. Surviving is winning. Remember it.”

　　Niya doesn’t wait and loses her howl that can raise a dead wolf from its grave.

　　The gray wolf regains his stance quickly and looks at the small wolf in front of him howling like her life depends on it. In all his years training and fighting with the elites, he has faced many wolves but never this kind. This must be the quickest shapeshifting he has ever witnessed and then the attack that came as a lightning strike. However shameful it may be, he is to some extent shocked and impressed by the speed and agility of this girl. She has to be one of Alpha Herald’s wolf packs and must have been patrolling the boundary. She may be small but he understands why the Alpha chose her to be one of his warriors.

　　Within seconds Herald, Cory and Vivian came rushing, all transformed in their wolf forms. Upon seeing her daughter Herald growls at the intruder with the ferocity of a beast about to devour his prey’s heart. Cory and Vivian also bare their canines awaiting Alpha’s order.

　　Suddenly the gray wolf takes a small step forward and bends his head with respect in front of Herald. A look of confusion passes on everyone’s face for a moment before realization settles in Niya’s heart. Shit! This is the son of Alpha Jaden, the prince of clan BloodBane!

　　Niya struggles to keep her calm as she recognizes the look of irritation in her father’s eyes thrown directly at her. She has just toppled the precious prince charming on the ground and despite the lecture that she knows is coming her away, a smug satisfaction passes over her body. This is the best way to start an unwanted relationship.

　　The bonfire burns with new intensity tonight as the people around pass assessing glares at each other. Vivian seems to be drooling while looking at the prince that makes Niya visibly squirm in her wooden chair. After the incident she has not been able to look at the prince but has felt him watching her several times.

　　Now as she peers at him under her lashes, their eyes meet and Niya finally takes notes of his features. His hair is jet black and the fire casts a golden glow to his skin that makes him look ethereal. Not the fair skin tones wolves of Winterfrost Clan share, but a slightly tan one that adds to his dimensions to his demeanor. Everything about him is perfect just as the stories say about the Lycaons.

　　Niya has never seen someone other than her father to bear such a regal attitude. The way his jaw is chiseled, the slight stubble on his chin, hazel eyes that appear to flare with the flames and even in the way he sits. It’s like he is sitting on his throne and she is his subject. That sucks! Niya refrains herself from grimacing. She thinks she is being hasty about judging him but anyone attractive like that is surely to act as an entitled brat.

　　“I apologize for my daughter’s actions, Chase. She was mistaken and given the current circumstances I can’t blame her entirely.” Herald says.

　　“No need for an apology Rex.” Chase replies as humbly as he can, his voice is deep like the pits of the underworld. Niya giggles at the mention of the title “Rex”. No one has ever called her father a king and her a princess. These titles mean nothing in her clan. Her giggling earns a glance from both Herald and what was his name?.. Chase. She drops the smile from her face and gives him the most intimidating look she has ever given anyone.

　　“No no, we don’t use the titles here. Please don’t call me Rex, just Herald or Alpha would do.” Herald says with a warm smile.

　　“I am sorry. In our tribe it is a very common practice.” Chase says. He looks at Niya again. No one has ever dared to stare him down like the youngest of his daughters is doing right now. She is going to be a real menace.

　　Usually the she-wolves in his clan are mellow and although they can hold their own against any odds, still they prefer not to engage in violence. But here! The first encounter he has with a female only to fall face down on the ground. How can anyone be that fast?

　　“So, what else is different in your clan?” Vivian asks Chase leaning on the chair like she is about to melt. The question earns her a distasteful glare from Niya but Vivian ignores her and continues, “I mean, we are to go and stay there for a while then we should know about your culture.”

　　This is Vivi being Vivi. Niya knows her sister is trying to impress the self-titled prince and it is better that way. Vivian is the oldest child and Chase is the first in line for his throne that Niya doesn’t care about a little bit. They will make a good couple and have a great time there, while she will sit at the corner and fret about her father.

　　Thinking about leaving her clan makes her queasy and extremely angry. But when she raises her eyes towards Chase she doesn’t find any affection or interest. His eyes are cold and distant, with a hint of irritation hidden in the shades, something she has seen before many times but can’t place where.

　　“Well we are treated as royalty there; it is something that was pressed upon by our ancestors after the bloody rebellion half a century ago in my great grandfather’s reign. He was a humble leader and was murdered by his own Beta. That was a wakeup call for his son and he was strong enough to overthrow the Beta and reclaim his throne. Since then the division was made and no other uprising has been recorded. So you will be treated as royal guests there. No need to worry much.”

　　Niya looks at her father silently pleading for not to let her go. It will be a nightmare for her there. Although Chase didn’t say it clearly, she understands the underlying message. They will have to abide by the rules and regulations and she will be trapped among royalty.

　　There is only one chance of getting out of this mess. Let Vivi cast her magic, do her job and stay out of it for as long as possible. Once Vivi is settled and the mating is done, she will simply state that she didn’t like anyone. No matter what, her father will not force her into mating.

　　“Thank you for accepting our offer. Times are dangerous now, and staying united will ensure our survival.” Herald says

　　“Yes, father was concerned about the same thing until your message arrived. He was visibly happy.”

　　“Are you happy?” Niya asks and is immediately shaken by the harshness of her tone.

　　She didn’t realize that she asked the question out loud, not until it was too late. Everyone looks at her like she has jumped inside the inferno. Chase’s reaction is unreadable but the temperature seems to drop a little bit even with the burning fire. The question might have come out like this but Niya was deliberating it for some days now. There must be some motive behind this quick acceptance. No clan is that open enough to accept strangers among them even if they are under oath to keep peace. He must be hiding something and Niya has to know what that is before it’s too late.