Student of the Alpha Princes

As a student at an elite academy for supernaturals, I’ve always thought I had my life figured out. My 18th birthday is just around the corner, a milestone that could change everything. For as long as I can remember, I've been betrothed to my childhood crush, who also happens to be my brothers' best friend. It seemed like my future was set in stone—until everything shifted.

I never expected to find myself drawn to my warrior trainers, Cameron and Samuel. They're not just any trainers; they're the alpha princes of the werewolf race. The bond between us is growing stronger every day, and it’s tearing me apart. My brothers have warned me about the power and allure of dominant wolves, but they never could have guessed that the real threat would come from my own teachers.

Now, I’m caught between my betrothal and these forbidden feelings, not to mention the strict rules of our supernatural world. Things get even more complicated when a sudden attack rocks the academy. I'm forced to make life-altering decisions that go beyond just my heart; the safety of everyone I love hangs in the balance.

With destiny, love, and danger at every corner, I must decide whether to follow my heart or stay true to my obligations.

Lyla

Lyla POV:

"Lyla come down this instant?" I heard my older brother Lars yell from downstairs.

Perfect; if today wasn't shitty enough, I have to deal with him now as well. Seeing that I didn't have much of an option, I got out of the blanket burrito I had myself snuggled into when I returned from school and went downstairs.

Please, goddess, let it be quick! I seriously cannot stand another rant about my behaviour. Going down the spiral staircase, I see my brother Lars, the eldest and Alpha of our pack: the Bloodmoon Pack. Sitting across him are Kadien, Aiden and Fiden: my triplet brothers.

Crap! This is bad! Usually, the triplets don't care about my behaviour and hardly ever have a talk with me, but from the seething expressions of my four dear elder brothers, shit is about to hit the fan! Climbing down the last step, I walk into the main lounge and put up a smile and go up to Lars.

"Hey there, pal. What's up?" I said, giving his shoulder a punch like I'm not about to get my butt handed to me any second now. In response, I got a death glare, not from one person but four! Ugh!

"Mind telling us why you and Ashely Migwire fought today. And, what was so bad that you knocked her out, plus giving her a concussion, broken nose and a split lip?" Said Lars, seething. I swear I could see smoke from his ears coming out.

It wasn't always like this! I hated fighting with people; hell, I hated the sight of blood, but everything had changed since that dreadful day. I changed! The sad part was that even though I had four douting older brothers and a betrothed, who supposedly loved me, despite that, no one saw the pain I went through; all they saw was the high-tempered girl. When I needed them, they all had to do damage control, which I don't blame them for, but in doing so, they shadowed me away. I used to be the apple of my parents' eyes; they had never let a sad tear run down my face, always protected and cherished me, and that was their destruction.

***Two years ago***

On my fifteenth birthday, mom and daddy had taken me out for a morning run that day; since we got our wolves when we turned eighteen, I was riding on daddy's back. That day was supposed to be perfect; the sun shone bright, the grass was greener, the hummingbirds hummed their tunes without a care in the world, and the river we stopped by was the bluest it had ever been, but that all changed in a matter of fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes on my fifteenth birthday was the trajectory point of my life.

It was a custom between my parents, brothers and me to always run to the river by our pack borders on my birthday and then we would have a picnic breakfast there, but that day it was only me, mom and daddy. Lars had gone to the Wolf multiverse for his Alpha training, and the triplets were gone to see their best friend, Alpha Jax, who is now my betrothed. So it was just me, mom and daddy. Everything was going great; mom had made a quiche, fruit salad, some egg salad sandwiches and orange juice. Midway between all the laughter and teasing, we heard a twig snap; well, daddy did; since I didn't have my wolf yet, my heightened senses had not kicked in. My parents looked at one another and, without saying another word, transformed into their Black wolves, shielding me from the threat. Suddenly, I was hit with a hideous scent: rogues! Mom had crouched down for me to climb onto her back while daddy used his muzzle to nudge me to be quicker. However, I wasn't quick enough, and suddenly four rogues pounced on us. I don't know when it happened, but all I saw was my parents ripping through the wolves while others slashed and clawed them everywhere when they were busy fighting the other two. My heart broke; blood was running down my parent's bodies; not knowing what to do, I picked up the rock next to me and started hitting the rogue that was crouching near me, trying my best to get to my parents so I could help them in some way. Out of nowhere, my shoulder was slashed, and soul-wrenching pain rippled through my body; turning around, I saw a naked man standing there with a silver knife in his hand, smirking at me and looking at my shoulder with triumph. Turning my neck, I saw another knife lodged in my shoulder. Not being able to control the pain and the poison spreading through my body anymore, I collapsed to the ground. The rogue came and stood over me and said,

"You shouldn't have resisted, little one; you were supposed to be brought in unharmed. Pity! Guess we'll have to tell the boss a little white lie." He finishes, showing me his disgusting yellow teeth while smirking down at me.

Crouching down, he yanked the knife out of my shoulder and raised it in the air above my heart. The thought of dying on my birthday and in front of my parents was shattering my soul. I remember praying to the goddess to never let my parents suffer because of it. Closing my eyes, I was ready to embrace death when, suddenly, I heard a sickening crack and a gush of warm red fluid spilled all over me: blood. Opening my eyes, I saw my parent's wolves tearing the rogue apart, but before I could get up properly and run to them, they both collapsed and turned back into their human forms. They were stabbed with sliver knives all over their bodies, the stabbed area turning an ugly black by the second as blood trickled out of their mouths and wounds. I didn't know how or what gave me the energy but I ran to them, ignoring the pain in my shoulder as it increased by the second, tripping over the four rogue bodies they had killed and cradled their heads in my lap as my tears fell down their faces.

"You're special, Lyla. Be careful who you choose to open up with. Trust in your family and know we love you and are sorry." These were the last words daddy and mommy said to me before I heard howls coming from around us, and everything went dark.

I woke three days later from a coma from the sliver poisoning; how I survived, no one knows. My brothers and the pack doctor denied telling me anything. My parents were buried, Lars had to return from alpha camp early and take over, and the triplets were caught up in damage control of the pack and dealing with the human authorities since we lived in the human multiverse. And, I became the target of some pack members, claiming I was the reason for my parent's death, that they died protecting me because I was weak. However, that was a minority, and the majority never blamed me but took care of me in mom and daddy's absence, but the love I craved for was family. Those loved ones became so involved with everything around me that I was cast in the shadows. I never lacked anything, whether money, bags, clothes or whatever else; our pack was filthy rich, but what I needed at the time to heal my broken heart was not given: my brother's care and protection.

Eventually, I started acting out, washed with guilt that maybe what Ashely and her possie claimed, that I was thereason of my parent's death, was true. Not being able to deal with that, I became hostile; I bit back whenever anyone blamed me. I used to knock someone out cold or give them a beating they would remember. My brothers tried connecting with me after the affairs had somewhat settled down, but it was too late; I closed myself off from them. Maybe it was out of guilt, or maybe I was scared that if I opened up, they would blame me too. So I decided it was better to be a closed-off fool than willy-nilly tell everyone my feelings buffon. What could they do anyway? It wasn't like mom and daddy were gonna come back.

******

I was broken out of my thoughts when Lars cleared his throat. Unconsciously, my hand went to the scar on my shoulder that was left by the knife that day. Lars had caught the movement, and his eyes softened a bit; even the triplets sighed in helplessness. It was a thing I did; whenever I remembered that day, my hand was automatically there, a permanent reminder of that day. Over the months, my brothers picked up on the action. However, I never acknowledged their opinions on why I did it.

Sighing, Lars came forward and hugged me and said,

"Look, Lyla, this is the tenth fight you've gotten into this month. This has to stop. Bloodmoon is your family; everyone loves you. You need to stop this. You are part of the alpha family, our only sister and the female Alpha of this pack. You need to be a role model, not some wayward." He finished.

If only he knew. I had never told any of my brothers about the bullying; when it started, they were so busy trying to control everything that they hardly ever had time. I didn't want to put additional tension on their heads. Over time, I got used to it and learned to fight back. But, now it was getting annoying. Did they only see quirks in me and not the other person? Why was I always blamed? Couldn't the other person have done something? Untangling myself from Lars, I looked at him and my other brothers.

"Did you ever think that maybe it could be Ashley's fault and she deserved what she got?" I said.

I heard them sigh and shake their heads, probably in disappointment. Well, there's a familiar gesture I get to see a lot nowadays.

"L, even if that is the case, what about the other nine times? All the people you had gotten into fights with were from that group, and you left everyone literally battered and bruised. You know you have pure alpha blood running in you, and you are stronger than them. So how is it fair?" Said Kaiden

"He's right, L; things have gotten out of hand now. You're starting to scare people in the pack. No one blamed you over the years because of what happened; you were traumatized, and at the time, we thought that this was your way of dealing with things, but this, this is just bat-shit crazy, L. You gave her a concussion, and she's yet to wake up. You know she isn't eighteen and does not heal as fast as she should since she has no wolf." I heard Aiden say.

At the time? Way of dealing? He didn't just say that, and the rest did not just nod in agreement. How dare they? I didn't deal with this! I hid it in the darkest part of me! They weren't there, no one was there, they didn't see what I saw that day. And, they dare to blame me when they are equally at fault for my behaviour. Where were they when I needed them? Where did the family mom and daddy tell me to put my trust in? Where were they when I needed my brothers? I needed love from them and not random pack members; where were they?

I didn't notice tears falling on my cheeks till I reached out and rubbed them. I was done; I didn't need this. They're supposed to listen and then judge, but all they've done is judge. I backed away.

"I'm done, so done. That narcissistic idiot deserved it. Believe it or not, I'm not stupid and don't hit people without reason." I said as I turned and ran back to my room. Slamming the door and locking it, I went under the sheets.

Life used to be so much better! Why moon goddess, why? Mom and daddy said I was special, special my foot. People who are special get treated right, but nowadays, it hardly feels like that.

Lyla

Lyla POV:

Waking up to the window's blinding sunlight, I stretched and sat up. I was in bed, but how? I swear I fell asleep near mom and daddy's tombstone last night, crying. After the argument yesterday with my brothers, I refused to come out of the room and even ate in my room. I just didn't have it in me to look at them right now without breaking down with their words that echoed in my mind from yesterday. At around twelve, I snuck out. I went to mom and daddy's grave. I needed them; even if they weren't there, I knew they were watching me whenever I visited them, and yesterday I did needed that closure.

Did one of my brothers follow me yesterday, maybe beta Edward or the gamma's son, Jake? He was appointed my guard after the incident on my fifteenth birthday. However, I hated being followed and usually hid from him. Looking down, I was still in my black sweat pants and grey long-sleeved cropped top I wore yesterday before the whole fiasco. There was dried-up mud at the bottom of my pants, and I could feel some dried-up leaves stuck in my braid. Ugh! Shimmying out of my clothes, I walked towards the bathroom and jumped into the shower.

While washing my hair, I couldn't help but think over what happened yesterday. Not what I did with Ashely, that dim-witted fake barbie deserved it, but the fight with my brothers. Yes, whatever they said hurt and hurt a lot, but it was not entirely their fault. I never opened up to them, so how could they know why I was hulking out on my classmates? No one knew about the bullying other than me, Ashley and her posse, not even Jake; everyone was on their best behaviour and even pretended to be my friend whenever he was around—conceited evil twit!

Maybe I should apologize and try explaining it to them without giving too much away. No matter what, they were my brothers, and I loved them. They were all I had left, and whenever I wanted to be upset with them, mom and dad's words came back into my head like a mantra: trust in the family. They were the only ones I had left; I couldn't push them away even if everything in my mind screamed not to bring forth those memories. Quickly rinsing out my hair and conditioning it, I showered and hopped out, wrapping my Versace black bathrobe around myself and walking out the bathroom to my walk-in closet.

I was living every girl's dream; I had every possible branded bag from Gucci to Hermes. I had a closet full of dresses, gowns, jeans, shirts and anything you could name on several racks, none of them from any collection older than a year, shelves upon shelves of branded shoes. I honestly was spoiled in that regard, but I still felt hollow. I didn't need all this; hell, I wasn't even a fan. My brothers set up everything that was in this closet and had a personal shopper assigned to me. Guys and their dumb way of thinking: shower her with luxury gifts to make a girl feel better. Little did they know that I would be way happier even if they didn't do all this and instead be an anchor from time to time. Sighing! I grabbed a Dolce and Gabanna white flower print maxi dress and paired it with my cream-coloured Valentino flats. I threw my long strawberry blond hair in a high ponytail. I put on nude lipgloss, some pink blush, highlighter, and mascara, making my bright blue eyes pop out even more. Giving myself a once over, I walked out and walked towards the door when I heard a knock on it. Opening it, I see Fiden standing there giving me a small smile, but somehow it seemed sad.

Did something happen?

Before I could say anything, he said,

"How are you feeling, L? I found you passed out in front of mom and dad's tombstones. I brought you back; you were cold as ice." He finished.

Oh, so it was him who brought me back. Not knowing how to reply, I smiled and said I was okay. However, judging by the concerned gaze thrown my way, I doubt he believed me.

How could I be okay, brother?

I live with growing guilt that it was my fault we don't have our parents standing with us today.

And, if I opened up to you, would you all think the same and blame me for their deaths as well.

He probably sensed my inner turmoil and reached out and held my hand, dragging me out of my room and into the hallway.

"Let's go. Lars has something he needs to talk to you about," Fiden said.

Fiden and I were the least estranged of all my brothers. He had often caught me crying, comforted me, and never asked why I was crying. There wasn't a point; I probably wouldn't have told him even if he asked.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

To which I just got a nod.

Strange! He usually always had something to say.

Reaching Lars' office, we knocked once, opened the door, and walked in. To my surprise, besides my other three brothers, Jax was also there.

Jax was alpha of the Bluemoon Pack. He was best friend with the triplets and the younger brother of alpha Jackson, who was the alpha of the Redmoon pack and Lars's best friend. Both Bluemoon and Redmoon were our pack neighbours. Growing up, I used to have a massive crush on Jax, but when he turned eighteen four years ago and found his mate, I was devasted. The worst part was, even though I got over it, my brothers knew about my crush and used to tease me. Unfortunately, his mate and Luna died in a rogue attack after one year of them mating. He was devasted. However, he eventually pulled through for the sake of his pack and family. And, when the incident with my parents happened, and I began acting out, Jackson had proposed to have me and Jax mate when I turned eighteen. Jax had claimed he always felt a connection with me and was surprised when he turned eighteen and found out I wasn't his mate. Everyone knew I had a massive crush on him. My brothers thought it was an excellent idea and would even help calm me down from spiralling behaviour. They agreed. At the time, even though I was growing through my own demons, I couldn't resist the thought of becoming his mate and Luna, so I agreed. I also thought that with my brothers so busy handling the pack, Jax could be my anchor and help reduce the baggage. But, over the months, that wasn't the case. Yes, he showered me with love and gifts, but I never felt a sense of security. Like I was scared if I told him about my demons, he wouldn't be there like I would want him to be. Eventually, my constant fighting had reached his ears; even though he never looked down on me or yelled at me, I could see a hint of disappointment in his eyes from time to time. Plus, I knew he wasn't my fated mate; the goddess only gifts you one mate since it's said that when Selene created us, our soul was split in two, each carried the other's soul, and if one half of the soul died, they could only reunite in her realm. And, as my eighteenth birthday got closer, the feelings I used to harbour for Jax were slowly dwindling. However, I never told him or my brothers that. I was engaged to him, and even if I could see the disappointment in his eyes from time to time, the love overpowered it. I didn't have it in me to take away his chance to be happy again.

"Come, Lyla. Take a seat." Lars said.

I nodded and went towards Jax; he got up and crouched down to my five-foot-three height and hugged me, leaving a lingering kiss on my cheek. Even though we were promised to one another, Jax had always been a gentleman and never did anything that would make me uncomfortable.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

However, instead of a reply, I got a weak smile and was led to sit next to him.

What was up with everyone today?

"I heard you got into another fight yesterday, sweetheart. What happened?" Jax asked from beside me.

Did my brothers call him to get answers from me?

If that was the case, they were grade A jerks!

"Nothing serious, Jax. We just had some exchange of ideas, and things got out of hand." I said, looking at him and then at the bookshelves behind him, with my hand going to my shoulder. Jax caught the action and sent a glance toward Lars.

"Sweetheart isn't a concussion, a broken nose and a split lip a bit too much for a difference in opinion. This is your tenth fight, L. This needs to stop," he said gently, but I could tell he was frustrated.

I just humphed and looked away. Of course, they'll blame me. Never get to know the real reason. Just blame me. I thought he was supposed to at least be somewhat on my side, giving me some benefit of the doubt, but nope.

"Look, L, this needs to stop. You'll be my Luna in a month. You need to take responsibility for your actions and grow up. This is getting out of hands now." Said Jax, clearly annoyed by a lack of respect.

Alphas and their egos! Geez!

I stood up, not wanting to be a part of this anymore, turning to leave when I heard Lars call from behind me.

"I'm not done with you. Sit down," he said.

Turning around, I saw the seriousness in his eyes. I sat in a chair in front of him and away from Jax. I didn't want to be near him right now.

"Enough is enough, Lyla. You leave us no choice. Your behaviour not only reflects poorly on Bloodmoon but Bluemoon as well. We tried, we did, but the little act you did right now was the last straw. You need to learn to behave and control your emotions." Lars all but yelled at me, banging his fist on the table.

I glared back at him. How dare he? I wanted to resolve and make up with them for yesterday, but from the looks of it, they don't care at all. They still have the audacity to think I would do something without reason. Are they even my brothers and know me at all? And there was my fiance not bothering to give me the benefit of the doubt, who claimed to be in love with me and have a connection with me? Did he not know me at all or did his so-called connection stop working?

"We've spoken to the Dean at Maxwell Academy in the Wolf multiverse. You'll be attending your classes there till you turn eighteen and can mate with Jax. You need discipline in your life, L. You should be ashamed of yourself. Think of what mom and dad would think?" Said Aiden.

At the mention of mom and daddy, all hell broke loose from my eyes. Tears ran down my cheeks as I stared heartbroken at my brothers infront of me for claiming that I was disappointing our parents. No, brothers, you guys are. They told me to trust in you, trust in the family. But what are you doing, sending me away?

And what about Jax? He always said he couldn't wait for my eighteenth birthday to finally take me to Bluemoon and make me his Luna. Where did all those promises go?

Maxwell Academy? No, that academy was where alpha training was done, it was home to ruthless warriors, and usually, students were sent there to be set on track for life in leadership. It was an exclusive school; wolves died to get in, but I didn't want to leave; I couldn't leave. Mom and daddy weren't there.

"We're sorry, L, but this could be good for you. Please give it a chance." I heard Fiden say before I got up and ran out of Lars's office ignoring their calls.

Samuel

Samuel POV:

"Your highness, so is that an okay from yours and Prince Cameron's side for the new warrior trainer at the academy?" Said Justin, mine and Cameron's PA.

What was he even talking about? What were any of these people talking about, and for the love of the goddess, when will they shut up?

I was done for the day, waving my hand in dismissal; I went to get up when I heard someone squeak out,

"But your highness..." but before he could finish, I sent a death glare, making him shut his mouth tight. Judging by my mood, everyone quickly packed up and left.

I sat back in the high-back leather chair, looking at the roof and thinking back about the drama that had happened since yesterday.

Flashback

"Honey, maybe it's time for you and Cameron to take a chosen. Your wolves are strong and need a mate to help tame them. What happened in the Coliseum yesterday has the pack pretty shaken up." Said, mom.

Some fucker of mine and Cameron's warrior army thought it would be okay to go behind our backs and leak essential war strategies to the vampires in exchange for money. Thinking he wouldn't be caught, but as faith has it, the ones to catch him were Cameron and myself. He was out on the border, where the end of our territory line and no man's land starts. It's a small strip of maybe fifty acres of a dense forest, but everyone in the werewolf multiverse knows that the area is forbidden and cannot be passed on until proper scansion is given. The area houses rogues or lone wolves; however, until they are bothered, they remain to themselves and keep their presence as least known as possible.

That is also the exact area where me and my twin, Cameron, go from time to time to get away from our hectic lives and royal duties; there's a small stream close to the edge where it was said the moon goddess bathed and is blessed with magical properties. However, no one has ever yet to prove the fact. Therefore, it's considered a rumour rather than a fact. But somehow, whenever Cameron and I sit there, this peace envelopes us like it's calling to us.

It was the same as yesterday as well; Cameron and I were by the stream finalizing a warrior trainer for the academy when we felt a slight drop in temperature. Anyone else would have brushed it off, but we knew better than that. Having gone to war with the species over generations, Cameron and I were seasoned to pick up on their slightest presence: a vampire.

Or fists clenched, and our wolves howled in our heads, clawing to be let free and rip that undead parasite to shreds. But, we needed to be careful. Like wolves, they had enhanced senses. Not wanting to alert the creature of our presence, we pulled back our scents; being a pure-blood royal had its perks. Cameron and I had certain abilities; we were the first in over five hundred years of the royal line to show these abilities again. The last person to have them was our great-grandfather.

We walked towards the decaying scent of the parasite, staying hidden between the long shrubs. However, as we got close, there was another scent: a wolf, and by the smell, we could tell that wolf was not a rogue or lone but part of the royal pack. Every wolf from a pack had a distinctive smell, helping identify them from one another; the royal pack members had a hint of grass in their scent.

"Are you sure you weren't followed?" Said a hoarse voice.

"Positive! I told everyone I was off to bed, but I don't have much time. Do you have what we agreed on?" said a voice we would know anywhere: Jackel.

Jackel was second in charge after the head warrior of the royal army and keeper of all battle strategies.

"Yes. five hundred gold bars for the twins' war strategies for the north." Said that parasite.

That fucker!

He was selling off our secrets to the enemy.

What hadn't we done for this piece of shit? He used to be a rogue. We took him in, took care of him and trained him to be the best that he is, and he dared to go behind our backs for a mere five hundred gold bars.

That fucker was dead!

Unable to control myself anymore, I pounced out from behind the shrubs and lunged for that bastard, catching him by the neck. Cameron wasn't far behind and shifted into his giant jet-black wolf, lunging for that vampire parasite's neck as well. Not sensing our presence fast enough, that fucker was too slow, and Cameron bit down his neck, jerking his muzzle with the parasite's neck between his razor-sharp teeth. He ripped off his head completely, blood spraying everywhere and on his fur. Spitting that fuckers head out of his mouth like the trash he was, Cameron shifted and came to stand next to me as we towered over that fucker, Jackel.

"Your highnesses have mercy, I was black..." before he could even finish his sentence, I punched him out cold, and he fell to the floor.

I was seething from inside; I knew Cameron was too. Words didn't need to be exchanged for what our next step of action would be. We already knew being identical twins was like being one alpha in two bodies; we were always in sync when we needed to act.

We didn't have space in our ranks for assholes like this Jackel, we needed to make sure everyone understood what it meant yo double cross us, what the consequences would be.

I heard Cameron send out a pack mind link in my head asking everyone to come to the Coliseum in fifteen minutes. Everyone knew we were easily agitated nowadays; everyone walked on pins and needles around us, making sure not to get us mad.

As predicted, it was packed when we reached the centre of the Coliseum with that fucker being dragged by me on the ground. I could even see mom, dad and Alana, our baby sister, in the royal box as well. Dropping the fucker's unconscious body in the centre, Cameron and I looked up to our surroundings, and he then boomed in his alpha voice.

Samuel

Samuel POV:

Flashback Cont'

Dropping the fucker's unconscious body in the centre, Cameron and I looked up to our surroundings, and he then boomed in his alpha voice.

"Members of the royal pack, you all must be wondering why you were all suddenly summoned. Without beating around the bush, you can see that pathetic excuse of a wolf next to my brother's feet. He was caught red-handed selling valuable war strategies to our enemies, those undead blood-sucking parasites, and then he dared to make up a lie."

You could hear the gasps and cruses sent this fucker Jackel's way when Cameron finished. Our species had lost a lot during the war with those parasites, and the mere mention of them in this multiverse is like throwing a match into petroleum, igniting the devastation of havoc.

"We have no place in our ranks for ungrateful people like him," I boomed.

"What is your decision, son?" I heard dad say from the royal box.

"A lesson not for him but for everyone else to see what happens when you forgo our generosity and side with those evil incarnates," I said, holding my father's stare. I could see the growing smirk on his lips, which he immediately masked, put on his stoic king face, and nodded his approval.

"Warriors escort all children under eighteen and women out. The rest remain seated," Cameron said.

As the females and children were led out, I had members of the royal army tie this fucker to a silver X-shaped stand, naked. You could see his naked flesh sizzle where it touched the silver. The intense pain made him scream out.

"I'm sorry, your highness, I'm sorry, mercy." was what the fucker screamed; having enough of his pathetic voice being heard, his mouth was gagged with a wolfbane-soaked gag.

Mercy? On what ground, asshole!

Oh, motherfucker we have just started!

The real fun was going to start now.

I looked at Cameron, and he gave me a nod. Grabbing two butcher sliver knives, we went towards the fuckers body, making sure the knives shone in the sunlight.

After two hours of being soaked by buckets of wolfbane every fifteen minutes, seven fingers less, zero toes left of his feet, all major limbs were cut off bit by bit and then set on fire till they were a pile of ash that used to be that traitor Jackel.

The scene was so gruesome that it could make untrained warriors vomit till the next day. Drenched in the traitor's blood, we threw our knives in the ashes and looked up towards the remaining crowd. After the first fifteen minutes of Jackel's torture, we commanded everyone but the Royal army to leave. Left now were the warriors and our father.

"Let this be an example to you all; if betrayed, there will be no mercy," I said.

Then walked out of the coliseum with Cameron next to me. After the whole ordeal, we went to shower and get ready. Cameron and I had plans for tonight, but as we were about to leave, we were summoned to our parents' chambers.

Perfect! Knowing that dad had nothing to say otherwise, he would've told us to stay back in the coliseum—the only person to call for us would-be mom.

I seriously didn't want to deal with anything right now. Today had been shitty enough; all I wanted was to go with Cameron and the guys, get some drinks, probably screw a she-wolf, then hit the sack.

"We're in deep shit if mom wants to see us at this hour," Said Cameron.

Mom usually slept early, around nine p.m and seeing it was almost eleven, no doubt we were about to get a shit-load of crap. Knocking on the door, we were let in. Low and behold, there sat our distraught mom, fiddling with her fingers. As much as she could be annoying, I knew she loved us and wanted what was good for us. Seeing us, she jumped right into what she called us for.

"Honey, maybe it's time for you and Cameron to take a chosen. Your wolves are strong and need a mate to help tame them. What happened in the coliseum had the pack pretty shaken up. I wasn't there, but from what I've been hearing, I'm scared, boys." Said mom.

Not this again! Yes, we were no saints; Cameron and I had bedded multiple women over the years, but we refused to take a chosen. The Luna queen title belonged to our fated, the other half of our soul. We didn't need a self-entitled bratty she-wolf from the court to be our queen and mate. There was a reason why mates were made. Only your other half would help tame the other, not some chosen skank. Seeing our annoyed faces, mom spoke up again.

"It's been seven years, boys. That's a long time. You know, out of everyone, I want you to find your mate more than anything. The mate bond is something so magical; why wouldn't I want that for you two? But your beasts are getting out of control; all they know is to dominate. With your father also unwilling to give the throne to you both without a mate is also a factor in your beasts' agitation." Said mom.

There is no denying she was right; it was the unsaid rule in the royal family that the next monarch could not ascend the throne without a mate next to him. Our beasts were made to rule, and being held back from the right was no doubt a reason for our agitated attitude nowadays, but despite all that, we were willing to wait for our darling, our mate, our luna queen.

"You know she's right, son; maybe you should consider it. No, doubt whatever you did today was needed, but I have never seen you both so vicious." I heard dad say from behind us.

"Dad, you know how we feel about this. So, please don't start," Said Cameron.

Good! At least he had some sense in his brain, which my parents clearly lacked right now.

"I'm just saying, the court has some she-wolves lined up maybe just..." but before he could finish, Cameron interrupted him.

"No, dad! We've been through this, and we've also told those narcissist fools to stay the fuck away from our personal lives. Our lack of a mate has not affected our duties in any way." Said Cameron, seething.

Dad sighed, giving mom a look, clearly saying there was no hope.

"Son. I want to retire, and so does your mother. We've been doing this for two hundred years. You were both born to rule; maybe it's time to think about the realm then yourselves. No one would be happier than us if you found your fated mate, but don't you think it's time to put duty before that?" Said dad.

"Then just pass on the throne, dad. You know there's no written rule, when you can and cannot," I said.

Cameron had given up trying to get through to them, so he was seething in the corner, trying his best not to explode. To say we didn't put duty first was utter bullshit. Since birth, we have served the wolf crown with hardly time for ourselves.

"Even if I wanted how you both acted today, I wouldn't. Yes, your warriors but also to-be-kings; with strength, you also need to control your beasts and your emotions, and without a mate by your side, that won't happen." He said.

"Then I guess it's settled, father; you aren't retiring till we find our luna. You both have yourselves a goodnight." I said, walking out with Cameron.

Flashback ends

"Everything okay, bro." I heard Cameron say from behind the chair.

I didn't open my eyes and sighed.

"This is getting out of hands, Cam; I can't deal with this meddling court and now mom and dad's nagging. I need a break. Hell, I'm sure you do too." I said.

I didn't get a response, but I knew he was still around. Opening my eyes, I see him staring at the potential warrior trainer CVs for the academy on the table. As if something just clicked, his eyes shot towards me.

"I may just have found a solution to our worries, brother," Cameron said, smiling.

Cameron

Cameron POV:

"I may just have found a solution to our worries, brother," I said, smiling.

Samuel looked at me with raised eyebrows.

Oh, big brother, I know you're going to like this.

"Have you finalized a warrior instructor for the academy yet?" I asked, to which I earned a shake of his head, indicating a no.

Perfect!

"Since everything has been shit these past few days, why don't we go fill in for the semester..." Sam opened his mouth, probably to remind me about how we would be leaving our duties behind, but I held up a finger promoting him to let me continue, "... like I was saying we should fill in. All our royal engagements are caught up, and helping the academy is part of social work. Plus, don't we need new warriors for the new ranks in our army? Why not choose them first hand?" I said.

I could see the wheel turning in his head. As much as he thought he rebelled in front of our parents and his duties, he was the far better royal among us. It probably came with being the eldest amongst us both; compared to me and our little sister Alana, so much more was expected of him. I felt bad for him, and with the nagging nowadays from the court and our parents, hell, even our past escapades seeking us out again in the hope of becoming our chosen mate has been getting to him. Also, another bad part about being the eldest, he was everyone's target. If he chooses a mate, despite if I don't, that she-wolf would automatically be consort to him when ascending the throne, while my chosen mate would still be crowned a princess despite me being a king. Royal politics were fucked! As much as it had its luxuries at the time, I knew he wished for a simpler life. Hell, I even did at times. And with the days going by without our mate by our side, it was getting harder; no doubt our beasts were becoming hard to control. They craved for their half just like we did.

Looking back at Sam's hesitant posture, I said.

"Come on, dude. I need a break; hell, you need one too. With what happened yesterday, mom won't let it go, and once the court knows the full extent, they'll be up to our asses as well. Anyway, It's Alana's first year at the academy as well; we can also help settle her in." I said, throwing in our little sister for backup.

Sam and I were protective of Alana; she had always been sheltered, home-schooled, and hardly went out after a few she-wolves tried being friends with her in hopes of getting close to us. After that incident, she hardly went out again.

From the looks of it, gears were turning in Sam's head.

Home run just hit! I internally patted myself on the back.

Another factor about going to the academy was probably to hook up with some willing she-wolves. We hardly condoodled in the castle or the pack; we didn't want our reputation going down the gutter. No doubt we wanted our mate, but that didn't mean we couldn't have a little fun while we waited. Plus, all those she-wolves knew they weren't our mate, and it was famous around the kingdom that we wouldn't take a chosen and would only make our fated mate our queen. However, that didn't stop the she-wolves from still trying though; as much as it was annoying, it came with the package whenever a she-wolf was on our arm.

"I guess. We do need new recruits, and Alana does have a hard time adjusting to new environments. I'll talk to dad. I have a meeting with him, anyway, regarding the selection which you are supposed to be at as well might I add", Said Sam, looking at me with a raised brow.

Yeah, no, thank you. After what happened last night in their room, my wolf still hasn't calmed down. I didn't need to go there and blow a fuse if he denied us teaching at the academy.

"Dude, I have this thing with Alana. How about you go?" I said, trying to get out of the meeting.

Sam raised his eyebrows, calling my bluff. That's the bad part about being identical twins; we were one alpha in two bodies. That weird thing that humans claimed as twin telepathy was definitely real. Sam could always tell when I was actually doing something or lying, as I could him.

"Yeah, not like Alana is out at her luna classes." Said Sam.

Yup, he totally called my bluff.

I sighed.

"Bro, my wolf is still pissed about yesterday's thing. I don't wanna get pissed off if dad says something. So please do a brother a solid and go yourself." I said, giving him my best smile.

He just chuckled, shaking his head. This is why I loved my brother. He always knew when to push for something and when to drop it. He gave me a fist bump and went out the door to talk to dad. And I went to go find Alana. She was in her luna classes; being a royal, we already knew she'd be fated to an alpha, so mom and dad had already started her luna classes in advance to prepare. After all, she was the sole princess of the Wolf Kingdom; expectations were set for her, which, in my opinion, was a load of bullshit. She was forced to become an adult at seventeen; we were to, but we had responsibilities. We were to be kings, but Alana didn't have that responsibility. Mine and Sam's hearts went out for her; even our parents did as much, even though they had put her in those luna classes, the court required it, so there wasn't much they could do about it. Being a royal had its price, and it took its payment in the form of compromises in our lives.

Rounding the corridor, I went down the staircase to the second floor, to the training room, where I saw Alana with Ms. Smith in ethics and pack law class. And judging by her fluttering eyelids, she'd pass out any moment now from boredom. I couldn't help the laugh that left my lips when I saw her. Which caught her and Ms. Smith's attention; Alana looked at me as if I were her saviour, her eyes pleading to get her out of this.

I chuckled under my breath and put on my stoic royal face, which we had been taught at a young age, I walked toward the two figures. According to dad, we always had to remain emotionless, even if a storm was raging inside or if a freaking monkey was tickling our asses; we couldn't let our emotions be seen. It was the only way to ensure that our subjects never got the wrong impression and tried to overstep their boundaries.

"Ms. Smith, you're dismissed for the day. Princess Alana is needed for some official matters. Thank you for your time." I said emotionlessly.

Nodding her head and bowing to her prince and princess, she left. The moment she stepped out the door and closed it behind her, I was tackled, catching me off guard and causing me to take a few steps backwards before I could fall I gained my footing and hugged the little monster.

"This is why you're my favourite." Said Alana

"I swear you said the same thing to Sam the other day when he got you those new canvases for your artwork," I said, raising my eyebrow at her.

The little one knew how to sweet talk.

"Hey, my favourite depends on the date and time. Now, what's up? I know you aren't that nice to take dad's bashing for making me miss class, so shoot what is it? Everything is okay" said Avana, looking tense.

The little monster was a smart one, no doubt. The last time Sam and I pulled her out of class, we got our asses handed to us by our parents. Even though we were future fucking kings, we weren't kings yet and could still be put in our place by our parents. Another reason our beasts would get pissed off, they were dominant creatures, born to rule, not to be commanded.

"Can't I want to spend time with my little sister? You hurt me, princess." I said as I put my hand on my heart, feigning pain.

Alana just rolled her eyes and pushed me. Chuckling, I dropped my arm around her shoulder and led her out. Us siblings hardly had time to be carefree with our emotions, so we took advantage of these little moments the best we could.

"Something is bothering you. What is it, Cam?" Said Avana

Just like Sam, Avana was the other person who could tell when something was wrong. Sighing, I stopped and sat on one of the sofas in the corridor, running my hand through my hair and then looking up.

"I don't know, A, I really don't. It's been seven years, and we've yet to find her. The court and our parents are going crazy, making us crazy. Is it so bad not wanting to take a chosen mate and wait for our fated? Mom and dad are fated mates. Don't they want that for us?" I said.

I felt Alana sit next to me and hug me.

"They do want that, Sam. Trust me, they do. All I hear in mom's prayers to the goddess is for you to both find your mate. They're just worried about how you two have become over the years. The violence and the rotation of she-wolves worries them. They're old and tried Cam; they'll be turning two hundred fifty this year. They want to retire." Said Alana.

I knew she was right. We had indeed become more violent, and yesterday's display in the coliseum was just proving the fact. As much as we tried to hide our personal affairs with the she-wolves, Sam and I knew our parents weren't stupid. People talked, and even if our parents never explicitly said anything, it didn't mean they didn't know what their sons were doing in their spare time.

"What are you doing out here, you both?" I heard Sam say from a distance.

Looking up, I saw him come down the hall towards us, a smile on his face. Reaching us, he looked at Alana, raising his eyebrows, asking her why she was out of class. The little devil just shrugged and pointed at me.

The little betrayer!

"You know your gonna get your ass handed to you when mom finds out, right?" Said Sam.

"Hopefully, with that smile on your face, that means I can Ali baba my way outta here before she gets to know," I said, laughing at my stupid joke.

Both Alana and Sam chuckled. I guess I was funny, after all.

"Saved brother. Dad gave us the green light." Said Sam, smiling.

"Greenlight for what?" Said Alana, looking between us.

Oh, little sister, guess you'll be stuck with us a little longer than expected.

Lyla

Lyla POV:

Looking at the mahogany doors of the castle, it was considered an honour to attend Maxwell Academy, but I felt nothing but resentment. This was supposed to be my home till I turned eighteen, who knows maybe longer if Jax and my brothers thought so. Despite my pleas and promises to be better, my brothers nor Jax relented, and here we are, two days later, at the infamous Maxwell Academy, waiting for the Principal to come out and show us around.

All my brothers and Jax had accompanied me to the Wolf multiverse, much to my dismay. Since they were getting rid of me, why accompany me? Throughout the trip, they tried talking to me. Jax even tried sitting next to me, but I didn't give any of them the time of day. I was hurt; I had to leave mom and dad behind, my memories behind that had kept me going when I had no one else.

"Alpha Lars, Alpha Jax, welcome to Maxwell Academy. I'm Dean Shrewd." Said the man who introduced himself as the Dean. He was tall. A middle-aged man with brown hair down to his shoulder but the body of a football player: big and buff. But why was the Dean here and not the Principal?

My brothers and Jax all shook hands with him and exchanged pleasantries. Apparently, I was the first wolf from the human multiverse that had gotten into the academy after fifteen years, so he wanted to come down personally to welcome us. I mentally rolled my eyes.

Puh-lease!

More like he wanted to get a donation out of Lars and Jax. Both mine and Jax's pack were extremely rich even in the wolf multiverse. Both packs had a substantial business that brought a lot of profit from both multiverses. I internally rolled my eyes at their conversation and stayed back brooding, wishing to get this over with so my brothers and so-called fiance could be on their merry way and I could wallow in my misery in my dorm room.

"And you must be Lyla. It's a pleasure to meet you. I must say when I got a call from Alpha Lars regarding your admission here, I was skeptical. We don't take wolves from the human multiverse since they tend to be brought up differently..." Said the egoist douche; I balled my fists.

How dare he?

We were no different from the wolves here in the wolf kingdom; our training was the same; our school studies were a bit different, since we had to match the country's circulum. Giving him a blank look, I prompted him to continue,

"...but seeing your achievements over the years in your academia and not to mention the videos of your warrior class had me backtracking my decision immediately, of letting you in," Said Dean Douche.

Well, at least he said something nice.

I gave him a small smile out of courtesy and walked behind him with Jax and my brothers as he showed us around the academy. Even if I wanted to be disinterested, I couldn't. The academy was beautiful, with decades of old infrastructure encompassing it, beautiful lawns landscaped to perfection, there was even a bush maze, a small river and a forest, training grounds more than three times bigger than the one we had back home, classrooms and halls equipped with the latest technologies. No doubt Maxwell Academy lived up to its name! After the tour of the grounds and building, Dean Douche showed me to my dorm room, saying all my belongings had been sent up and that I was supposed to share the dorm with a she-wolf named Alana.

Alana? For some reason, that name sounded familiar, but I couldn't just place where I had heard it. Shrugging, I let it go

Lars, the triplets and Jax were escorted to the guest suites. Apparently, there was a welcoming party today for the new surprise trainers and the students for the upcoming academic year.

Ugh!

I was in no mood for a party. Unfortunately, it was mandatory. Apparently, those two new trainers were some big shots that they needed to have a party set up for them; what was so special about them anyway, guess I'll find out later in the evening. Trudging the long, never ending hallways, I made my way to my room. Lars had placed me in the private dorm; he had seriously forked out some money from the looks of it. I heard Jax say he wanted to cover all the expenses since I was his responsibility, but Lars didn't let him.

I huffed in my head; I hope they both go bankrupt for sending me here in the first place.

Reaching my room, the room number was written in bold on the side, 1101; the door had an electronic lock along with a bilateral. Security was tight in the VIP dorms. Swiping my card and using the special key Dean Douche had given me, I took a deep breath and opened the door.

Samuel POV:

"Get your ass moving, bro; we're already late for that party," I said.

Apparently, the academy's management was thrilled when they found out that Cameron and I would be filling in for the trainers this semester, and they should be. It was considered an honour to be trained by our father or us. We were ruthless warriors on the battlefield; our royal armies were second to none. We were considered the strongest in the supernatural world after we won against the vampires in the last war.

Classes will officially start tomorrow. All the incoming students and faculty members had moved in today, and today they had a welcoming party and a party to welcome Cameron and me. As much as I wasn't in the mood for a party, but it didn't look nice if we ditched. We were still princes and had to maintain royal etiquette even if this ordeal was sort of a vacation for us.

"Yeah, I'm ready. Let's go." Said Cameron, coming out of his room clad in black pants and a shirt, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

The little shit was dressed exactly like me; seeing the scowl on me, he smirked and winked, prompting me to get up. The little shit knew I didn't like to match. We were completely identical, not even a difference in a strand of hair, so it was impossible to tell us apart when we dressed the same. It was fine at home, but in front of people, it was a big no. I wanted us to be seen as individual royals, not one royal in two different bodies.

Going down the hallway, we stayed in the VIP suite; the whole cabin was exclusively for us, and security swamped the hallways and the perimeter. Being royals came with all this protocol, not that we needed it. Cameron and I were stronger than all these wolves combined. It was unnecessary, but apparently, it was one of the conditions our parents put on us if we wanted to come here. I didn't have a choice but to agree. We had even wanted Alana to stay with us, but the little brat didn't agree, saying she wanted to have fun and didn't want people to know she was our sister. Besides her name, no one knew what she looked like over here, and she wanted to keep it that way. Knowing how hurt she had been with her so-called whore of friends last time, we agreed but still had guards around her dorm in incognito; she was still a princess. My mom and dad would kill us if anything ever happened to her. Hell, I would kill myself if I let my baby sister get hurt under my nose.

We finally reached the celebration hall, where the party was in full swing, students dancing and laughing about. You could tell who mates were and who weren't. Mates looked at each other with nothing but love in each other's eyes while the other couples, despite dancing with one another, had eyes roaming everywhere. Cameron and I let our auras roll out, sensing the dominance in the air; everything stopped except the music, seeing us walking, wolves, students and teachers alike baring their necks in submission. Dean Shrewd had come to welcome us when we controlled our auras. The party had started again as we mingled with the faculty, getting to know the others as people asked questions and expressed their gratitude for us taking time out to help in training the warrior class.

It had been an hour into the party when I felt my wolf stirring in my head; I glanced at Cameron and could tell his wolf was acting up as well. What was happening? Suddenly, I was hit with the most delicious scent of vanilla with mixed berries. The scent sent shivers all through my body, sending jolts right down to my cock, making it hard. I looked at Cameron, and he nodded his head, indicating he felt the exact same and, by the way he was adjusting his pants, also confirmed he had the same reaction. Trying to be as discreet as possible, Cameron and I looked around for the source of this heavenly scent when our eyes caught with a little she-wolf at the entrance. She had beautiful wavy brown hair that fell midback, eyes green as emeralds and a body of a goddess with curves in all the right places, entering into the hall with Alana.

'MATE,' my wolf growled in my head.

"MINE," Cameron growled out under his breath.

I knew no one heard him.

Our eyes locked with each other, we knew we had found her: our mate, our luna queen. She was finally here to help tame our beasts, and she was absolutely perfect. But our happiness was short-lived when, from the smell of it, an alpha came and wrapped his arm around her waist and crouched down to kiss her cheek.

It was then all hell broke loose, our beasts let out a loud snarl, stiffening everyone around us, that very moment my sweetheart looked up and locked eyes with Cameron and I, the audible hitch in her breath couldn't be missed.

Lyla

Lyla POV:

As I walked down the extensive corridors with my roommate Alana towards the welcome party, I couldn't help but admire my surroundings. No doubt this place was amazing. As much I dreaded being left here, some of those feelings had dissolved after meeting Alana. Alana and I had hit it off as soon as I walked through my dorm's door. You could sense the happy vibes coming out of her, which were contagious. She was a ball of energy, and I knew she wasn't the type to fake it. With her blonde hair up to her shoulders, with the bluest eyes I had seen, she was the epitome of gorgeousness—a body that I could kill for: fit and slim.

I could tell she was nervous about being here. She was in the same grade as me, and her family had wanted her to finish her last year at the academy, since it was a tradition in their family to graduate from Maxwell Academy. Apparently, her two older brothers and her parents and their parents before that had graduated from here as well. Alana had mentioned being home-schooled for the past few years, and the thought of being around so many new faces scared her. Well, you and me both, sista. After what happened and all the bullying, I didn't know who to trust anymore, so Alana and I weren't far off from one another when it came to being scared of new environments and people.

Nevertheless, we were both here and had to face the tide. At least we found each other; maybe it wouldn't be that bad here after all. I would get a break from the taunts and reminders from back home, get some time away from my brothers and Jax and maybe once again feel how it is to be friends with someone. That thought brought a small smile to my face.

"What'ya smiling about?" I heard Alana say from beside me.

"Nothing," I replied, smiling at her.

"So who do you think these two new trainers are? Everyone seemed pretty hyped. Apparently, they're the best in the multiverse." I said.

I was actually curious about these mysterious trainers. While walking here, the people we had passed could be overheard gushing about how excited they were about the new trainers and how everybody wanted to attend the warrior training class now. I heard Alana mumble something under her breath about 'how they were definitely the best,' but I could've been wrong. before I could ask her what she said, we had reached the celebration hall, where the party could be heard in full swing, the chatters, music and obnoxious loud laughs of the filrtoues she-wolves that could give anyone a headache could be heard. I internally groaned; I wasn't in the mood to see she-wolves throwing themselves at the boys; like how desperate one could be? No doubt when I saw eye candy, I admired it, but hell, if I ever threw myself at them, like have some class. Well, I didn't need to throw myself at anyone anyway, I was betrothed and to be married to Jax soon, and there wasn't a she-wolf alive till date that didn't envy me for that. I had always admired Jax, even when he found his mate, that long of a crush I harboured, but as the time came near for us to mate on my eighteenth birthday in a month, those feelings were slowly dwindling, like it felt wrong to be called his; I didn't know why. I hadn't told anyone how I had felt, for one, because I didn't really have any friends, and two, my brothers and I had drifted apart, and Jax is the triplet's best friend. It was hard to have this conversation. I had put off these feelings as pre-mating jitters; that was probably the case anyway. I had been in love with the guy for years, and there was no place for second thoughts. I was brought out of the thought of Jax when I felt Alana nudge me, signalling for us to go inside; I smiled and walked in alongside her.

The moment I walked in, I felt this weird sensation of being watched wash over me; it should've creeped me the hell out, but for some reason, those mysterious stares didn't alert any of my senses but instead gave me this weird warm feeling.

What the hell?

Then suddenly, I looked towards the front and heard my breath hitch; probably even Alana heard it as she looked at me with a raised brow and followed my stare to the front, where two god-like identical twins stood. By the goddess, if I didn't smear my panties right there and then. Jax was a mere ant compared to the two hunks in front of me. Buffed with muscles, they stood tall, probably at six foot six, clad in black from head to toe with blonde hair, slicked back to perfection with the bluest of eyes staring around the hall. Their mere sight made goosebumps rise all over my arms. I saw them looking around the halls discreetly, probably trying to find someone. My body pushed me to walk towards them, but before I could go towards them, I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist, and someone kissed my cheek. Looking up, I saw Jax looking down at me with a smile on his face.

"You look gorgeous, sweetheart," he said.

"Thank you," I said, smiling back.

Before he could say anything else, two identical growls resonated around the hall, making everyone freeze. The chatter stopped, but the music was still playing in the background. Everyone looked in the direction where they heard the growls and saw the twins standing in the front with their fists clenched, nostrils flaring in our direction. My breath hitched for the second time as soon as mine and the twin's eyes locked.

"Uh-oh, I think I'm in trouble." I heard Alana say.

Looking towards her, I saw her staring back at the twins, fidgeting in her spot. Wait, did she know them? I was sure those were the new warrior trainers since I overheard someone in the hallway say they were identical twins; why didn't she say anything when I asked her a few minutes ago? Before I could open my mouth, I heard Jax from top of me.

"Oh fuck, aren't those the twin princes: Prince Samuel and Prince Cameron." I heard Jax say from above me.

Wait!

Did he say, prince?

From what I remember, the current king and queen of the wolves had three children, two sons and a daughter. I wasn't all that keen about the royal family, plus they hardly visited earth, so I never bothered learning more about them. I knew they had twins, but I thought they were familial, not identical.

Hold up!

Did that mean Alana knew the twin princes? Something suddenly hit Alana, as in Alana Winchester, sole princess of the werewolf kingdom. That's why her name sounded familiar.

What the hell!

Why didn't she tell me?

I looked over at her with accusing eyes; she tore her gaze from her brothers, who could be heard stomping over to us. I raised a brow, silently asking her to explain herself. She blushed in embarrassment and looked down. Before I could get a word out, I heard a deep masculine voice that had me smearing my panties again and making me lose my balance. Seeing me sway a bit, Jax held on to me tight; looking up, I gave him a small smile as a thank you.

"Alana Winchester, you better explain yourself; what in goddess's name are you wearing?" I heard one of the princes say, in a low voice, that could only be heard by whoever was standing close to us.

I kept looking down with respect to the prince. To look a royal in the eye was a blatant disrespect, even though everything in me wanted to look up and lock eyes with those beautiful blue orbs once again. The aura oozing out of the twins had me cowering. Why were they letting their auras out so strongly? And, with the hold of Jax's arm getting stronger by the minute, I knew he could feel their auras as well washing over him.

"Samuel, seriously? I thought I told you I didn't want anyone to know we were related, and you blew it up at the first chance you saw me." Alana gritted out.

"Alana, you can't be dressed like this. Do you know how many wolves are staring at you? Do you really want us tearing out teenagers' eyes because they can't control their raging hormones?" I heard the same voice speak again, but I knew it was a different person for some reason.

Alana had mentioned it was Prince Samuel who had talked first. That only meant this was Prince Cameron. And, by the goddess, if his voice didn't have the same effect on my panties as his brothers did. Freaking perfect! I needed to control my pussy before someone picked up on my arousal, but from the smells going around, I wasn't the only one affected. Arousals could be smelt all over the hall. For some reason, that sent a surge of jealousy through me; I didn't like that other she-wolves were getting aroused by the princes, which was dumb because I had no right to think like that; shaking my head. Shaking the unwanted thoughts, I tried moving away from the arguing siblings. All three had rolled out their auras, it was getting suffocating from being around them, my knees were buckling to bow in submission to my royals, but Jax had held me up, his grip ever-tightening. It got so tight that I let off a small whimper which had all three siblings shutting up and turning to me; even though my eyes were cast down, I knew they were staring at me. Jax, sensing the cause of my distress immediately loosened his grip.

"Goddess, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize." Jax said, apologetically smiling as he bent down to check my wrist

The moment he touched me again, snarls could be heard but were covered up with coughs.

"Lyla, you okay." I heard Alana ask as she came and stood near me.

Hearing her say my name, I looked at her but kept my eyes downcast. Even though we were dormmates and friends, she was my princess, my superior; I was bound to give her respect.

"Yes, your highness," I said.

I heard her groan and saw her turn to her brothers.

"Happy now. You guys had to go ruin it, didn't you? I make one friend, one real friend, and you guys have to scare her." She all but yelled.

Real friend?

What did she mean by that?

Seeing their sister distressed, I heard the twins sigh, but from the corner of my eye, I could see something was still bothering them. Their tensed shoulders and fisted palms gave it away.

"Why are guys even attacking me like this? You've seen me dressed like this before and never gave a shit. Why go all big brother now?" Alana asked as she folded her arms across her chest.

Huh?

Why were they raging like bulls that saw red if that was the case?

I swear I heard them mumble something along the line, 'we weren't pissed at you,' but I could've been wrong. If it wasn't for her, why the hell would they make a scene at the entrance of the celebration hall? They all went quiet and I couldn't help myself. Looking up, I saw all of them with their eyes hazing over: they were mind linking. As soon as their eyes were back to that magnificent blue, I saw Alana's pissed-off demeanour had taken a one-eighty-degree turn, and she was now smiling like she had just won a hundred million dollar lottery or something.

What the hell?

Were the royals cracked in the head?

What was with all the freaking mood swings?

Alana turned around and beamed at me; coming closer, she took my hand and pulled me closer to her. Jax was right behind, ensuring I wouldn't sway again and fall on my bum and make a fool of myself. I couldn't help but look back at him and smile. He was so caring; why did I think my feelings were dwindling? The love in his eyes and concern shined bright for me. Even if he was on board with my brothers leaving me here, it didn't mean he wanted to. The longing in his eyes was plain as day. I knew he would miss me as I would him. I was brought out of my thoughts about Jax and me when I heard Alana speak.

"Lyla, meet my older brothers. Prince Samuel and Prince Cameron. They are our new warrior trainers." She said.

When she said that, my eyes shot up and met with the twins, my breath hitched, and I saw them smirk.

Fuck! Warrior training just got way more complicated.