Rowan opened the door to his apartment, one he brought the moment he discovered Alicia was his mate. He knew he couldn’t take her back to the pack straight away, and this was closer to Blue Crescent.“Here.” Rowan stepped inside, sweeping his hand for Alicia to follow. He insisted she needed to stay at his place. Although he’d threatened Tom, he’d also threatened them all about touching his mate and look how that turned out.Alicia was almost assaulted. No, he didn’t trust those insects. Taking another step, his head almost spun from the pressure of the wound in his leg and the blood wetting his black slacks. D*mmit, he didn't want to leave Alicia, especially after what had happened, but he would pass out if he didn't get it looked at soon. His adrenaline had been so high earlier that he forgot about the aconite in his system, stilling his healing.“Rest here. The fridge and freezer are topped up; if you don’t fancy anything, order what you like.” Rowan placed a black card in the palm

Alicia sat in the back of the car, stunned by Rowan’s reaction. She didn’t expect him to look at her like she was the entirety of his existence nor use such a term as ‘my Queen’, especially after ripping the dress apart, threatening Bianca and making a scene. Alicia thought herself as some sort of petulant child throwing a tantrum.But boy, did it feel good after seeing the look on Bianca’s face from her actions and then by Rowan. He barely glanced in her direction, which doused her jealousy though her curiosity peered up at him. “How do you know Bianca?” She asked, her voice barely a whisper.Alicia hated that her question came out in such a way. She didn’t want to come off as a jealous woman. If they’d had a relationship then so be it, he was like eight or ten years older than her? She really needed to ask at some point, it wasn’t like he looked old or anything but it was clear his history would hold much more experience and many relationships before her.Rowan stared at Alicia, ans

After his little statement, Alicia felt worse about herself. It was clear Rowan was trying to comfort both of them with this pretence but it also wounded what little confidence she had. Of course, Rowan wouldn’t be okay with a wolfless mate.It really would make it harder to ascend the throne.Nonetheless, Alicia tried not to take it to heart or personally and remained calm as she added, “I’m not an elf, Rowan. The pack witnessed my birth. I also looked into my birth records because, like you, I didn’t believe I was my parent’s daughter. I look so different to them and even my twin sister. Their mistreatment would then make sense, but nobody, including other pack members, claimed I wasn’t the Beta’s daughter.“My parents are also not kind enough to adopt a child as well.”Rowan’s expression remained the same. He didn’t look disappointed and proceeded with his thoughts. “I understand, but I firmly believe you have some sort of elven heritage…” He held his hand up when Alicia began to p

Entering the palace’s banquet hall, Rowan’s stoic expression hardened as those openly whispered to each other, not veiling their disdain at the abandoned Prince. They believed their words did make it to his ears, but his senses were heightened even more than those of a regular werewolf. He was a hybrid, and so he could hear every single word spoken about him as though they were whispering the words in his ears.This did not falter his steps; instead, his strides remained easy, his composure cool. Rowan was used to others openly discussing him, yet it wasn’t only about him being the disgrace of the royal family—an open secret that didn’t remain hidden for long. Rowan was now a discussion for his viciousness and the ruthlessness of his pack, Bloody Claw. Beta Voss also had a reputation, but that didn’t stop him from charming women; in fact, he was sure it worked in his favour to those who liked a ‘bad boy’.Rowan waltzed through the crowd that began to widen a pathway for him toward his

Rowan’s smirk grew as he strode out of the room. He left the King and Queen sitting, looking utterly lost. He made his demands, and they readily accepted them, saving the royal family’s reputation. Natalia would try to enact some revenge for this. She was a prideful woman, always seeking more power, but he would be ready for it.Natalia has always had everything she could ever ask for, whereas Rowan knew what it was like to have nothing. They should be grateful that Rachel, the Omega who raised him, was sweet and had taught him affection; otherwise, he was sure he’d have been more of a monster.The door closed on their distraught faces. Rowan only took a few more steps before one of his pack members, a guard Voss ordered to send the dresses to Alicia earlier, greeted him.“Alpha.” The man stepped closer so nobody could hear his following words. “The dresses have been delivered, however, when I asked to see her in person, Beta Fred declined. I was told she was still sleeping in.”Rowan