Zyker's Pov
The castle was full with hundreds of fellow wolves for my birthday. I had turned eight, which meant I would shift later on tonight. That was the reason for this celebration; every supernatural had been invited here to watch the future Prince shift into his wolf. If I had it my way they'd all be sent home and I would just shift in front of the comforts of my loved one's only. I thought of a transformation as a more personal affair. One that involved family only. But since this was a tradition I wasn't allowed to have my way.
"Zyker darling, why don't you go down there and interact with the guest?" I turned my head from the swirling figures to gaze at my beautiful mother. She sat straight on her throne her magenta eyes gazing into mine as she smiled brightly at me. I couldn't help but smile back. My mother had one of the most comforting personality that a person could ever come across. You couldn't help but smile in her presence.
Shaking my head, no, I straightened in my fathers lap. I did not want to go down there, I knew that socializing with the guest was my duty as host; but I'd much rather gaze down and watch them from a distance.
Safe from grabby hands.
One thing that I especially did not enjoy was to be touched, especially by germ ridden children.
My father's chest shook with laughter. One commanding glance from my mother and he had gone into serious mode."Zyker, you need to go introduce yourself to our guest. They came here for you. Their are many pups down there that you may frolic around with." My father ruffled my hair earning a small grunt of protest from me.
I tried my best not to laugh at the fact that they wanted me to go interact with the other children.
They were so immature. Earlier, I had caught one of them picking his nose by the chocolate fountain. And one of them was currently drooling over there by the dessert station.
I was so much more mature at my age, more mature then an average Alpha's pup because I was both an alpha and a royal. Which meant I was operating on a full adults level. It was just that my body hadn't caught up with my brain. I was still a pup though, no matter my maturity and parents expected me to act like. That included me participating in purposeless games.
"Zyker!" My mother voice held a stern edge to it. I looked over at her, again, seeing the disappointment in her ageless face.
She thought I was taking my childhood for granted. That wasn't the case, I just preferred doing mature activities. Like assisting father with our many kingdoms. But I'd humor her, I hated seeing her unhappy. I inwardly groaned. "Mother, I'm going. I was just lost in thought." I slid off my fathers lap, bowing to both my parents before I rushed behind their thrones and between the two guards that prevented dangers from entering the small balcony. The men bowed as I passed by.
My father called out, "We'll be down soon my son." Good, they could join in on the torture along with me.
Walking down the stairs I disappeared down a long hall until I made it to one of the main halls that would lead me to the ballroom. But as I got closer, a scent hit me. A sent that had my mouth watering. It smelt extravagant! Like peaches and vanilla. I followed the scent into the ballroom. Wondered what it was that the chefs had prepared that had my mouth practically watering. The scent made me wonder if this was what all scents would be like after I shifted and my senses were heightened. Would everyone's scent be that potent.
I was shocked to say the least when I found out it wasn't food. So I kept sniffing, all the other scents in the room seemed meager compared to that one scent. I scanned the room ignoring the,"happy birthdays" and "congratulations" and the annoying pups that kept tugging on my ceremonious robes as I passed by. I only stop my frantic search when a lady bumped into me. She was dressed in yellow. A most peculiar color, especially since it was neon yellow. Had she no taste?
"Oh my, I am so sorry your majesty." She was rocking back and forth holding something wrapped up in a pink blanket. "I didn't see, I was-"
I waved her off. I could care less about what she was doing. I wanted to find that scent. "It's fine. Accidents happen." She stood their not getting the hint that our discussion was over. I lifted an eyebrow at her. The meaning must have clicked because with a nod she scurried away and I was once again left to my search. I sniffed the air, my nostrils feeling with the potent scent of vanilla and peaches. This time the scent was in the direction the woman had gone in. I knew for sure that it wasn't her, couldn't be her. Less than three minutes later. I found myself at the Neon woman's table. She was holding a bottle to the pink bundle. I listened as the baby greedily drank from it. I sniffed the air again, drifting towards the women. The sent...the scent was coming from the pink bundle. I was so confused but I had to have what was in the pink bundle. That was the only thing that echoed around in my empty head.
"Zyker?" A hand went around my arm, I snatched it away and growled at the person who had dared to interrupted me from behind. I knew exactly who the person was In fact it was my mother. I more then accustomed to her cherry blossom fragrance.
"Zyker, apologies to your mother. You do not snatch away from your Queen when she is talking to you." I ignored him. I'd regret it later but I was just in awe of the scent that was coming from the thing in Neon's arms. I watched a man walk over to the women and held his hands out for the pink bundle. I growled. I wanted the pink bundle! A certain possessiveness coursed through me. It was mine. Mine to hold. And frankly there were too many people around. Too many strangers.
Danger. Bells were ringing in my head. Intrusion, they were intruding on a very personal matter. Interrupting me, stopping me from taking what was mine.
"Did you just growl at me boy?" My father grab on to my arm, whirling me around. A feirce growled rolled out my body. How dare he! How dare he interrupt me! How dare he distract me! I was out raged I needed to see...it.
My mother watched me, wearily. "Baby, are you feeling sick? She placed her hand on my forehead." I turned my head glancing back at the table. This scene had gone by unnoticed by Neon and what had better be her husband.
"I don't care if he's sick or not he just disrespected his King and his Queen. What has gotten into you boy?" My father was fuming as he glared down at me. I had never behaved like this around him or my mother. They were treated with the up-most respect. But not now, something had come over me and I simply didn't have the patience for my father.
I growled menacingly at him, yanking away. I quickly made my way over to the man who was holding the pink bundle. I knew my father was going to be mad. But right now he didn't matter to me. He was by far the lesser being on my mind. I glared up at the man. He was much taller than me but I could still inflict some serious damage on him if need be. It would be needed if he didn't hand over that bundle.
"Your majesty. It's you again." It was Neon. She smiled warmly at me. I knew she was nice. But I just...I just wasn't in the right mind at the moment. I was anxious and with that fueling me I growled at her too. This one was deep and commanding, I watched her flinch. A part of me rejoiced at her discomfort. I had put the power of an Alpha into that growl. I hadn't gotten my wolf yet so I was surprised to see that it had worked so well. Though lycan's normally always carried an air of power, even without being able to shift.
"I demand to hold your pink bundle." Neon's face fell into a frown, she looked confused. I rolled my eyes. Was she stupid?
I heard the approach of my parents as they listened and assessed the situation. My mother looked shocked and slightly appalled by my behavior. My father was angry, I could feel it rolling off him in waves. "What has gotten into you Zyker?" My mom reached down and drew me into her arms, she balanced me on her hip. Turning to Neon she smiled a perfect smile. "Zyker's not feeling too well. We're taking him to his room for a quick nap and he'll be right back down in a hour or so."
"Yes," My father stepped forward. "I apologize-" I blocked the rest out. I was fuming on the inside. There were too many obstacles. Too many for me to stand and I was barely keeping it together. The only thing that was keeping me sane was the scent of peaches in vanilla. A scent that I was having trouble possessing. I whimpered and my mother gazed into my eyes worriedly.
"Baby," She kissed my forehead, brushing my hair aside.
"Please. I need to hold the bundle" I pointed at the pink bundle that was still suckling down the contents that the man was feeding it. My hand clench into a tiny fist in the fabric of my mothers dress. And then un-clench.
I looked over desperately at my parents feeling panicked. I wiggled out my mother's arms and landed gracefully on my feet. My fathers grabbed my hand, tightly and begin pulling me off. I glanced longingly at the bundle in the man's arms. My mother didn't miss it, curiosity flickered across her face.
"Wait!" She told my father, walking over to Neon. She asked if she could burrow the baby reassuring the woman that the child was going to be fine. She just wanted to let me hold her.
I watch my mother take the pink bundle in her arms and I felt relived that she had gotten it out of the man's hands. She walked over to me slowly, smiling at the pink bundle. She knelt between me and my father.
"I'm going to let you hold her Zyker. But you must be very careful. She's a new born, not even a week old." I nodded eagerly. Holding my arms out. I was unaware of the attention that our small group had gathered. We had unwanted viewers gazing curiously at us. I did my best to block the child in my mothers arms from view.
I was so focused on her, the most beautiful thing I'd ever laid my eyes on. She was placed in my arms and I cradled her close to me. She radiated warmth. The baby's eyes were open and she stared right into mine. Her's were grey, a beautiful heather gray that already held a odd like intelligence. As if she knew who I was. I smiled.
I couldn't help myself. I leaned forward sniffing at her. I sighed when her scent filled my nose. I ran my fingers over the little bit of hair she possessed. It was feather soft, and an electric brown color. I'd found that unique scent at last.
"What does this mean?" I heard my father whisper.
"Isn't it obvious," My mother whispered.
My father sounded shocked. "No. This is...no. He couldn't have found his mat-" My mother shushed him.
I held out my hand and she wrapped her fingers around mine. I smiled so brightly. This was better than any birthday gift. Any present. This- this was amazing. I don't know how long I sat there holding her. Her fingers remained wrapped around mine, she was asleep though. I sat next to her mother in a chair. The party had gone silent. Once I realized that the baby was tired I ordered that the music be tuned down and that everyone retire to their seats for dinner. I wanted them gone, but my parents had refused. 'The people will see their future King shift tonight Zyker. You will not deny them that.' My mother had scolded.
Someone cleared their throat and I lifted my head up, meeting my father's level stare. His eyes were dark purple orbs that usually held laughter in them. Not right now though, now they were weary of me, and revealed a curtain of disappointment, "Son you need to give the child back to her mother. It's time for you to shif-"
"No!" I glared at him. "She's mine" He didn't like this child. Why? She was the only child I liked. The only child that I'd go near. He should be thanking her, instead he glared at the beautiful creature in my arms. He looked at her as if he wanted her to disappear.
He closed his eyes taking a deep breath as he pinched the bridge of his nose. It was clear that he was trying to keep his wolf at bay. I had challenged them both too many times, even if I was their pup if they felt threatened, they'd defend their territory."It's not safe for you to be around her right now. If you shift with her in your arms you could hurt her and you don't want that do you?" He said darkly.
Before I could tell my father off, Neon interrupted. "I'll hold her until you come back. She'll be right in the crowd watching you." She reassured me holding out her arms. "You'll get to be the first werewolf she'll see shift." I was sold.
I looked down touching her rosy lips. I was prolonging the inevitable. My father was right. I was going to shift tonight whether I wanted to or not. My breath quickened as her eyes fluttered open and she smiled. She smiled at me, as if to reassure me that it was fine to leave her. "Only." I traced her eyebrows. "If she's in the front. I want a guard to accompany the both of you." She agreed and once the baby was out of my arms my father dragged me away to go get dressed for the ceremony. I tried my best not to growl or bite at him.
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After I shifted, which wasn't as fun as it sounds ,I went searching for my baby. The pain from the shift was still there, joints were stiff and achy; but I had put it off to the side. I skipped meeting the Elders at the sacred temple. Details about my wolf and the future abilities I may or may not gain could wait for later. I just wanted her. I searched for her but I came up empty. My mother announced that Angelina and her parents had left after my shift. It was nice finding out her name but the news had caused me to snap. I went ballistic after that. After yelling at my father for being so careless I shifted and tore apart anything that was in reach. If not for my father stepping in I would have hurt some innocent person.
A week went by and I was more edgy than ever. I wasn't allowed out my room. It was deemed dangerous for me to be around others. My father didn't understand. My mom kept repeating a word, a word that confused me and also enticed me.
Mate.
"They are mates, Vasilios . We need to get that child back." She begged my father. He wouldn't deny her. She was my only hope. I was feeling things that a normal eight year old shouldn't feel for the next seven year or so. I felt heart broken. Like my heart had been ripped out and fed to a crocodile. I hadn't had much experience in the girl department but if this was the feeling they made one feel I didn't see why male dealt with them. Especially not when they had they had the ability to wound one's heart. Females were dangerous.
I didn't know what mates were. Hell, I didn't care but whatever my mom had fed my father worked because less than a day later I had her back. Her mother wasn't here this time instead it was her father, Mike. They had set up her stuff in my bedroom because I refused to let her out of my sight. Her father had tried to take her from me once and that had resulted in him having a broken wrist and a black eye. I was a shifter now and I had my new found strength to back it up. He should have never challenged me. Alphas were extremely predatory.
I did everything for Angelina. I changed her which wasn't my favorite activity to do with her, but hey. It had to be done, and no one else would see her naked...except for my mother's maid. I fed her, I even played with her and I usually rocked her until she'd stop crying when she was angry. I loved how warm and small she was. How she fit perfectly into my arms. The sparks I got from coming into contact with her pink skin.
Angelina had stayed with me for a total of three months. I tried to dedicate all my time to her but it was hard. I had training session and I had to attend summoning with my parents. I had skipped a lot of my princely duties causing conflict between me and my father. Normally id be enthusiastic to follow my father around, train with him for hours but none of that matter to me anymore. I wanted to spend every waking moment with her. And then her parents came in the equation and it was just more glorious time away from her. They were after all her parents so I tried to act somewhat civilized.
But then, well something happened. Destroying my short time in heaven. Somehow news had gotten out that the Prince had found his mate. They were rumors nothing serious though it could poise a threat when word got out about my infatuation with a newborn. My parents were forced to explain what the word mate meant. Their words brought me so much joy. I even tried to get them to marry us. If we were meant to be why not tie the knot as soon as possible? But then they dropped a bomb on me, ending any plans of a marriage. My mother explained that I didn't know the full weight of "marriage," and apparently young people didn't get married.
Our enemies would want Angelina. They'd plan an attack once the rumors were vilified..They'd stop at nothing to have her, to prevent the next generation of werewolves from flourishing.
Our realm wasn't safe for the infant girl.
I was eight, but I did what I had to do. I gave Angel back to her mom and dad. I sent them back to their home promising that I'd be back for her the day she turned seventeen. My father ordered that she be restricted from any male contact. Something that I completely agreed with.
On the last day of the Rowe's stay at the castle I packed up Angelina's stuff. I carried her to the car where her parents were waiting, they smiled at me as I passed them. She was asleep, I had managed to get her down after she had a extreme temper tantrum. Buckling her in, I stared deeply at her, remembering her face. I reached down, fixing the white dress she had on and the grey head band she had in her hair. I'd picked out the outfit the night before. This morning when it came time to dress her she'd put up a serious fight. Knocking her head band off and kicking off her shoes and socks. I accidentally snarled at her, but she didn't cry. She actually allowed me to finish putting on her cloths.
"It's time for them to leave." My mother called from behind me. "Don't prolong this, my son." I nodded. I hated what she was saying but i understood. The sooner Angel was out of here the sooner she was in the clear.
I leaned down planting a kiss on Angel's cheeks. I felt the familiar tingles spread out over my body as I leaned in to kiss her red lips. The tingles had started right after I had shifted and everytime I touched her I was rewarded with a wave of them. "Good bye Lina. I love you." Reaching into my pocket, grabbing the pendant I had gotten made for her. "This is yours Lina, I don't want you to ever take it off. I'll be back for you." I promised, putting it around her delicate neck. I really wanted to wake her up. So I could get a look at her grey eyes. But her parents probably wouldn't want to deal with her little fits on the way back home. So, I settled on taking a deep breath inhaling her scent, which had became even more potent after my shift; I committed it to my memory.
My mother pulled me into her arms, I wiped the tears that had began falling down my cheeks on her dress. She didn't seem to mind. Taking a deep breath I pushed the car door shut. I stared at her rosy little cheeks and her cherry red lips. Her hair had gotten longer over her stay and it had settled on an electric brown color. How could brown be electric? I didn't know but she had it.
The car drove down the long driveway that didn't end for miles. I watched it until I could no longer see it. My mom tried to hug me but I dodged away. I shifted into my wolf and ran towards the trees. I need to be alone. The emptiness inside me was taking a toll. My Angel was gone. And I knew my parents were happy. They hid it well but I'd heard them. It wasn't normal for a werewolf to find its mate until the age of 16. This had never happen before and it was only right for me to wait a couple more year until I could have her. They were wrong. Me and my little Angel were unique, one of a kind soul mates. There was a reason why we came into each others lives so early.