CHAPTER SEVEN - Framed 1

Peter's POV 

As we left the restroom, I couldn't help but feel annoyed at the fact Anna left the mansion.

Doesn't she know about the troubles we are facing? I can't have her wandering about my knowledge.

“Why did you leave the mansion?” I turned to her, my tone firm as we left the convenience section.

“I didn't leave the mansion on-” 

“Hey! There you are… I've been looking everywhere for you.”

As Anna tried to explain herself, Thea interrupted, walking towards us quickly and hugging Anna. Then I realized it was Thea who was responsible for Anna leaving the mansion.

“Where did you stay so long, hmm?” She asked, with a concerned look, “I started to think you ran away because of the price tag.” She pouts her lips.

“I… I.” Anna stammered before I spoke.

“Why did you take Anna out of the mansion without my approval?” I asked her, my voice firm but sounding annoyed.

“I’m sorry big brother. I only wanted to bond with my step-sister… your mate.” She spoke, a bit confused. 

“So weird and puzzling,” she whispered, breaking off from Anna before staring at the injury on her neck.

“Whoa.” She exclaimed, “What happened to your neck?” Her voice was laced with concern.

“It's nothing, Thea,” Anna assured her, covering her neck with her right hand.

“Yes, it is.” I said, “Charlotte happened.”

“Charlotte?” Thea spoke before rolling her eyes, then her face turned stern and serious, “I’m so sorry, Anna, “I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Thea said, avoiding my gaze. There was a tremor in her voice—or was it something else? Guilt? Fear? I couldn’t tell.

Anna shook her head slightly before giving a subtle smile.

“Are you okay?” Thea asked.

“I'm fine.”

I took a sigh as they spoke.

“Come on Anna, we need to go to the hospital.” I took her hand, but Anna shook her head in disagreement.

“No Peter, it's just a scratch. I’ve had worse, I don't need a hospital.” She told me.

“uh-uh, No, as long as you’re with me, I won't let you have a scratch on your body, is that understood?” I spoke to her.

“Yes.” Anna pressed her lips together before letting out a defeated sigh as she stared at me, her face looking pale.

Seems she has found out that the word ‘no’ isn't in my vocabulary.

As I stared at her face, I couldn't stop but admire her beauty. From her soft rose petal-pink lips to her bright blue eyes and her long-raven dark hair.

Fuck…It brings back the moment of how I fell in love immediately after I saw her back at the starlight pack. 

“Come on,” I spoke, taking her out of the mall, Thea following us from behind.

As we walked through the mall, I noticed the kingdom's members offering their usual respect. Some furrowed their brows in confusion as they saw me holding Anna's hand.

They expected me to be with that manipulative bitch, Charlotte. But pretending to love someone I despise? That’s not who I am. I’d gladly show them the truth—that Anna is my mate. But the moment I do, my parents will see it as a disgrace, an insult to their plans. And they won’t just be angry as they already are, they’ll retaliate. Anna would become their target, their way to bring me back in line.

She can’t stay in the mansion. It’s too dangerous, too exposed. But where in this kingdom could she truly be safe? I have to find her a place, somewhere beyond their reach, before it’s too late.

As we stepped outside into the cool breeze of the afternoon, the door of my car was opened by the driver and we got in.

“Where to sir?” My driver asked me.

“The clinic,” I replied.

Anna let out a sigh as I mentioned the word ‘clinic’

“What’s wrong with clinics?” I asked, shutting my eyes as I stared at her.

“The smell of drugs, Ugh.” Anna replied, her face etched with disgust, “It always makes me want to puke.”

I and Thea chuckled as we listened to her.

“Alright.” I said, “I’ll call the doctor to visit the mansion.” 

“Okay,” Anna replied softly as I placed my hand on her lap, caressing it gently.

“Aww.” Thea looked at us with adorable eyes. “You two look adorable together.” 

Anna’s cheeks flushed as she fidgeted with her hands, avoiding my gaze.

“I wish to have such a good mate like you, Anna. You’re lucky.” Thea grinned while Anna threw her a subtle smile.

Thea is seventeen, but the passion to find her mate quickly makes me feel watchful about the guys around her; I don't want her heartbroken.

“Wait for your time, Thea.” I spoke to her firmly, “I don't want any irresponsible guys around you, is that understood?” 

“Yes… Dad.” She joked, “You know my birthday is in four months right? You don't have authority over me.” 

I looked at her from top to bottom.

“You’re under my authority until you turn eighteen,” I spoke to her.

Anna looked at me before chuckling, I understood what was going on that beautiful head of hers.

I took protective, yes, and I love it.

“Head home,” I ordered the driver while taking out my phone to call the doctor.

As I dialed the doctor’s number, she answered immediately.

‘Good day, your highness.’ She greeted me.

‘Yeah, good day. I need you at the royal mansion.’ I got straight to the point.

‘Ok your highness, but I’m already there. Princess Charlotte is injured.’

‘Charlotte is injured?’ I raised my voice a little, making everyone turn their gaze to me.

It's not like I cared that Charlotte was injured, though; last I saw her, she was without a scratch on her body.

I hope this isn't one of her stupid schemes.

‘What happened to her?’ I asked the doctor.

‘She was attacked in the pack woods.’ the doctor replied, ‘I suggest you be here, your Highness.’

‘Okay.’ I answered before hanging up the call.

*****

After some time of driving, we finally reached the mansion. 

I didn't waste time walking inside, I was a bit curious to know what that bitch's scheme was.

As we arrived inside the mansion, I could see Charlotte sitting on the couch and the doctor squatting beside her, adding some liquid substance to the deep cut in her arm.

Charlotte screamed as the doctor pressed the white foam on her arm. Mum was there, trying to comfort her from the pain she felt.

As my Dad's eyes met me and Anna, his brows furrowed down in anger as he walked towards us.

“You stupid bitch!” He yelled, as his hand connected to Anna's face, making my heart jump a little in anger, every muscle in my body tensed, a red-hot wave of fury surging through me.

“How dare you attack the princess!” He yelled at Anna, as she held her cheeks with tears welling up in her eyes.