KADE’S POV
The Whitedove Pack territory looks different from what I expected. The buildings are well-maintained, but there's something cold about the place. People watch us from windows and doorways, but no one waves or smiles.
"Welcome to Whitedove Pack, Your Highness," says the guard captain as we approach the main compound. "Alpha Darius is waiting for you."
My wolf paces restlessly under my skin. Something feels wrong here. The air is thick with tension and barely controlled hostility.
"Thank you," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
The pack house is impressive but unwelcoming. Dark stone walls rise three stories high, and narrow windows look down like watching eyes. Guards stand at every entrance.
"This way, Your Highness," the captain says, leading me up wide stone steps.
Inside, the halls are lined with weapons and hunting trophies. Everything is clean and organized, but it feels more like a fortress than a home.
"Your Highness," a voice calls from ahead.
A tall man approaches us. He's younger than I expected, maybe thirty years old, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. His clothes are expensive but practical.
"I'm Alpha Darius," he says, extending his hand. "Welcome to our territory."
"Thank you for receiving me, Alpha Darius," I say, shaking his hand. His grip is firm, almost aggressive.
"It's not often we receive royal visitors," he says with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Especially from the Fenrir Kingdom."
"I appreciate you making an exception."
"Of course. Though I must admit, I'm curious about your reasons for coming here."
We walk through more hallways lined with guards. My wolf grows more agitated with each step. Every instinct tells me to leave, but I push the feeling down.
"I'm looking for a mate," I explain. "I've been visiting packs throughout the region."
"Ah yes, the grand search," Darius says. "I heard about your father's competition. Why not wait for the ladies to come to you?"
"I prefer a more personal approach."
"How admirable. Though I wonder, given your father's... feelings about our pack, why you chose to come here."
I stop walking. "What do you mean?"
Darius turns to face me. "Your father banned all contact with us ten years ago. After the unfortunate incident with our former Beta."
"That was a different time," I say carefully. "Different leadership."
"True. My father was... harsh in his methods. I prefer a more subtle approach."
Something in his tone makes my skin crawl. My wolf snarls inside my chest.
"In any case," Darius continues, "you're here now. Let me show you to your quarters."
He leads me to a guest room on the second floor. It's comfortable but feels like a prison cell. The windows are too high and too narrow. There's only one door.
"I hope this meets your needs," Darius says.
"It's fine, thank you."
"Excellent. Now, about your search for a mate. We do have several eligible young ladies in our pack."
My heart jumps despite my unease. "Really?"
"Oh yes. In fact, I’ve already selected the most suitable candidate for you to meet. The moment you mentioned you needed a mate, I picked her in my mind. She's a perfect match."
"Selected?"
"Her name is Serena. She comes from one of our oldest families. Beautiful, intelligent, well-trained in all the proper arts."
"I'd be honored to meet her."
"Wonderful. I'll arrange for you to dine together this evening. Privately, of course. Young romance requires... intimacy."
The way he says intimacy makes my wolf bare its teeth.
"That's very thoughtful," I manage to say.
"Not at all. We want you to be comfortable here, Prince Kade. Very comfortable."
After Darius leaves, I pace the room like a caged animal. My wolf is going crazy, scratching at the inside of my mind.
"Something's wrong," I mutter to myself. "But what choice do I have?"
Hours pass slowly. Finally, a servant arrives to escort me to dinner.
"The lady is waiting in the private dining room, Your Highness," she says.
I follow her down corridors I haven't seen before. The dining room is small and elegant, lit by candles and a fireplace.
"Prince Kade," a melodious voice says.
I turn and see a beautiful woman with long golden hair, violet eyes, and a figure that would make any man weak in the knees. She wears a deep blue dress that complements her coloring perfectly.
"Lady Serena," I say, bowing slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine, Your Highness," she says with a curtsy. "I've been so looking forward to this evening."
We sit at a small table set for two. The food is excellent, and the wine flows freely. Serena is charming and intelligent, asking thoughtful questions about my travels and my kingdom.
"You must be tired after all this searching," she says, leaning closer. "So many disappointments."
"It has been... challenging," I admit.
"I can imagine. All those silly girls, too frightened to appreciate what they were being offered."
Something about her tone bothers me, but I can't put my finger on what.
"You're not frightened?" I ask.
She laughs, a sound like silver bells. "Of course not. I've heard the stories about your curse, but I find powerful men... exciting."
She reaches across the table and touches my hand. Her skin is soft and warm.
"Tell me about it," she says. "About your wolf."
"It's not something I usually discuss."
"But I want to know everything about my future mate," she says, her eyes sparkling. "I want to understand what makes you different."
Against my better judgment, I find myself talking.
"How terrible for you," she says, moving her chair closer to mine. "All those shallow girls, unable to see your true strength."
Her hand moves to my arm, then my shoulder. The touch sends warmth through my body.
"You're very understanding," I say.
"I understand power, Prince Kade. I understand what it means to be with someone extraordinary."
She stands and moves behind my chair, her hands massaging my shoulders.
"You're so tense," she murmurs. "Let me help you relax."
Her touch feels amazing. The stress of the past weeks begins to melt away.
"That's it," she whispers. "Just let go. Let me take care of you."
She comes around to face me, sitting on the edge of the table. Her dress has somehow become looser, revealing more of her curves.
"Drink some more wine," she says, refilling my glass. "It will help you unwind."
I drain the glass without thinking. The wine tastes different now, sweeter but with a bitter aftertaste.
"Serena," I start to say, but my tongue feels thick.
"Shh," she says, pressing a finger to my lips. "Don't fight it."
The room starts to spin. My vision blurs at the edges.
"What did you..." I try to stand but stumble.
"Just a little something to help you sleep," she says, her voice changing. The warm, seductive tone is gone, replaced by something cold and calculating.
"You... drugged me..."
I reach for her, but my coordination is shot. My legs give out, and I crash to the floor.
The last thing I see before the darkness takes me is her violet eyes, gleaming with malicious satisfaction.