Stefan
I'm not entirely sure what is wrong with me, but I don't feel great.
“Your Highness, are you okay?” Jacub appears in my face, and my head shakes. The room spins slightly, and my eyes fall on a woman. “Your Highness.” His words this time are louder.
“Something is wrong, and I feel like I’m drugged. Something feels wrong.” Why did I repeat that? A king doesn’t repeat himself. My words are barely even a whisper, or at least to me sound quiet.
“Your father, the king, feared this would happen.” Jacub looks at me.
“What?” I ask, trying to focus, but I fail, and the feelings continue to grow.
“There was a threat. Someone was going to try and get to him. Lace his drink with drugs, and a woman would guide him into a private room. She was set to record the encounter and use it against him,” he explains, and I nod. “Do not leave with a woman who offers herself to you, Your Highness.” His words are serious, and I nod.
Laughing at him because I wouldn’t anyway. My relationships are hidden in the dark. Most of the women I have slept with didn’t know it was me. Jacub speaks to them, ensures they know that they can’t know who I am, and they agree. Their knowing makes them think they can use me.
“Just find me a woman, please. I will be in the room I usually have when I stay here.” I walk through the manor, trying to remember which room I would usually sleep in. I see the guards, and I walk towards the door.
“Your Highness.” The guard steps aside and gives me entry into the room. As I make my way inside, I flick off the lights one by one and let the darkness cradle me.
My mind goes to Harlyn, and her how gaze continued to linger on me, with the same unwavering hopefulness. My rejection should have deterred her, but she continued in her pursuit. I can’t explain the annoyance I feel at the fact she still keeps trying. I hate hurting her, but she won’t stay away from me.
The existence of humans, these feeble creatures masquerading as werewolves, disgusts me. They are nothing more than failed attempts at receiving the blessing of the Moon Goddess.
When Harlyn arrived at my chambers on her sixteenth birthday, I already knew what I had to do, no matter how much it hurt me. So I rejected her, acted like she wasn’t worthy, and threw her away.
Some things are true like she embodies everything I hate. She is weak and clumsy, and she lives in a constant state of fear. She stuttered like a toddler, and I had no choice but to reject her. After showing, I step out and hear the door, wrapping the towel around myself, I walk into the room.
I see the silhouette of Jacub and someone else. He pushes her towards the bed and walks out. I don't speak; there is a risk that she will recognise my voice. Walking to the bed, my hands instantly touch her skin. It is the softest skin I have ever felt, and her scent is intoxicating. I pull her closer to me.
I was hoping that the cold shower would work, but it didn't. My hand settles on her cheek. She mutters something inaudible, but I ignore it. Kissing her, I pin her down and pull her dress. My hand traces her body, every part, and I feel like I am drowning in the feel of her.
I'm becoming dizzy from the sensation of her. She's so soft and sweet; her mouth tastes like tequila and a hint of honey, and I can't stop kissing her for some reason.
Pushing her legs open, I settle between them. As I notch my cock against her entrance, there's obstruction. Shit. She's pure, I want to stop, but she moans against my mouth.
I don't want to destroy this woman just to relieve the urge I have, but for some reason, I can't stop kissing her. I crave her like I've never craved anyone. My fingers worked within her, and soon, I was settled deep within her. I groan at her warmth; something about her is compelling; it's like a drug within itself.
She barely mutters anything and lets me use her body; I take her in every way possible. Even after the effects of the drugs wear off, I keep going because she's addictive and like no one I've met. I lose myself in the feel of her, craving to touch every spot of her body.
A knock has me pause.
“Your Highness, we should be leaving soon.” Is it really already morning? He says no more, and I know he's right. I need to leave before anyone sees me with a random woman, but I don't want to leave her. It's a feeling I've never had before. I know though, I can’t set off late, I had plans.
I pull her to me, deciding to have her again before departing. This time, I'm gentle and loving, constantly kissing her. I finish and pull away. My eyes are on the darkened figure. I want to speak, ask her name.
Sighing, I reluctantly walked to the bathroom and cleaned myself. Fighting the urge to speak to the woman or turn the light on so I can at least catch a glimpse of the woman. The outcome of it should she recognise me, and speak of this won’t go down well. The future king is meant to save himself for his mate, or his future queen.
I walked out and ensured someone would put clothes in the room for her, considering I had ruined her dress. Something I hadn’t even considered at the time.
The journey is long, and all I can think about is her. I'll return when I’m no longer busy in a few weeks, but I want to return now and find her.
I look towards Jacub.
“Who was the woman?” I ask.
“The one I brought to you?” He looked at me, and I thought it would be evident that is who I meant.
“Yes, who is she? Her name?” I need to find her when I get back.
I watch as he considers it.
“I don't know.” He says bluntly.
His words shocked me. “What do you mean you don't know?” How could he not know? He was meant to fucking speak to her.
“Your Highness, your father had told me that any woman would do if you should be drugged. I found any woman, one I was sure wouldn't have been part of the plan.”
I wanted to find her. How do I find a person he doesn't even know?
“Can you tell me anything about her?” I ask.
“She was intoxicated. Walking down one of the halls.”
Dred fills me as I hear his words. “Jacub, did you speak to her?” What has he done?
“Your father insisted I find any woman, one who wouldn't remember.” His words burn through me.
“You're joking! How intoxicated was she!” Is that why she was so quiet? I glare across at him.
“Enough not to remember,” he says calmly.
“Which means enough not to consent or tell me fucking no!” I rage, and he laughs.
“Your father was insistent. The kingdom would look badly should a sex tape be revealed or a woman share her encounter of the night she had the prince in bed.”
I know he's right about that, but now, I wonder if she even consented. She didn't say no, but even I know that means nothing if she was too drunk to understand what was happening.
HarlynIt’s been two months since that celebration, and my mind often goes back to that night. I’m unsure what to do about it. I know my father will blame me, making it out like I somehow caused it to happen.I stare at the doctor, his head nodding at me.“I’m sorry, Miss Harlyn, but you are pregnant,” he says, and my head shakes.Samuel and Colton are stood beside me, they are here for support, I was hoping I would be wrong, but I’m not. When my period didn’t arrive last month, I told myself it was the stress of everything.Then, this month, it didn’t again. I asked Samuel to get the doctor to check me over without letting my father know, and he agreed to. I was so sure the doctor would tell me it was something like stress.He didn’t, though. Now, Samuel and Colton are staring at me in shock. I couldn’t come to the doctor alone, I knew they would tell my father or mother. Coming with Samuel, however, means there's a chance the doctor won’t speak to my father.Still, I didn’t think th
HarlynIt’s been two days since I spoke with the doctor and explained things to Samuel. I’ve heard nothing since, so I can only assume it means there’s no update, and he hasn’t found out who it was yet. I was hoping by now he would have answers or at least something to ease the blow of this.“Harlyn,” Samuel says, and I turn to see him with Coton.“He knows, right?” They are looking at me like they are ready to hurt me, which means my father has found out the truth.“Yes, he’s on his way. We will help, he can’t say or do anything Harlyn, you’re not to blame, and this wasn’t your fault, it was the bastard who took advantage of you.” Samuel shouts. If only father would see it in that way but something is telling me he won’t.I hear his footsteps first, or rather stamps. He is angry.“What is this about you being pregnant!” His words float through the hallway as he storms towards me, my mother following behind him. He glares at me and stops in front of me.“Father, please. Can we try and
Harlyn – Eight Years LaterI look around the room, ensuring that everything I have to do is finished. My gaze goes to where Wayne is standing. It’s strange to consider how much things have changed in the last eight years.The eight years have forced me to change, not just because I was exiled and homeless but also because I became a mother, and well, things like that changed a person. It changed me a lot, and I am grateful for the changes the pups have forced me to make.The weak, pathetic girl from before is gone. She has been replaced by someone stronger, who no longer stutters her words. Now, I walk around with my head held high rather than with my eyes on the floor, too afraid to look up.The changes were made throughout the last eight years, thanks to Wayne and the pups. They have given me a strength that I never knew I had. I went from living with a family and pack who mostly hated me and saw me as worthless to living with a family and pack who saw the value in me.“Are you fini
HarlynI’m stuck on what to reply to him, the silence once again fills the car.“So, this celebration,” he says. He's clearly changing the conversation, sensing I’m worrying about the wedding topic. “Beta Jonathan and Olivia will be returning in a few days.”I know he’s right but celebrations should wait, we have other pressing issues to solve. “Wayne, maybe we should hold off on celebrations? At least until we figure out the attacks at the east,” I suggest.“We can deal with that, my love, without compromising on celebrations. The pack needs something to celebrate, and this is the perfect excuse,” Wayne explains, and I nod.“I still don’t understand this whole rogue king and why he’s returning,” I say, feeling confused by the entire situation.“I’ve told you everything that I know my love, some rogue kings who have lost their kingdoms and packs do just attack others in the hope they can win and take over,” he explains and grasps my hand. “It’s no real threat.” I nod, accepting his wo
HarlynI dial the number and wait. Each ring worries me. If Father answers, which he has a few times, I have to hang up quickly so he doesn’t know it's me.“Harlyn!” Samuel’s voice comes through the phone, instantly making me smile, but at the same time, tears begin to fill my eyes.“Samuel, it’s good to hear from you,” I reply. “I wanted to do our usual check-in,” I explain. Our phone calls are rare, and they are the only way I know that everyone is alive and well at home. We have agreed on no big updates, if less they are life-and-death sitauations, it’s for the best.“Harlyn, I need you to come home, please,” Samuel says, and I notice the worry in his tone.“Samuel, that’s not possible. I was exiled, remember?” I remind him. My heart is craving to go home and see them, but it’s not possible.“Please, Mother wishes to see you, Harlyn,” he pleads. I wish he could understand this.It isn’t easy to refuse, but going back is going against my father's orders, and that won’t be good for a
HarlynThe pups look excited about this trip. “Okay, go pack, please,” I say to the pups and watch as they run to their rooms. Moving on, I walk to mine and begin to pack my bag, ready to go.“Are you sure about this, Harlyn?” Wayne asks. I turn and see him standing by the door. He’s worried, but I know that I will be fine.“I am sure. Don’t worry about me, Wayne. I’ve changed, you know that I have,” I remind him. He walks to me and wraps his arms around me.“Yes, you have,” he whispers. “The difference from the person you arrived here as to today is huge, it seems almost impossible for you to be the same person.” He kisses my cheek, and I smile. “The pups have changed you. Just remember your training, Harlyn. You may not have a wolf, but for seven years, you trained,” he reminds me.I nod. Even I know my training is useless if I am faced with someone who is a wolf. Another human, sure, I can manage, but a wolf? No. Still, he needs reassurance.“I remember, don’t worry. Plus, Thorin w
HarlynWalking in, I see someone standing ahead of us; I watch as he turns, and I can’t stop smiling.“Harlyn?” Samuel stares at me. He looks so different.“Sam!” I cry. Running to him, I wrap my arms around him in a tight embrace. Emotions flood through me. It’s been too long. Eight years is a long time not to see your family.“You came,” he whispers.“I wouldn’t refuse Same, not when it’s likely the only chance I will get to see you again,” I remind him. I look at him and smile.“Come say hello to your uncle,” I look at the pups, and watch as Isaac and Lotta walk forward, Thorin however stands looking at him. I watch as Samuel kneels and speaks to Lotta and Isaac, after introducing himself he turns to Thorin.“You must be Thorin,” Samuel asks. Thorin cautiously steps forward, and I watch as Samuel goes to embrace him.“I am,” Thorin speaks. He offers his hand to Samuel to shake, rather than accepting the hug. Once he knows Samuel he will allow him to hug him, right now he is cautiou
HarlynI’m sitting with my brothers and mother. Isaac and Lotta are sitting and playing with my mother, who already looks far healthier than she did before.“So, why do you have guards, Harlyn?” Colton asks. My mother and Samuel also look at me like they want to know.“They are not guards like the palace has, they are beta’s,” I explain. “They aren’t mine, they are Alpha Wayne’s,” I say, and look between them, deciding now is the time to just say it. “I’m engaged to him,” I say while holding out my hands. I watch their eyes widen.“You’re engaged to an Alpha? Samuel asks in disbelief.“What does he look like, Harlyn?” Mother questions.“Is he your mate?” Colton asks, and they continue to ask questions while I laugh slightly at how quickly they are asking questions without giving me a chance to answer them.“Why isn’t he here? Surely he should have come as well?” Samuel looks at me with a confused expression.“Mummy said he wasn’t allowed to come with us,” Isaac speaks, and Samuels's ey
StefanI look at Samuel, and he seems cheery, so things must have gone well on his trip. I can hope, anyway.“Come on, Earl Samuel, this is taking forever,” I complain, and he laughs.“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. The people are completely cleared of magic, and his sister is none the wiser. Magic was used and she didn’t know a thing, so she isn’t a risk,” he explains.“Their father?” I ask.“His body is there, so he was certainly dead, and it was all Wayne. The pack has a new alpha, one who isn’t connected to Wayne’s family and such. So it’s sorted,” he explains, and I relax more.We had thought we had sorted everything, but only two months someone attacked, and it turned out Wayne had yet another brother we didn’t know of. So now we know everything and are sure no one else is coming for Harlyn. I can relax.“How has Lucy been?” He looks at me.“Fine, she and Harlyn have spent most of their time together. Go see her. We can get a full breakdown in a few days,” I say and watch as he nods a
HarlynStefan currently has everyone’s attention. The pups are behind me, but the place is packed. People have moved closer to him to listen to what he is saying.He’s currently thanking everyone for coming, and the speculation over what this is about surrounds me.Some men think that he’s planned a date to marry Diandra, and others think that he is stepping down as king. Some of the women are speculating as well. Their speculation is around me, because people know that Stefan left to deal with an issue about me.“Maybe he has exiled her entirely, and this is him letting us know?” I hear the woman and ignore her.“The royal family took long enough. She barely had the right to be classed as a werewolf,” another laughs. Thorin glares towards them. Kneeling down, I smile at him.“Forget their words, this is about you,” I say and kiss his cheek. I listen as Stefan announces he recently found out he was a father. I watch as he calls up the pups, Princess Lotta, Prince Thorin and Prince Isa
HarlynMy last few hours were spent with Lucy and Lotta getting ready for this ball, where Stefan will announce the pups. Lotta is in her element. She has on a dress. One that has taken hours for her pick.I blamed Lucy for that. The ideal thing to do was bring a few dresses, no more than six, for Lotta to pick from. Instead, she had almost an entire room, and that meant she wanted to wear them all.In the end, she gave up on the giant princess dresses and went for a more simple one. It didn’t have the big petticoat skirt under it, either.Lucy helped me pick a dress, and it matched Lotta’s in a way; I didn’t see why I needed a dress. As I told her, no one noticed me yesterday; they pushed in front of me to get to Stefan.Apparently, however, once it’s announced the pups are Stefan’s, people might approach them while they are with me. I still think my dress is a bit too much, but I won’t argue with Lucy.I’m glad the boys have Stefan and Samuel to help them. While Thorin would be dres
HarlynWe spoke for a while and discussed the way forward. I don’t want to wait months before we move forward. Stefan agreed. Our first task is announcing that the pups are his.No one other than those close to us knows about it, but everyone in the kingdom will be made aware of the pups and who they are. Then, we can focus on moving forward. I’ll be moving into his room, but Lotta will have a room close to us for the days Lucy stays at the manor.I don’t want her on a wing all on her own. The boys have each other, but Lotta wouldn’t have anyone once I move into Stefan’s room if Lucy isn’t there.We arrived back at the palace in time for Lunch. The pups are laughing and talking, and even Thorin is relaxed and having fun—something I rarely see. I wonder if it was the magic that suppressed everything.“Okay, pups, lets go!” Lucy skips over, and I turn, confused.“Court, and they shouldn’t be there,” Stefan explains, and I watch as they walk off with Lucy. “Are you sure you want to be th
HarlynI wake up in bed, yet I can’t remember coming to bed last night. I was with Stefan outside, and that is my last memory, so I must have fallen asleep there.I’m still fully dressed. As I get up, I get cleaned and dressed. The knock has me opening the door, and I smile, seeing Lucy.“The pups are with my mother. Stefan and Samuel are ensuring everything is safe again at the walls, so I’m spending the morning with you,” she says as she walks in with a tray and food.“Did Wayne die then?” I ask, unsure of what actually happened.“From what Samuel said, all the brothers were there and are dead. Forget about that. Tell me about you and Stefan.” She smiles at me, but I don’t know what to say.I’m not sure there is a me and Stefan. “There’s not really much that I can say,” I explain.“I know, he’s stubborn,” she says while laughing, and I look at her confused. “Sorry, he’s got his weird little plan,” she laughs more.“Weird little plan?” What the hell does that even me? She laughs more
HarlynThe celebration has gone well. I spoke to Lucy for a bit, Colton, Samuel, and the queen.Now, the pups have gone to their rooms, much to Thorin’s disappointment, who wanted to stay with me and watch over me.The queen reassured him that the guards would be with me and keep me safe, so he and Isaac were given a room within the prince’s chamber—the same place Stefan used to stay.Lotta has been given a room in the princess’ chamber, so she is sharing the entire wing with Lucy. I have a room on the same wing as Lotta.I’ve not seen Stefan for a while. Grabbing a jacket, I walk outside and spot the maids, soldiers, and guards at their usual spot. Walking past them, I find Stefan sitting in the same spot we used to.Moving, I sit beside him, and he glances at me briefly before looking back down at his hands. We don’t speak for a while and just sit in silence. He is off, and I feel like he needs a break from everything.“I’m sorry,” he whispers.“You don’t need to apologise, Stefan;
HarlynI walk into the room and sit next to Stefan. I know I panicked too much with Thorin; it’s hard to remember that he is strong and a lycan. To me, I see him as the baby from when he was born, and he’s still a child.“How are you feeling?” Stefan glances at me. He seems off—not like before, but like he’s avoiding me.“I’m fine, honestly. Shouldn’t we go out there and celebrate, Your Majesty?” I ask.“I’d rather sit here with you and the pups,” he says while smiling.I know he would rather that, but he’s the king. Him avoiding a celebration after a battle isn’t right. “We will join you,” I say.“Your father will be there, Harlyn,” his words are barely a whisper. I know I didn’t want to see or speak to him, but it’s going to be impossible. I know they would have used my father to help with the battle, and it would be wrong to remove him from the celebration.I also don’t like that me insisting I avoid him will make it harder for everyone.“I’m fine with it, Your Majesty. At some poi
StefanI’m not sure how long we have been fighting, but the longer it lasts, the more strength he gains, and I realise his wolf wasn’t fully bound.Some of his men have run off in the direction of the distraction, so I know that they will have their wolves back soon. Not that it helps me now, I don’t have the strength against Wayne and his wolf.I fall to my knees and he laughs, but right now, my body hurts.“Hold him down,” Wayne speaks and I feel my arms get gripped and them holding me down to keep me kneeling. “You see, all I wanted to do was show everyone how it felt without a wolf.” His face leans into mine.“After all, Harlyn had no wolf, and many of the people here mocked her for it. They will now realise just how she felt.” His fist swings and hits me, and I groan. “Don’t worry. I will claim her again and use magic, so she stays.” He leans into my ear. “And well, your pups, I guess they become like the Cinderellas of the fairytale, just without the happy ending.”I see the kni
StefanMy eyes open, and I see my mother peering down at me. What happened? I feel someone next to me and turn to see Harlyn lying next to me. I’m in my room.“How did I get here?” I was on the ship.“You were drugged and didn’t wake, don’t worry. Focus on regaining your energy,” my mother smiles at me.“I’m fine. Just explain what happened,” I say, still unsure of what happened.“We believe Wayne injected you with Dragufic during your altercation,” she explains, and I look at Harlyn.“He did the same to Harlyn?” Why would he do that?“No, Harlyn used her wolf and the bond to connect with you and make you realise. What was your torment?” she asks, looking at me and waiting.“Me rejecting Harlyn. Now, thinking back, I can remember it was on replay. At the time, though, it felt so real, and I couldn’t remember it happening again and again.” I doubt I would have realised if Harlyn wasn’t there; I know for sure I wouldn’t have realised.“How long has she been asleep?” I ask.“We’ve been h