Five

Third Person's POV:

He was a beast, a man who demanded respect wherever he went.

It felt right, just natural to bow down to him and his authority.

No one could challenge him, it was obvious with a single look.

He was easily 6'7 and built in muscles. Wearing a white tshirt, that showed off the wide expanse of his chest, it was clear he had been working out for an appropriate time,for it was stuck to his body due to all that sweat, showcasing his six packs. His hand gripped the sword mightily, with the veins on his hands prodding.

He was swift. Almost a blur, even to the werewolves.

As if carrying that huge athletic body of his was no problem.

If you ever managed to get close to him, which was a rare occurrence for many, you could see why the rumours called him "Desired" or the Cupid as the word is known, in Latin.

His jawline was an unswerving cut, and his nose stuck up and straight, never failing to give him the proud and arrogant look. Defined cheekbones that made his presence even menacing.

There was a stubble on his chin which meant he hadn't shaved for days.

Straight jet black hair made him look more dangerous and so did the fact that they never settled down.

But the most vicious feature of all were those eyes. They narrowed like slits changing from stormy gray into strikingly blue.

One second you'd think a thunder is brewing in them and in a blink of an eye, they would resemble the ice, sending a shock through the body.

His POV:

"START AGAIN, NOW!" I bark at the soldiers that Chris is busy training.

My voice makes them flinch, a common occurrence.

Despite my busy schedule, I always made sure to visit the trainings, just to make sure the warriors stayed upbeat.

They belonged to the Royal army and if they couldn't manage to handle the harshness, I was more than welcome to throw them out.

"Cut them some slack man. These last few days they've been practicing nonstop." Chris came to stand behind me.

My chest rumbled. "And have them slacking? No."

He shuts his mouth, knowing better than to argue with me.

I'm closer to my Beta and Gamma, enough for them to spew nonsense, but they knew when I issued orders and when to obey them.

Loyalty came naturally to our kind. No matter who we supported.

"Your files await you Lord Hades." My Beta mind links and I decide to go back to my office.

"And last but not least, we've received the news that all those who are 18 and above, have completed their forms. Your parents will be checking and shortlisting some of them they think would suit you."

My body goes rigid hearing Apollo say that.

"Get out." I order in annoyance.

Apollo gives me a smirk but bares his neck and leaves.

"Oh and don't forget that you have a months time!" He shouts loud enough for everyone in the whole castle to hear.

Courtesy of our hearing senses.

Rubbing a hand over my stressful face, I lean back on the chair and groan.

I fucking hate this.

I despised choosing a mate for myself. It felt like a joke when we were actually supposed to have fated mates, not chosen. I'd rather live and rule all alone than have one by my side.

Concluding to complete the pending files tomorrow, I decide to pay my parents a visit.

"Okay but can we please not put honey on it? Please."

I hear my dad begging even before I enter the former Luna and Alpha's wing.

"No. What are pancakes without honey." My mother sternly replies.

A pause.

"OHMYGOD MY BABY IS HERE. WE'RE IN THE KITCHEN!"

My mother shouts making both my father and I wince.

Being mated with him,she's earned some heightened senses,but she isn't a werewolf. Because she's his chosen mate, not fated.

I nod at them and then raise an eyebrow when I notice the kitchen.

It's a complete mess,with them covered in flour.

"It was your mother's idea." My dad accuses her, but instead of lashing out on him, she gives me a proud smile.

"Yeah well it's good to cook once in a while."

"Cook. Not explode the kitchen." I mutter but obviously she hears me and gives a glare.

"Why are you here anyway young man?" Her eyes narrow. "I'd expect you to be sticking your nose in those files."

She's still upset because I missed dinner last week.

"I had a meeting mom." I say for the thousandth time.

"Yeah? Well, I'm busy too right now so get your ass outta here." She cockily replies.

I roll my eyes at her. "You're spending too much time with Apollo."

"Atleast he doesn't miss a single dinner."

My dad snickers.

I can't believe these two raised me.

"Apollo told me the forms arrived." I suddenly said, my mouth turning sour at the thought of it.

The atmosphere changed immediately. My parents demeanor too,the smiles leaving there faces.

We had already discussed this. They knew how I did not support this cause.

"Yes." My mother replied sternly. "We did."

"Can't we-"

"Young man, we will not go into the depth of this again. This is a long tradition of our forefathers-"

"You mean a curse." I interrupt.

"and no matter what you say, your mother and I will not change it." He continues,ignoring my comment.

I clench my fists and my eyes flash in anger, my wolf growling at the disrespect.

But he's my dad.

And deep inside I know he's right. This is what the moon goddess had said.

But that did not mean I liked it.

My mother notices my stance and her expression softens.

"I know it's hard baby, especially since wolves are known to have fated mates, but we all know the Royal family has never had one since Selene cursed them. Plus I know you'll do well, your father and I didn't get along well in the beginning too. Look at us now." She gave him a big smile.

This was supposed to make me feel better but all it did was make it worst.

My dad had had a mate out there. His other half.

Did he even love my mother like he is supposed to?

My mother is a wonderful person, but she could have had someone else out there for her too.

How did the both of them come to terms with eachother?

I don't think I could ever do that.

Yet I knew, I had to.

Even if wolves found their mates now, everyone knew the Royals wouldn't.

They hadn't since Xander's reign.

Everyone knew it was because they were in charge of the humans and their treatment.

Leaving the wing without another word,l and my wolf whimpered.

It made my heart ache, I would never be able to love someone like I loved my mate.

She was the only one I dreamt about. And I pitied the human girl who'd be stuck with me, a beast.

I could never belong to her.

At that time,all I wished was to be a normal werewolf. My wolf and I had everything; power,fame,money, respect but all I wanted was,

A mate.