Chapter 3

6 YEARS LATER.... 

|| ELINDA Vasiliev's POV ||

" Is my brother coming tonight?"

I asked in a polite voice, using the fork to cut the steak that had been served hot to me. My mother, Ginny shot me a cold glare as if I had asked for a bomb to blast in this house.

Being part of the Royal family was exhausting. They had a thousand rules including the one that civilized people didn't talk to at their dinner table. Sometimes I wished that I didn't know my biological family ever. At least, I was a carefree soul with my foster parents.

Papa, Alberto Vasiliev, the king of the Royal Lycans gave me a cold glance. He took the initiative to reply since my mother was too afraid to break the dinner table rules,

" We have notified him. It's up to him now."

A little sigh escaped my lips. After coming to this family, I was close to one person only, Alberto Vasiliev,my twin brother. My life history was way more dramatic than any drama. Papa told me that I was born with Alberto and was stolen from the hospital. The thief possibly left me on the street out of fear. Since it was a foreign state, Papa couldn't continue his search longer. But they didn't lose hope and I was found after 18 years.

Alberto was the only most comfortable person in this family. Unfortunately, he studied abroad and was coming on important occasions only. I missed him badly and a part of me hoped that he wouldn't miss my 24th birthday.

Birthdays were never normal to me again. After my rejection by my mate, I never felt happiness on my birthdays. It felt like an out-of-duty to celebrate the occasion here. The state wasn't going to forget the birthday of their princess.

My mother finally talked, using her polished nails to grab the bread,

" You are already 24 darling and haven't found your mate yet. Please take it seriously and get a chosen mate. I can see that your blind dates aren't successful."

Fuck those blind dates!

I had almost forgotten about those dates. My family was desperate to marry me off. The Royal family had no heir and they grew desperate because of it. Alberto had strictly said that he wasn't going to find any chosen mate except his fated one. No one could force him since he was the man and the future king.

When it came to me, I had no say in that. So I went to the blind dates, arranged by my mother. They all had been rubbish since all the guys were busy, licking my ass. My father voiced my mother, drinking the wine,

" Your mother is right. We don't know the future. If Alberto doesn't find a mate, you will be the next one line to the throne."

Even the imagination sent shivers down my spine. Being a princess was tiresome enough. I mustered a fake smile, dropping the fork,

" I know, Papa. I am trying and I am just 24. I still have a lot of time to find the real one."

My mother spoke midway, her eyes shining with excitement,

" I have invited all the dukes and prestigious family to your birthday party. It is a good opportunity for you. Use it well baby."

Again those blind dates!

I didn't want to hear their nagging anymore. Dropping the napkin, I excused myself from the table, heading straight to my room,

" Apologize, Papa. I am having a headache. I would like to get some sleep now."

As soon as I was behind the closed door, I let out a tiresome exhale. My mind drifted back to the days in Costa Rica. I left a part of my heart in that state. My life has never been colorful again. I didn't even contact anyone from the state again, afraid of facing my past. A year ago, Bella somehow managed my number and called me. She was the only person that I contacted after years and she carefully dropped the news that Leonid never came back to the state after the rejection. I didn't want to think about him but the question didn't stop coming to my mind.

Why did he leave?

___________

BIRTHDAY PARTY

" Congratulations, Princess & Happy Birthday!"

" You are so beautiful just like the fairy."

People wished me and bombarded me with sweet, sugarcoating words. My cheeks hurt from smiling too much. I wished that I could just cut the cake and go back to my room. My biological parents always showed up at the last minute. They believed that birthday parties were for young people and as the king & queen of Lycans, they weren't suited to this party.

I felt suffocated among the people here. They were all too fake, always trying hard to get on my good side. I didn't know a single person from the party. I missed Alberto so much and it made my heart aching to know that he didn't send any response to my birthday event. I didn't complain about him because as a future king, he had many duties except studying.

Lady Augustine showed up with a brooding smile, her eyes looking down at the most expensive gown in the town,

" Oh darling, is it the limited edition of Dark Paradise?"

Dark Paradise was one of the most demanding brands in the state. My mom had always been my stylist and it was handpicked by her. I replied with a sweet smile, wondering about her motive,

" I believe so."

Lady Augustine grinned bigger, sipping her drink,

" No wonder. A beautiful princess like you deserves the best. But your mother told me about your least interest in finding a chosen mate. Maybe you haven't found the right one yet. I was thinking about my nephew. He is the Duke and I believe that you two are a perfect match."

Here we go again! Goddess save me!

I tried to find a way to skip the matter. To my surprise, a boyish voice rang from the crowd, pulling me out of the situation,

" Happy Birthday, my favorite sister."

My head snapped at the way to find Alberto standing with a bouquet of red roses in his hand. I gasped in surprise, a big smile tugging on my lips. My feet dashed towards him to cage him into a hug, our laughter attracting the guests' attention,

" ALBERTO! I thought.. that..you won't come. I was getting fucking bored."

Alberto stood with a mischievous grin on his lips, his brown eyes lightening. He replied with a chuckle, touching my cheeks,

" How can I miss my favorite sister's birthday? I was so busy that I forgot to send you a reply."

I smiled big in return, hooking my arms with him,

" Whatever..I am glad that you are back and I didn't have to spend this boring party alone."

I tugged him in the direction of the cake, everyone around us muttering words among them. I didn't care about them as long as I had my brother by my side.

Alberto suddenly stopped with a curse, looking back into the crowd with a frantic expression,

" Fuck! I forgot my friend in a rush to come to you. Where is he?"

His friend? I never saw Alberto bringing any friends to a family party!

I followed his gaze in the crowd when a deep voice heard, bringing goosebumps to my skin,

" Alberto! Asshole! How can you leave me behind? You.."

The crowd opened a path for the guests. As they cleared the way, a tall intimating figure emerged from the doorway, stopping my breath in my lungs. The guy stood at the center, freezing abruptly as soon as his eyes met mine.