Chapter Eleven

* Nick *

"Bring me a bottle of tequila in my room Riza!"

As I passed by the busy kitchen of the palace, I saw Riza who was the only one with empty hands while everybody around her is busy preparing something for the wide dining hall. She shot me a questioning look but begin to move away into the door of the wine room. The Palace maids lowered their heads as I walk past them, they can sense my controlled temper. My feet walk faster as I will rather be in my room than in the dancing hall where my brother could be leading a dance with Emma!

I am not sure what triggers my anger but it is evident that I wanted to kill somebody or perhaps challenge someone in a fight. Emma look so lovely that despite the fact of being mated to my brother I couldn't take my eyes off of her.

"Shit!!"

I utter a series of explicit words while slamming the door of my room shut. I took everything off, I must take a cold shower to cool down before I start drinking. This night is too long for me, and I could not get a she-wolf to fill my bed. Not here in the palace, and not when all I could see is the face of the she-wolf whom my brother is going to marry! I couldn't care less of where I place the clothes that I've worn tonight for I just throw them beside the king-size bed before walking to the bathroom.

Despite the noise of the water in the shower, I noticed when Riza came inside the room and brought the drinks that I ordered. I could hear her place it in the center table in front of my couch and then she left. It took almost half an hour before I feel myself cooled off a bit. Then I put on the white robe and dry myself a little before going out of the room.

The music is still on and I can hear it despite the closed doors. I sat down on the couch with just my robe on, stretched my legs on top of the table, and try to relax. Then I pour myself a glass of tequila and took a shot. My mind is blank as I keep it that way for a couple of minutes until I heard a soft knock on my door.

"Come in."

I did not bother to look back or see who it is for it could be my mother, I know she would look for me.

"Is that a solo celebration?"

His voice sounded amused as I felt his footsteps behind me.

"Oh! What are you doing here?"

Surprised that my brother who is the main reason for this event tonight is already standing beside me. He moves around like a cat, always trained and ready. We both had warrior training since we were younger but my brother is the most obsessed with duty than I am.

"No particular reason, I just wanted to talk after what happened down there in the garden. And I just want to ask if you remember that Emma was your first kiss?"

Now he is amused when he looks at me with his mouth curved in a smile.

"Damned first kiss! Of course, I remember that! We were not too young back then and you already have your share of girls. It was your idea after all and she was willing."

I pour another glass and handed it to him. He accepted the shot and brought it to his mouth.

"The irony of fate, I was expecting that Emma is yours rather than mine."

My eyes widened as I look at him unexpectedly, I can't believe he would say such a thing. Did he lose faith in Maleficus and his vision?

"What are you even talking about? Have you lost your mind? The vision of the old man is clear, you and Emma Bates are fated to be together and our father the Alpha King supported the idea. It's stupid to even think of something else!"

I admire myself for saying words that almost cut my tongue. Brad and I are twins, it could be possible that we feel the same way toward one she-wolf. But I need to step back and just watch them because I am not the fated mate. Is this like a punishment for me? But why?

His eyes look at me, reading my deepest thoughts. I tried to remain calm because I know that Brad would feel that I am lying or hiding something from him. Damn him! For not needing to do so, and to hell with what I feel!

"I am not one hundred percent sure about the vision of the old man, but I have to take the trial and the intense training soon."

"Trial? For what?"

I furrowed my brows thinking about his words. I feel like an idiot for not being able to concentrate on talking to him because of concealing my own feelings.

"Do you think that our father would just declare me as the crowned prince without a test? Do you remember that we must prove ourselves as warriors to the rest of the pack members?"

I pour down another shot of tequila and nodded. The test of faith and the warrior's way. I don't know how difficult it would be, but if Brad is the one then he would pass with flying colours. This is just a formality since Maleficus has already seen him as the crowned prince.

"Oh, I'm sure you would pass as you have always been. The warriors are more confident with you and this is just a formality, if I were you I wouldn't worry a bit."

He leaned against the single couch facing me, still wearing the maroon coat and tie. Without his stubble, looking at him will be like facing the mirror even though his skin is a little bit darker while I am fair but if the lights low, one would find it difficult to determine us.

"Thank you for the motivitaion, the test is unlike what we usually does in the warriors training. You might have not known about this but I could get lost or die."

"Hell no! Who told you about that? That is bull! We should not consider doing it if it will cause that much of harm. Does father let this kind of test for his sons? I don't believe it."

I shake my head while looking at him, but he remained silent. Brad is telling the truth, as the Palace and the pack experience many years of peace and no threats since we were young. Our father has always told us how lucky we are and how many war he fought to achieve the role as the Alpha King. But it is because of his triumph that we achieve a better world now.

"Wish me luck in three days Nick, I will be out to take all the trials and test that my father has prepared. Maleficus assured us that I would finished unharmed so I guess there is no need to get worried about it. However, if there is a tiny chance of me not coming back."

"Stop! Don't even continue talking brother. I know what you are going to say and my answer is no! There is no way that you are not coming back from this silly idea of a trial! If you have other things to say just say it now and if there is no more, you can leave. I wanted some solitude tonight."

He looks at me with furrowed brows as I pour another glass and then hand it to him hoping that he would take it and leave me the hell alone. I heard him release a harsh breath and then accepted the shot. He brought it to his mouth and place the glass near me, then he stood up.

"Good night brother."

My gaze followed his slow footsteps as he headed for the door of my bedroom and open the door to leave. I close my eyes for a little bit and leaned against the soft couch. The tequila has numbed a few of my feelings but its effect is fading fast, so I opened my eyes and pour another shot. The entire bottle should be enough to make me sleep for the night.