My cheek stings from the harsh slap my father gave me, his furry clear as day in the way his eyes stare at me. I glare back at him, wanting nothing more than to kill the bastard in front of me and end his sorry excuse of a life.
"You're a filthy bitch!" He screams out, spittle flying from his lips as he seethes in anger. I scoff, pressing a hand against my throbbing cheek to help calm the pain.
“No I'm not.” I state, smirking as I look into his eyes.
“I won The Run and the bet without being mated." I continue with a chuckle, watching the furry in his eyes grow. I can tell I have pushed him to the edge as he clenches and unclenches his hands.
"No, you're a slut that kept Amelia away from that wolf. She could have been mated by now and instead she is in the arms of that warrior." His accusations are screamed at me and I just roll my eyes. I had seen Bryden holding onto Amelia when she called out to me before I collapsed, see the worry in his eyes for me as he kept my chosen sister close and guarded from our fathers.
"At least she will have a proper mate to rule over Silver Birch with.” I shrug, my nonchalant answer seeming to be the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back as my father backs away, becoming unusually calm. My sense go on alert as I realize the danger he presents and I wonder just what trick he will play.
"Maybe I should claim you instead." My father muses with a dark chuckle. I shudder, realizing that he is dead serious as he takes a step closer to my bed, his hands already reaching down to unbuckle the belt around his waist. I curse the pain medicine coursing through my blood realizing how vulnerable they make me in this moment. Throwing the blanket off me, I get ready to run when a blur appears before me and my father is sent crashing into the wall behind him.
"Don't you dare think about touching her!” A violent growl leaves my savior and I recognize the person standing protectively before me as Caden. My beating heart settles and I relax back into the bed. With Caden around I am safe.
"Who the hell do you think you are? That is my daughter and as such I can do anything I want to her." My father yells back, stepping up to Caden ready to fight him.
"My name is Caden Silas Wolfrain Alcazaris. I am the Crown Prince and future Alpha King of all Werewolves." Caden states, the power of a Royal wolf seeping out of his body. I watch as my father cowers before him, backing down and showing Caden his neck submissively. It is a sight I never thought I would ever see but I can’t help the satisfaction in watching my father cower before someone who is both younger and stronger. The secrecy in how he acted, the not wanting to tell me anything till we arrived at the Lodge all made sense now. How his father wanted him to claim a mate and why he helped other she-wolves. This was my Prince, the one who advocated for she-wolf rights.
“You have five seconds to disappear from our sight or I will execute you.” Caden growls out, interrupting me from my thoughts. My father takes no time in rushing out as if a demon was chasing him and I chuckle. It felt nice seeing him be so meek and not in control for once. Silence settles in the room and I wait patiently for Caden to calm down. The power coursing through his blood slowly settles until he turns to face me, the rage in his body now gone as he takes in my body laying on the hospital bed.
"Hey." He whispers shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. I laugh, seeing his small blush on his face as he carefully walks to my side and takes my hand. Gone is the Alpha Prince commanding the fear of the Goddess into a wolf. Now, he is the Caden I have grown to love that spent days with me in the Run.
"What’s so funny?" He questions with a pout, melting my heart as he brings my hand to his lips and places a gentle kiss on my knuckles.
"The big bad Alpha Prince becomes shy and meek in front of me." I state with a giggle, deciding that what ever explanation he is going to give me, I will accept with an open mind. I want this wolf, want him to love and to love me back.
“I see.” He chuckles out, letting go of my hand and sliding into bed with me. He pulls me close to his side, one arm wrapped around me while the other takes my right hand in his left. I smile, enjoying his scent wrapping around me as I lean into his body, resting my head against his chest.
“I’m sorry I kept my identity a secret from you.” He sighs out, placing a kiss on top of my head. I wrap my arm over his stomach, settling in closer to him as I wait for Caden to continue.
“I spent my teen years having she-wolves throw themselves at me because they learned I am the Crown Prince. I got tired of trying to date only to learn they are after me for my power and title. When I became eligible to enter the Run, I decided to keep my identity a secret from everyone and use my mother’s pack as a cover.” He continues, his hand fiddling with my hair. I let his words sink in and in the end I know that although hiding his true identity hurt me, it was a necessary action for him to find a she-wolf that would be true to Caden for who he is. With a smile, I lift my head and place a soft kiss on his chin.
“I understand Caden. I wish you had told me from the start because power and titles do not mean anything to me.” I can see the tension leaving his body from my words as his eyes stay locked onto mine.
“I was upset when I realized you were hiding something from me but knowing you only did so in order to not be taken advantage by makes sense. I am not mad anymore.” Without warning, Caden pulls me in for a kiss, his soft lips pouring so much emotion into mine. My eyes close on their own as I kiss him back, the kiss deepening as soon as I do. It ends all too soon and I am left trying to catch my breath when Caden and I pull apart. The tension between us is gone now. Snuggling into his side once more, I enjoy the peaceful silence as his fingers play with my hair.
“Do you still want to go on that date?” He asks, his fingers pausing.
“Yes. But you have to plan it.” I answer, letting out a yawn. Caden chuckles, placing another soft kiss on my forehead before he tightens his arms around me.
“Deal. And I promise never to hide anything from you ever again.” With a soft sigh, I close my eyes and decide that as long as I have Caden beside me, I can go through anything life throws at me.