The Wolf Prince

CHAPTER 9



About to enter the grand throne room right behind his brother and Princess Tatiana, some sixth sense had made Chad hang back. As he listened to the uproar from inside the room, he was very glad he’d stayed out.

Especially when he’d heard this Prince Ruben person state unequivocally that he would recognize the man who’d been following Willow through the forest.

How was this possible? He would have sworn no one had seen him. Clenching his fists, he swallowed back a rush of fury. This man, this human interloper, could identify him? This he could not allow to happen. If what he’d done was revealed, his family and the entire EastWard Court would have their reputations ruined. His parents would never forgive him and he’d be banished to live among the Shadows. With his Bright coloring, he knew he’d be lucky to survive a week.

In that instant, he knew what he’d have to do. Unless he was successful in disguising his appearance until he could return home, he might have to take extreme action and get rid of the only one who could identify him. This Prince Ruben would have to die. Soon. And if Willow got in the way, he’d kill her, too.

* * *

Once she’d taken her leave of Ruben, Willow hurried down the hallway. She knew she wouldn’t be left alone for long. In fact, at any moment she expected Tatiana to come sailing around the corner. Or, even worse, her sister would find out where Ruben was staying and show up at his door, prepared to practice her considerable wiles on Ruben in order to learn everything she possibly could about Willow’s involvement with him.

Stress tightened her chest. Either that or Prince Chad—who was conspicuously absent—would come looking for her, though he certainly hadn’t seemed all that interested in staking a claim.

While she certainly didn’t welcome either prospect, if given a choice, she’d take Chad over Tatiana any day. The man seemed to be harmless. Tatiana was less complicated, but her intentions as transparent as glass. Chad appeared reasonable. Normal, even.

By the time the bells were rung for the midday meal, she’d relaxed. To her astonishment, neither Tatiana nor Chad had sought her out. She’d had several hours on her own, time she’d used to shower and change into a dress her mother would consider suitable for court.

When the light tapping sounded on her door, she nearly jumped out of her skin. So much for relaxation. Heart pounding, she opened the door. Looking thoroughly annoyed, Prince Ruben stood in the hall.

“What is wrong with this place?” he asked, storming into her room. “I simply asked to be brought to your chambers. Everyone acted as though you don’t even exist.”

Mouth dry, she eyed his rugged, beautiful face and debated whether or not to tell him the truth. “Actually, to most of them, that’s true. I don’t exist. They take their cue from the king and queen. I think my parents actually wish I’d never been born.”

She’d shocked him; she could tell from the way he recoiled. “Why would you say such a thing?”

“Because,” she said sadly, “it’s the truth. There are multiple reasons for this. It’s rumored that my mother had an affair and I am the unfortunate result.”

“That would be her fault, not yours,” he said, making her feel warm at his fierce loyalty. “And the other reason?”

She sighed. “My appearance is distasteful to them. Here, two things are valued above all others. Beauty and magical powers. Because I have neither, I am considered worthless.”

He frowned. “I don’t know about magic, but you have beauty.”

Unsure whether to laugh or blush, she considered him. Was he serious or was he making fun of her? Stars help her, she saw nothing but sincerity in his face.

“You really mean that?” she asked.

“Yes.” He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings, but if we’re going to work together, honesty is important, don’t you think?”

Again, she heard only the important part. “Work together? Are we?”

“Of course. I need you to help me get home once I’ve completed my quest, remember?”

Just like that, her spirits deflated. “Oh, I don’t think I’ll be forgetting that any time soon,” she said drily. “Are you ready to eat?”

Again she saw she’d startled him. Had he truly forgotten about the noon meal? Her stomach growled, letting him know she hadn’t.

“Sorry.” He flashed a rueful smile. “But if this place is what I think it is, I don’t think I’m supposed to eat.”

“Why not?”

“I remember reading something or hearing something.” Scratching his head, he seemed sheepish. “About if you don’t want to come under magic’s spell or be trapped in the land of the Fairies forever, you shouldn’t eat.”

For a moment she was struck speechless, a major feat for her. A second later, she shook her head. “So tell me, do you howl at the full moon?”

He frowned. “Of course not.” Then, as comprehension dawned, he grinned. “Are you saying the food thing is superstition?”

“Yep. It’s only an old wives’ tale.” Taking his arm, she steered him in the direction of the dining hall. “Now let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

“I’m pretty hungry myself,” he admitted.

Since the luncheon was usually served buffet style and they were early, they had the place to themselves. Willow went through the line, filling her plate with brightly colored fruit and fresh crispy vegetables. Ruben followed along behind her doing the same, but stopped when they reached the end of the long table.

“Where’s the meat?” he asked, his voice pitched so low he sounded as if he was growling. In a way, he was. His wolf demanded meat, and plenty of it. “Beef or pork, or even chicken? Any of them would be fine.”

“We don’t eat meat,” she began, stopping at the pained look of horror he gave her. For a second, she saw the wolf again, teeth bared in furious hunger. At least now that made sense.

“I’m a carnivore,” he explained, unnecessarily.

Willow shuddered. “I’m sorry. You won’t find animal flesh here.”

Placing his plate on the nearest table, he dropped into a chair. “I can exist on fruit and vegetables for a little while. But eventually, I need meat. My wolf needs it to survive.”

She took a seat across from him. “If it’s protein you need, there are various nuts and—”

“Trust me. It’s not just the protein.”

Deciding she didn’t want to know, she ate her lunch quickly. When she finally looked up, she saw that he’d also finished his plate.

“It’s perfectly okay if you want to get more,” she said, smiling encouragingly.

“Maybe later.” He pushed his empty plate away and leaned across the table. “I’m not familiar with your court procedures,” he began. “But since it doesn’t appear your parents need me for anything, at least immediately, I’m going to take off.”

“Without permission?” Though part of her was stunned, most of her thrilled at the idea. He wasn’t one of their subjects, but visiting royalty. Surely there was a different protocol in this sort of situation.

He shrugged, unconcerned. “I’ve got work to do.”

By work, she knew he meant tracking down the killer. And suddenly, the idea of remaining trapped in her overly sparkly castle trying to trade witty remarks with a disinterested Prince Chad sounded about as appealing as jumping in a pit full of venomous spiders.

Quite clearly, she realized what she wanted to do. “I’m going with you,” she said, crossing her arms and lifting her chin for emphasis.

He looked at her, his handsome face unreadable. “Why?”

At least he hadn’t said an outright no. Encouraged, she leaned forward, too. “Because I feel responsible. This killer found your castle because of me. And you sent the maid to get my earring. So in a roundabout way, your maid got killed because of me. Honor demands that I help find the one who murdered her.”

This last she’d just made up, but once the words were spoken, they rang true. She’d only said the truth. If she’d never traveled to Teslinko, hadn’t attended the ball or borrowed her mother’s magical earrings, none of this would have happened.

He frowned and she realized he was about to say no.

“I’m very well-liked here and my people won’t talk to you without my assistance,” she rushed on, fully aware that he had no idea exactly how unpopular she was with her people. Most of them thought she was a Shadow Changeling, hanging out in the land of the Bright with the intent to bring about mischief and mayhem.

Ruben knew none of this and for that reason he actually considered her words. “I do need a guide,” he began.

“You’ve got one. Come on.” Afraid he might change his mind, she stood, motioning him to follow her. Once he did, she began shepherding him down the hallway, aware she had to get him out of the open before Tatiana or Chad or someone sent by her parents found them.

To her surprise, he went with her willingly, apparently still mulling over her proposal. She knew on the surface, it made complete sense. And, since she wanted desperately to be part of something besides castle intrigues and fake civility, she hoped it would be enough for him to agree.

They reached her room unnoticed. Taking a deep breath—well aware of the repercussions of allowing a man in her room unattended—she opened the door and practically shoved him inside. Once she closed the door behind them, she locked it for good measure. She took a deep breath, turned and faced him. How she wished she didn’t feel the pull of his masculinity so strongly.

“Have a seat,” she told him, patting the bed. “We’ve got plans to make and a lot to talk about. First up, I think we’re going to need disguises.”

He narrowed his eyes at her and waited.

“My people know me and you too easily stand out as a stranger,” she said.

“And you think you can fix that with a change of clothing?”

“No.” She grinned. “But with the right magical spell, we can fix anything.”

Though he didn’t relax his guarded expression, he did uncross his arms. “I thought you said... You can do magic?”

She felt her smile dim a bit. Then, realizing that even though she’d tried to tell him, he truly wasn’t aware of how her people looked down on non-magical beings like her.

“No,” she answered, managing to sound completely unapologetic. “But I know people who can. And with the right amount of coin...”

Jaw set, he considered. Then, apparently making a snap decision, he nodded. “Since I’d venture a guess that my money is worthless here, I’m assuming you can pay?”

Money was the one thing she had in droves, thanks to an untouchable and irrevocable trust fund her grandfather had left her. Since she rarely bought anything, she had a hefty amount available. Which was good, because any spell worth its salt didn’t come cheap.

Keeping her voice low, just in case, she began to outline her case.

* * *

His nerves still thrummed from learning someone had seen him travel through the veil. Chad knew he had to do something, and quickly. Stalking off from the castle, he went bow hunting while he tried to weigh his options. The simplest solution, which also was the most boring, would be simply to leave now and go home, back to EastWard castle. If not, if he remained, he’d have to disguise his appearance while he was here so the human visitor didn’t recognize him. And without arousing suspicion in the SouthWard Court.

That option and all the challenges it presented, made him grin savagely. Of course killing the human would remain on the table, especially since he secretly preferred this choice. For now, though, he would have much rather left no witnesses. The fact that he had, merely upped the game and sharpened the anticipation.

Life had suddenly become very, very good. No, more than good. Great. Awesome. Epic. Possibly even legendary.

And, he gloated, rubbing his hands together with glee, he hadn’t even examined the magical earring yet. Since it belonged to Queen Millicent, he imagined it would have fantastical powers.

Stalking through the forest, tension building, he thought again of the way the maid had died. Even thinking about it brought him a buzz, better than the finest liquor.

He also felt a familiar restlessness, making him jumpy and uneasy. And angry.

With these emotions all roiling within him, he knew the only way to ease the tension and feel better would be to kill. Something. Anything.

He shot three rabbits in rapid succession and, disregarding every rule about hunting, left their bodies either to rot in the sun or to be savaged by other wild creatures.

This made him feel marginally better, at least able to face his brother again. Until he figured out a way to implement his disguise without the SouthWards noticing, he planned to avoid the rest of the royal family, especially Princess Willow and her human visitor.

When he reached the castle, he slipped into the back door and made his way unnoticed to his room. Once there, he closed the door and began pacing. Some of his rage had been quieted by the kills in the forest, but his problem still remained. That night, King Puck and Queen Millicent were throwing yet another ball to celebrate Eric and Tatiana’s betrothal. Chad would be required to attend. Unless—he smiled grimly—he feigned an illness. A wretched, disgusting illness, the kind that couldn’t be masked by a polite smile and a napkin over the mouth. His grin widened. Disgusting and gagging and nauseating. This, he could do. That would give him time to perfect a change in appearance so that the human wouldn’t recognize him.

Now that he’d decided that, he took out the magical earring. Wiping it clean, he turned it over in the palm of his hand and began to try and learn its secrets.

* * *

Ruben listened as Willow outlined her case. He had to hand it to her. She sort of had a plan, and he definitely needed her help. She wanted to gather information, talk to people, see what they could find out. All in all, exactly what he had already planned to do.

The only problem he had was, despite his best efforts, every time he looked at her, he felt the strong tug of attraction. At the thought, his inner wolf grew restless. The beast wanted her, too—in other, more carnal ways.

As for his human self, Ruben admitted that her feminine vitality drew him on some instinctual level. He’d wanted her the very first time he’d seen her and his body craved her still.

But this he could control. He had an iron grip on his natural urges. Too bad the same couldn’t be said for his wolf.

He’d let the animal part of himself have too much control for far too long. Therein lay grief and madness. The battle now, after the fact, felt futile. But he refused to admit defeat yet.

Willow provided a welcome distraction. Ruben didn’t understand why, but the beast wanted this woman with a ferocity that defied all logic.

“Are you agreeable to us being a team?” she asked, watching him earnestly. “If so, we could get started immediately.”

Slowly, he nodded, reaching a decision without giving it much thought. “Sure.”

“Great.” She took his hand, pulling him toward the door. “Then let’s get out of here before someone comes looking for us.”

Ignoring the shock her sudden touch sent through him, he let her lead the way. When they slipped through the kitchen and out of the castle through a back door, he was surprised. She headed into the wilderness rather than a road into town.

“Where are we going?”

“To get some answers,” she said, smiling. “Since you are part wolf, you should feel at home here. Give it a minute and I think you’ll understand.

They’d only gone a short distance when he heard a sound. The slightest of noises, but enough. Instantly, his wolf came alert. He sniffed the air, catching a scent. Then one more; no, two. More than that. There were others here, wolves. A wild pack, stalking them. Ruben glanced at Willow, who heedlessly continued crashing through the woods, the leaves rustling under her feet as loud as bells. Apparently unaware of the danger, she showed no fear.

He opened his mouth to warn her and heard a growl. His inner wolf responded in kind. He froze, the hair on his body standing on end as though electrified. Ahead, three large wolves stood, blocking their way.

Hellhounds. Always ready for a good fight, the wolf inside him struggled to be free. He knew if it came to a battle, he and Willow stood a much better chance if he let his beast loose. Shifters’ wolves were easily twice as large as these animals, and much more ferocious. The aftermath would be brutal and bloody.

Wanting to avoid this at all costs, he kept his inner wolf at bay. After all, he’d never known a wild wolf to attack unprovoked, unless starving. A quick glance at these animals revealed they were well fed, with the glossy pelts of healthy beasts.

Unless he and Willow had inadvertently wandered onto their territory, the wolves had no reason to attack.

As he struggled with his inner beast, trying to formulate some sort of plan, Willow stepped forward. She moved with confidence and didn’t appear to be afraid. She’d crossed half the distance separating them, dropped to her haunches and held out her arms, crooning in the wordless language one might use to an infant or a new puppy.

Had she lost her freaking mind? Disbelieving, he watched as the wild animals moved toward her, all trace of animosity gone from their demeanor. Like beloved pets, they rubbed up against her, allowing her to place her hands on them. She caressed their fur, still crooning, and their blissful reaction to her touch sent a nameless, wild ache through Ruben. This shook him to his core.

These animals, his Feral cousins, accepted Willow as if she was one of them, a pack-mate.

And she claimed she had no magic?

Looking up, she saw him watching and threw back her head in laughter. The sound, so full of joy and life, sent another kind of ache into his core.

“Come, meet my friends,” she said, still smiling as she held out a hand for him.

But when he took a step toward her, the wild wolves’ playful attitudes vanished. They formed a loose circle around Willow, letting Ruben know by their stiff stance and bared teeth that he wasn’t welcome.

Another glance at Willow showed this puzzled her.

“They protect you,” he said, the comment unnecessary, though he felt he had to say it. She looked from him to the wolves, her brow furrowed in puzzlement.

“I know,” she said, her tone musing rather than worried. “Though our communications are only rudimentary, I can’t seem to make them understand that you are not a threat.”

That said, she rose to her feet in one fluid motion. Moving quickly across the few feet that separated them, when she reached Ruben, she wrapped her arms around him and snuggled close.

Then, once his heart started beating again, she began caressing him all over, much the same way as she had done with the wild wolves.

“I am attempting to show them,” she murmured, her voice a throaty tickle against his ear. “By putting my scent on you, I’m letting them know you’re part of me.”

Despite himself, his body instantly responded. Desire flared, hitting so hard he quivered. Acting of their own accord, his arms came up and he let his hands explore her lush curves.

She gasped, thrusting herself against him as though shocked. This telling movement, however small, had his already aroused body strained nearly to breaking.

His wolf had gone quiet. Ruben barely noticed, so turned on he could scarcely think. He wanted to bury himself inside her, take her right there on the bed of dried leaves, with the wild wolf pack as his witness.

Inflamed, he nuzzled her, stroking her soft skin, lingering over the curve of her generous breasts. She pushed herself into him, groaning as his hand cupped her perfect behind.

When his mouth found hers, already drowning in sensation, the first crush of her lips against his sent a jolt of smoldering heat through him.

Reveling in the feeling as their tongues danced and mated, he realized he was dangerously close to losing control. He gasped, raised his head, struggling with his wolf, his desire, and most of all, with himself.

This was wrong. He couldn’t let this happen.

As he saw the same awareness and realization flood her face, he realized the wolves had left them. Once again, he and Willow were alone.

Turning away, he desperately tried to think of something else, anything else, to dissipate his erection. He remembered his mother’s horrible scream and the maid’s lifeless body and his quest to find the killer. That did it.

When he could breathe again and speak normally, he turned to face her. She looked a bit tousled, though her serene expression told him she’s also managed to put the incident from her.

“What just happened?” he asked, gesturing toward the spot where the wolf pack had been.

Willow flushed, proving her serenity was only an act. “I think we kissed.”

“Yes, I know we did.” Reaching out, he squeezed her shoulder, hoping she found his touch reassuring. He refused to analyze why he still felt the need to keep touching her. “I meant the wolves. I take it you managed to convince them that I was no threat?”

“Oh.” Apparently at a loss for words, she squinted into the woods, gaze searching the shadows. “They left. They could sense your inner wolf. I think they thought you were staking a claim.” Her blush deepened.

Staking a claim? Momentarily distracted, he found his gaze drawn to her mouth. Completely unintentional, but maybe he had, in a way. His inner wolf continued to prowl, somewhat mollified but not completely satisfied.

Ruben didn’t like it. He’d kissed her but the beast wanted more. Much more. At least he still had enough control over that part of himself to make sure human overruled beast.

Forcing his attention away from her soft, kissable mouth to the forest, he managed a savage smile. “What were the wolves doing here in the first place?”

“Um....” Her chocolate eyes widened. “I guess I should have told you earlier. All the animals, whether here in the forest, or in town, seek me out. For some reason, I’m able to communicate with them in a rudimentary way.”

Fascinated, he eyed her. “Are you serious?”

Slowly she nodded.

“Is that one of your magical abilities?”

“There’s nothing magical about that,” she said. “Is there?”

“Talking to animals seems pretty darn magical to me. Hellhounds, I’m a Shape-shifter and I even can’t communicate much with wild wolves. What do your parents think?”

She looked down. “I haven’t exactly told them.”

He couldn’t believe she didn’t realize the magnitude of her ability, if it was true. “Why not? Surely they’d be proud of you.”

“I don’t think so.” Crossing her arms, she shook her head and began walking, indicating the conversation was over. At least as far as she was concerned. He made a mental note to try and discuss it later.

For the next hour, they trudged southeast, sticking to uncultivated forest and eschewing anything that even remotely resembled a path or road. During that journey, Ruben witnessed the phenomena with Willow and the animals again and again. Deer and elk, rabbits and squirrels, hedgehogs and beavers—species didn’t matter—they all came to greet her. Those that hunted and those who were prey, they came without regard for the danger.

With each and every one, she crouched low, petted and caressed, and appeared to confer softly and silently.

Keeping his distance, Ruben watched her, listening closely, trying to figure out if he had missed some little nuance, some trick. But he saw nothing other than the obvious—the animals came to Willow and she clearly adored them. It also appeared the feeling was mutual.

Finally, after another long stretch of walking, he decided to ask where they were heading.

“Nowhere, really.” She shrugged. “I told you, I would ask some questions and get some answers. This is more of a fact-finding expedition than anything else.”

“What?” He stopped, unable to believe he’d heard her correctly. “Fact-finding from whom?”

“The animals, of course.” When she turned around and came back to him, he saw from the intent look on her face that she was serious. “That’s why we haven’t been following a path or a road.”

From the animals. He decided to humor her. “And what have you learned so far?”

She eyed him, her expression so disappointed that he wondered if she could read his mind. “I’ve learned that we need to go back to the palace and start there. The animals saw the same person you did. Even worse, he’s been here again since then. He killed several rabbits and left their carcasses to rot. They saw a man, tall and fair with light-colored eyes. They sensed something dark inside him.”

“Perfect. Now all we need to do is find him.”

“That’s easier said than done,” she finished glumly. “Unfortunately that description fits every single man in the SouthWard kingdom. EastWard, too.”

He refused to be cowed. “Maybe so, but I’d recognize him if I saw him again.”

“So would they.” She gave a tired sigh. “It’s just a matter of bringing him around them. Which, of course, would be impossible without knowing who he is.”

“Let’s go back.” Holding out his arm, he told himself it was because he wanted to be gallant, not because he’d relish her touch. And when she took it and that same wild longing swept through him, he resolutely ignored it.