KADE'S POV
The Forest Ridge Pack territory is beautiful. Rolling hills covered in thick pine trees stretch as far as I can see. The air smells clean and fresh, nothing like the tension I left behind at Silver Moon Pack.
"Welcome to Forest Ridge, Prince Kade," says Alpha Leonard as he greets me at the border. He's a tall man with kind eyes and a firm handshake. "We're honored by your visit."
"Thank you for receiving me, Alpha Leonard," I reply. "I hope I'm not imposing."
"Not at all. Any son of King Fenrir is welcome here." He gestures toward the pack village. "Come, let me show you to our territory."
As we walk through the village, I notice something different. People still stare, but their faces aren't filled with fear. Children wave. Adults nod respectfully. The atmosphere feels... normal.
"Your pack seems very peaceful," I observe.
"We try to be," Alpha Leonard says. "Life's hard enough without adding unnecessary drama."
We reach the pack house, a large wooden building that blends perfectly with the forest around it. Luna Sarah meets us at the door.
"Prince Kade," she says with a warm smile. "Welcome to our home. I hope your journey wasn't too difficult."
"It was fine, Luna Sarah. Thank you for your hospitality."
"Please, call us Leonard and Sarah," Alpha Leonard says. "We don't need to be formal here."
I'm led to a comfortable sitting room where a fire crackles in the hearth. The whole place feels warm and welcoming.
"So," Leonard says, settling into his chair, "what brings you to our territory? Your message mentioned it was important."
I take a deep breath. "I'm looking for a mate."
Sarah's eyebrows rise. "A mate? Isn't your father organizing some grand competition?"
"He is," I confirm. "But I decided to take a more personal approach. I want to meet potential mates in their own homes, with their own families."
"That's very thoughtful," Sarah says. "Most princes would just wait for girls to come to them."
"I'm not most princes," I say quietly.
Leonard nods approvingly. "I respect that. A true leader goes after what he wants."
"Would your pack have any suitable candidates?" I ask. "I don't want to pressure anyone, but I'd appreciate the chance to meet them."
"Of course," Leonard says immediately. "We have several unmated she-wolves who would be honored to meet you."
My heart lifts at the lack of hesitation, with no worried glances. Just a simple yes.
"That's wonderful," I say. "When would be convenient?"
"How about after dinner?" Sarah suggests. "I'll prepare a special meal, and then Leonard can make an announcement to gather the girls."
"That sounds perfect."
Dinner is amazing. We eat roasted venison with wild vegetables and fresh bread. The conversation flows easily. Leonard tells stories about his pack's history. Sarah asks about my travels. For the first time in weeks, I feel relaxed.
"You know," Leonard says as we finish eating, "you're different than I expected."
"How so?"
"More humble. More genuine. The stories make you sound... well, different."
My stomach drops. "What stories?"
Sarah shoots her husband a warning look. "Leonard..."
"It's alright," I say. "I know what people are saying about the curse, and about my transformations."
Leonard looks uncomfortable. "Prince Kade, I don't put much stock in rumors—"
"They're not rumors," I interrupt. "The curse is real. My wolf form is... unusual."
"Unusual how?" Sarah asks gently.
"Larger, stronger, and more aggressive than normal." I meet their eyes. "If that changes things, I understand."
Leonard and Sarah exchange glances. Then Leonard speaks.
"Son, every wolf has his burdens. Every pack has its challenges. If our girls can handle pack life, they can handle whatever comes with being your mate."
Relief floods through me. "Thank you. That means more than you know."
"Now," Sarah says, standing up, "let me go prepare the girls while Leonard makes his announcement."
I'm shown to a guest room to freshen up. It's simple but comfortable, with a window overlooking the forest. The full moon is rising, casting silver light through the trees.
My wolf stirs restlessly. The moon always affects him, but lately it's been worse. The loneliness makes everything harder.
I change into fresh clothes and head toward the main hall where the announcement will be made. The hallway is quiet except for the sound of my footsteps.
Then I turn a corner and crash into someone.
"Oh!" A female voice exclaims as we both stumble.
"I'm sorry," I say quickly, reaching out to steady her. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
She looks up at me, and I'm struck by her beautiful green eyes. She's tall and athletic, with long brown hair and a confident bearing.
"No harm done," she says with a smile. "You must be Prince Kade."
"Yes. And you are?"
"Liora. I'm Beta Frederick’s daughter."
"It's nice to meet you, Liora. Are you heading to the hall for the announcement?"
She laughs. "Actually, I was looking for you."
"For me?"
"Yes." She straightens her shoulders. "I want to volunteer to be your mate."
I blink in surprise. "You... what?"
"I want to be your mate," she repeats. "I've been thinking about it since I heard you were coming. It makes sense."
"It makes sense?" I'm still trying to process this.
"Yes. You need a mate. I'm unmated. You're the future king. I'm the Beta's daughter. It's a good match."
Her directness is refreshing. "Liora, you don't even know me."
"I know enough," she says firmly. "I know you're brave enough to travel alone looking for your mate instead of waiting for one to be delivered to you. I know you're respectful enough to meet families instead of just ordering girls to appear. That tells me a lot about your character."
Her confidence is amazing. For the first time in months, I feel hope.
"You really want to do this?" I ask.
"I really do."
"Then yes," I say. "I accept your offer."
Her smile lights up her whole face. "Excellent. When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow morning, if that works for you."
"Perfect. I'll pack tonight."
She promises to come and get me tonight to introduce her to her father, Beta Frederick and her mother.
I walk back into the room and lie in bed staring at the ceiling. Everything feels different now. Maybe I've finally found her. Maybe the curse's hold is breaking.
A bright light fills the room and I turn to the window to see the full moon has reached its peak.
Panic seizes me and the transformation suddenly hits me like a lightning bolt. My bones crack and stretch, and my muscles expand. My skin burns as thick fur erupts across my body.
I grow larger than ever before. My claws extend like swords. My teeth become fangs, and my eyes burn with an inner fire.
I try to stay quiet, but the change is too violent. I crash into furniture. I tear the bed apart. I howl with pain and rage.
Then I hear screaming.
"Oh my god! What is that thing?"
It was Liora's voice. The door bursts open. Liora stares at me in absolute terror.
"Stay back!" I try to say, but it comes out as a growl.
"You're... you're a monster," she whispers, staggering backward with terror.
I try to shift back, but the moon won't let me. I'm trapped in this form until dawn.
"Liora, please," I manage to say. "It's still me."
But she's already running. I hear her footsteps echoing down the hallway. Then I hear her voice, distant but clear.
"I can't do this! I can't marry that thing!"
And just like that, my hope dies again.