Chapter five

Alone with Prince Damian, the silence felt heavier than the watching eyes before. He chuckled, breaking the tension. "So, your mom thinks I'm cute."

Relief washed over me. I hadn't meant for her comment to reach him. "I don't think she meant you to hear," I admitted, a smile tugging at my lips. He was surprisingly easy to be around.

He led me to a secluded corner sofa, his hand lingering in mine. The warmth radiating from him sent shivers down my spine. I forced myself to detach, the weight of the situation heavy.

"Sorry about running away," I mumbled. His unwavering gaze intensified the guilt gnawing at me. "I wasn't trying to be rude. I know this is a disappointment."

"Disappointed in you?" Confusion clouded his features. Maybe I'd misinterpreted everything.

The truth threatened to choke me. "Prince Damian," I began, desperately searching for the right words. "I'm...different."

Just as I opened my mouth to explain, he cupped my face, his touch surprisingly gentle. "It's just Damian to you. You're my mate- my equal. Never Prince to you, only ever Damian You'll be Princess Annie soon, and eventually Queen. But you'll always be my equal."

My breath hitched It was at that moment that it hit me. Prince Damian wasn't just his title, it was his destiny. Being his mate tangled me in a web I wasn't prepared for. Little girls dream of being princesses, but the reality sends shivers down my spine.

"I can't be Queen," I blurted, panic clawing at my throat. "I'm not even a real wolf. They must not have told you. I..." Tears welled up in my eyes."I... I'm so sorry." I say as my chest begins to hurt and I can barely breathe.

"You are a wolf," he countered, his voice firm. "My wolf recognizes you."

"But I'm not! I can't shift. I'm not strong enough. I'd be a liability." My voice cracked.

A flicker of anger sparked in his eyes. "No. You are my mate."

"The Goddess doesn't make mistakes, but she did with me, Damian. No one ever wanted me," I choked out, devastated by the rejection I saw coming.

He surprised me again, pulling me onto his lap. "That's not true, Annie. Your parents chose you. Samuel adores you. You may be different but that doesn't make you less and it also doesn't mean you're not enough and that you're not wanted."

His warmth enveloped me, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me.

"Maybe we can talk about this later," I mumbled, disentangling myself.

He released me reluctantly, his eyes holding mine. "Later tonight, Annie." He leaned down a chaste kiss landing on my forehead. "You're wanted."

We walked towards the ceremony in tense silence. Damian continues to hold my hand, leading me forward when I suddenly stop and refuse to continue just before the front row.

"Are you OK? What's wrong?" He says with concern on his face.

"I can't hold your hand," I whispered, the words scraping my throat. "They can't know."

He may not want me tomorrow, or maybe next week it will hit him. I don't know when he'd see past the bond eventually and find someone better.

A low growl rumbled in his chest. He tilted my chin up, his gaze intense. He opened his mouth to speak, then stopped. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes, but a tenderness beneath it.

"Fine, Annie," he conceded. "They'll find out eventually. But we will talk about this. Tonight." The playful glint in his eyes was replaced by a steely determination.

Shame washed over me. "I am sorry, Damian. It's not that I don't want to be with you," I stammered. "But you're the Prince. Everyone will know. It'll hurt even more when you reject me."

His hand landed on my hip, the other cupping my head. He leaned down, his lips brushing my temple. "My mind is made up. But I won't hold your hand in public for now after the ceremony we can talk about it and figure everything out." He releases my head and moves his hands to both my hips now. His hands lingered on my hips for a moment too long.

"It's a full moon tonight. You'll be expected at the pack run. Not every day a fancy pants prince graces The Brooks with his presence," I teased with a hint of a smile.

"And where will you be?" Concern laced his voice.

"I usually lock myself in my suite. It's by the kitchen, and right across from the safe room just in case."

"Alone?" His worry was palpable.

"I've managed every full moon before," I confessed. "Sometimes I go and stay with the young kids who aren't old enough to shift, but I think tonight I just want to be alone."

Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken tension. "We have a few hours," Damian finally said, his voice strained. "Go take your seat. I'll be there shortly." He released my hand, a lingering warmth replacing his touch.

Despite the chaos in my head, a single thought flickered through: he seemed genuinely nice. Maybe even too nice. Guilt gnawed at me. I shuffled down the aisle, past curious stares, and took my solitary seat next to Samuel.

On the stage, the ceremony unfolded with agonizing slowness. My parents stood stoic behind the newly crowned Alpha, my father, while Samuel cast me worried glances. Across the room, Damian finally joined his imposing father, the Wolf King.

A low growl rumbled from the King, barely audible over the celebratory murmurs. "Why is she alone?" he boomed, his voice dripping with disapproval.

Damian, ever composed, met his gaze. "Everything is under control, Father. She needs some time."

The King's scowl deepened. "You understand what's at stake, boy. The treaty, the alliance, everything hinges on her."

Damian held his father's stare, a steely glint in his eyes. "She will be mine," he declared, his voice leaving no room for argument.