Chapter 4

Lavinia's POV

I landed heavily on the ground with a thud, the wolf pinning me to the ground with its weight. It growled at me aggressively, looking like it was ready to tear me to pieces. I was too afraid to shift at this time and even if I could, I had received no training whatsoever. How am I supposed to defend myself? I closed my eyes in fear, tears falling down my cheeks but then it suddenly stopped and got off of me.

When I couldn't feel its cold and ragged breath on my cheek, I slowly opened my eyes and saw the wolf standing a few metres away from me.

Just then, it shifted into a man and a very handsome one at that. There was just one problem, he was completely naked!

He looked at me straight in the eyes, seemingly unashamed of his nudity. A huge blush instantly spread across my cheeks as my eyes travelled downwards to the place they were not supposed to.

I turned away instantly in shame, mentally kicking myself for staring at him so boldly.

I heard him chuckle behind me before hearing his footsteps which indicated that he was leaving.

I didn't have the courage to turn back and take a look, afraid that he might still be in his birthday suit but not long after, I heard him return.

"You can turn around now." He said and I hesitated a bit before complying. Thankfully, he was fully clothed but he still looked just as handsome as before.

I still couldn't stop myself from blushing. I haven't directly communicated with any other man apart from Dad before but I'd just gone ahead to see a sexy man unclad.

I kept my head down, not even knowing what to say. I have no social skills and I'm afraid that I might say the wrong thing.

"Are you really that shy?" He asked with a half smirk. "I'm pretty sure you must have seen a man naked before since pack members shift in front of each other so why are you being so coy?" He asked and I gulped before answering.

"No, I haven't seen a guy naked before you and I feel weird because I intruded on your privacy and I'm sorry about that but what were you doing out here in wolf form at this time of the day?"

"I should be asking you the same thing. I went for my morning run, I always go for a run at this time of the day. When I saw you snooping around, I thought you were a spy so I attacked you and I'm sorry for that." He explained and apologized and a smile plastered on my face.

"It's OK, we're both culprits. I was about to go for a morning run as well but I wanted to take a good look at the Pack house since it's still new to me." I explained softly and he threw me a questioning look but his face soon morphed to that of realization.

"You must be Princess Lavinia." 

"Yes, and you are?"

"I'm Prince Rylan of the Shadow Stone Pack." He introduced himself and I instantly felt foolish for not taking a guess. How had I not even suspected? This man's aura screamed dominance and regality. At least now I understand why seeing him gave me butterflies, he's my mate. 

But I certainly could never have expected to meet him in this way. The goddess really does work in mysterious ways.

"It's really funny though, I've been anticipating your arrival but I never expected to meet you in such a situation." I voiced out my thoughts before I could even stop myself.

"The feeling is mutual. I've heard quite a few things about the mysterious princess of the SilverClaw Pack and to be honest, I really wasn't excited about our meeting but now that I've met you, I feel like never taking my eyes off you. I know that this is a very unconventional way to meet but I'm happy we met this way because there are no formalities, no upholding mannerisms and no pretense. Just a boy and a girl meeting and getting to know each other, you have to agree that it's destiny." He blurted and I bit my bottom lip in innocent demure.

How does he know just the right thing to say? Why are his words affecting me so much?

"Maybe it is, we'll just have to find out." I replied, finally gaining control of my emotions.

He stretched out his hand to me but I hesitated, staring at his face instead, he held a warm smile and I instantly felt secured. I was just about to place my hand in his when we heard sounds.

The guards instantly arrived at the scene and so did my father and a few others. They all seemed apprehensive but when they saw that it was just the both of us, they all looked visibly relieved.

"What are the both of you doing out here at this time of day? We heard a scream and we rushed here thinking someone was in danger." My father interrogated, looking unimpressed.

"I'm sorry Dad but I didn't mean to cause anyone worry. I just wanted to go for a run but I met Prince Rylan in his wolf form and I panicked. I probably could have handled that better, I'm sorry." I apologized quickly.

"I'm sorry as well your majesty, the fault is all mine. I saw Princess Lavinia outside and I attacked her without thinking. I frightened her and that's why she screamed. I'm grateful that I didn't hurt her but I feel deeply ashamed of myself. I should have been more careful, I apologise for that and any trouble caused." He apologized deeply, shifting all the blame to himself.

My father's frown quickly disappeared and was rather replaced with a smile. 

"The both of you aren't even married yet but you're already behaving like soulmates, trying to cover for each other. I'm truly happy to see you getting along so well. I guess there's no need for any more introductions since you've already gotten to know each other." He opined. 

"Indeed. Princess Lavinia has completely beat my expectations, both in beauty and character and I feel truly honored to be chosen as her mate. I only wish to spend a little more time with her before our mating ritual because I'm pretty sure that being in her company will be quite riveting." Prince Rylan spoke and I tried really hard to hold back a smile but my lips betrayed me.

"I suppose I should ask my daughter as well. Lavinia, what do you think of Prince Rylan?"

"I can't decide just on the first meeting but I can say for sure that he's a very interesting person and I would be delighted to spend some more time with him." I replied in a rush, wondering how I had managed to say the words without stuttering.

I stole a glance at Prince Rylan and our eyes met, he threw me a mischievous smile and I instantly looked down. I can barely contain myself, my heart is beating so much that I'm surprised that no one else can hear it.

"Take it easy, Lavy, or you'll die from excitement. I know that it's our first time getting advances from a boy but if you don't control yourself, we might not live long enough to see our wedding night." Isis teased, only adding fuel to the fire burning inside me.

I was about to scold her when my father spoke again.

"I'm glad that you both seem to like each other, it means that the goddess is in support of this union and she's showering her blessings on us. I assure the both of you that you'll be allowed to spend some time together before your mating ceremony but right now is not the appropriate time. It's the dawn of a new day and everyone ought to get on with their duties."

And with that, we both had to part ways temporarily and I managed to keep a straight face despite my disappointment.

Before he left, Rylan winked at me and I blushed uncontrollably like an idiot. 

I arrived back at my room and was served breakfast. I couldn't really eat much because he was all I could think about. My mind began wandering around certain things, like how our future would be like together. I wondered what type of husband he would be to me but I was almost sure from our encounter that he would be good to me.

Since I was going to be a bride in only two days, I wasn't allowed to do anything and thus, I was bored out of my mind.

In the early afternoon, I could handle being idle anymore so I decided to take a walk through the Pack garden since I had only just heard about it from one of the maids.

It would be my opportunity to experience nature and if the garden turned out to be as big as I was expecting, I would finally be able to go for a run.

I stepped out of my room and was followed by a few other maids. I arrived at the garden and was mesmerized by it. It was big, beautiful and full of different types of pretty flowers. The air was fresh and smelled divine. I'm willing to get lost in this place with no regrets.

As I wandered around the garden, still enchanted by it, I could never have anticipated the danger that was lurking in it.

"Princess Lavinia, look out!"

I suddenly heard my name being hollered and I quickly turned around. 

My heart felt like it would break out of my chest as I saw an arrow heading straight in my direction……..