Lycan Prince

He is a Lycan Prince sworn to protect his people. She is a warrior woman who fights with silver. Prince Vasilis does not believe there is one true mate for every werewolf. Yet, he begins to wonder if he is bedding two, three wenches at a time to quench his mounting hunger, a lust he cannot sate, or because the legend is true, that his time to mate has come. Is there one woman destined to be his? One woman for all eternity who can satisfy his relentless hunger? No. The human woman he needs does not exist. His mate must be brave, strong, fear nothing and have more fire in her veins than all his Lycan guards combined. Alexandra is on a mission. She must wed the prince to save her little sister‟s life. The fates conspire and bring her to him, but on first sight she tries to kill him. She is a beautiful warrior woman who makes men stop dead in their tracks, who fears nothing and no one, who above all, will not fall under the prince‟s seductive, sensual spell.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author‟s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Lycan Prince Copyright © 2011 Anastasia Maltezos ISBN: 978-1-77111-016-7 Cover art by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by Devine Destinies An imprint of eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.devinedestinies.com

Lycan Prince By Anastasia Maltezos

To Georgia and Louie.

Chapter One

“A

blasted contest! He has finally lost his mind.” “The king only wants to help you find your soul mate. He knows your time to mate has come.” Vasilis shot his chief guard a menacing look. “I don‟t question his motives. It‟s his methods I doubt.” He growled as another wave of anger shot through him. “Having women throughout the land compete for my hand in marriage is not what I had in mind when the time came for me to choose a bride.” “Your Highness, you also need to start thinking of an heir.” Vasilis grimaced and took another swig of ale. “I have avoided silver for two hundred years, my friend. I can do it for another two hundred. Right now, I have bigger things to worry about like that damn contest.” “Running away is not the answer.” Vasilis shot him a glare, his dark gaze narrowing with a silent warning. “Know your place, Malek.” Almost immediately, guilt dampened his ire. Malek was not only his chief guard, he was also his trusted friend for over two hundred years. “I haven‟t run away,” Vasilis said. “Look around you. I have twenty guards with me at this camp. Our caravan got the royal send off when we left. If I ran away, I wouldn‟t have surrounded myself with a fleet of Lycan warriors.” “You know your father would have never allowed you to 1

Lycan Prince take this trip alone. Your safety is his primary concern. As for the contest, His Highness knows the kind of woman who will make you happy. That is why the contest he devised will crown the woman with all the qualities you seek in a mate.” Vasilis shot Malek a dark frown. “Have you seen the royal parchment, my friend? He planned an event where the women must hit a target with a bow and arrow more than two hundred paces away. And what of the hand to hand combat he devised for the remaining competitors? I won‟t be surprised if these women get hurt.” “The king wants the perfect human woman for you,” Malek said. “The woman you marry may not choose to turn, therefore she must rely on her human strength and skills to defend herself.” “Be that as it may, this Amazon my father perceives as my soul mate does not exist, my loyal friend.” Vasilis leaned back against the boulder and looked up into the night sky, releasing a heavy sigh. “Let us have some more ale and forget that damn contest for now.” Vasilis took a swig of ale, feeling a stir in his loins. Dammit. His sexual appetite was increasing and he began to wonder if his father was right, that his time to mate was here. Vasilis grimaced. No, he couldn‟t believe there was one woman to sate his appetite, one woman for all eternity. He had been with three women on their last stop a few days ago and they hadn‟t been able to sate his lust. He wondered how far into the next village they would be before he could relieve himself of his damn tension. He leaned back on the boulder and stared up at the nearly full moon, his mouth thinning. Vasilis knew what he had to do. Upon his return home, he was going to tell his father to cancel the contest. As for his mounting, insatiable lust, he would have to 2

Anastasia Maltezos make do with the temporary relief he found from his willing bed mates. If there was one thing Vasilis knew, it was women. They were predictable, weak and needed a man in their lives to protect them. **** Alexandra kneed the bandit in the groin and reached into the waistband of her trousers for her dagger. She heard her little sister scream from behind the boulder where she hid. The bandit groaned and doubled over in pain as she plunged her dagger deep into his back. “Ariel!” she yelled hoarsely, exhausted from having defeated two out of the four bandits who had swarmed into their meagre campsite some fifteen minutes earlier. “Alex, help me! There‟s a bad man here!” Alexandra‟s fear rose, her heart tight in her breast as she fought the third bandit. “Bastard! You‟ll die a painful death if you harm one hair on her head,” she yelled over her shoulder. The third bandit punched her in the face and pain exploded on her jaw as she went flying to the ground. She grimaced and swiped a leg at the back of his ankles, tumbling him to the ground. She sprung onto his stunned body and thrust the dagger deep into his gut. Alexandra felt no remorse. These bandits had only one thing on their minds, to kill and rob them. That was the way in these parts of the mountains, the reason no one travelled here. But Alexandra hadn‟t had much of a choice. It was the shortest route to King Drago‟s kingdom and she had to win the royal contest. Her little sister‟s life depended on it. Alexandra killed the fourth and final bandit with a sharp 3

Lycan Prince arrow shot straight through his heart. Ariel cried as she ran into her sister‟s outstretched arms and Alexandra moved her hands quickly over her little body, checking for wounds. There were none and she thanked the gods above. She gathered her six-year-old sister into her arms and hugged her tight. “I‟m sorry I brought you here, but it‟s the shortest route.” Ariel nodded numbly as she wiped her tears with a little fist. “I knew you would save me.” Alexandra kissed her on the forehead. “You know why we have to go to the royal kingdom.” “Yes. You‟re going to win the Royal Contest, marry the prince and have enough gold to find the best healer to make me better.” Alexandra tried to smile as she looked at the shadows under Ariel‟s eyes. “That‟s right and you‟re going to grow up big and strong and get married to a nice man and have a wonderful life.” Ariel nodded. Alexandra could see she was fighting fresh tears. “What‟s wrong? The danger‟s passed.” Ariel‟s mouth quivered. “I was scared the bad men were going to kill you and I would be all alone.” Alexandra sat on the gravel and gathered her frail, little sister onto her lap. “Come here,” she said gently. “Remember one thing. I am never going to leave you. I‟m always going to protect you and take care of you.” First, she had to get them out of bandit area. She defeated four men, but what if there were more? More men than she was able to fight off? Worse, she kept thinking about the Lycans hiding in the mountains, eight-foot tall beasts with jowls and fangs who could rip a human in two. She‟d never seen one and prayed they were a myth. She could fight off four bandits, but she doubted she was strong enough to fight 4

Anastasia Maltezos a monster. Even warrior women had their limits. **** “This is bandit area, Your Highness. We have to take another route,” Malek explained calmly. “We have no danger from humans.” “Humans carry silver, Your Highness. If we take another route and don‟t stop at the next two villages, we will make it back in time. We are already behind schedule.” “The men will be tired. No. We will go through this territory and make it back home within the week.” “Very well, Your Highness. I will prepare the men.” Vasilis flicked his reins, signalling his white steed to pick up pace. He knew what his friend was thinking and knew Malek would never voice his thoughts out loud. His loyalty and respect were without question. They were behind schedule because of those three wenches Vasilis couldn‟t part with in the last village. In this case, he‟d needed two extra days, delaying their arrival back home. Vasilis heard Malek issuing orders to the guards. “We are going through bandit area. Keep your guard up. Our kind in these parts come disguised in their human form. They may appear as beggars, bandits, strays, but they are dangerous. They all carry silver.” They rode in silence until Ortega traveled back from the head of the caravan and yelled, “I see something up ahead. Halt.” The caravan came to a standstill and Malek turned to Vasilis. “Let me go see what it is.” Vasilis nodded, his face stern. “Keep your guard.” “It was an ambush,” yelled Ortega. 5

Lycan Prince Swearing under his breath, Vasilis spurred his steed into action and rode to the front of the caravan. He narrowed his gaze at the four bandits dead on the ground. “Malek, do you see what I see?” “Yes. There are six horses. Where are the other two men?” At that moment, an arrow sliced through the air and nicked Malek on the shoulder. The arrow drew a tiny rip on his vest as it fell to the ground. Ortega picked up the arrow and inspected the tip. “Silver!” he yelled. “Protect the prince.” Within moments, twenty horses galloped and thrashed, surrounding Vasilis. He peered through his men and saw a woman in the distance. His gut clenched in response to something primitive, ancient. She stood on a boulder, her long legs apart, garbed in men‟s dark trousers and a white shirt. Vasilis narrowed his gaze and stared at her long dark hair, wild and free as it fell past her waist. She stood still as the moon, aiming a bow and arrow on them. “Go away or I won‟t aim for a shoulder next time,” she called loudly. Vasilis inhaled deeply, drawing in her scent, stiffening violently as her sweet smell surrounded him. She was human. A mere mortal. From this distance, he could also tell she was a very beautiful woman. His loins tightened in response to the jolt of desire that ran through his veins. “Who is she?” Krako asked gruffly. “She shoots with silver!” Malek roared. Vasilis looked at his guards and tensed. “At ease, men. It is only a mere, mortal woman,” he said dryly. They all look flummoxed, as if they witnessed an angel fallen from the sky. Another arrow zinged through the air and landed on the same spot on Malek. Vasilis snapped his 6

Anastasia Maltezos gaze back to the woman and narrowed his eyes dangerously. This was no angel, he thought. “This is your last warning, men. Retreat,” she called firmly. “The woman is a damn good shot,” Malek said grimly as he looked at his shoulder. “A little deeper and she would have ended my immortal existence.” “Move aside,” Vasilis growled at his men. “No, Your Highness. She‟s dangerous,” Malek said angrily. “Men, tighten your shield,” he barked loudly and the men moved closer, narrowing the gaps in front of Vasilis. “I‟m going to count to three,” she called out, her voice sounding stronger and more confident. “Retreat.” Vasilis couldn‟t believe it. This woman wasn‟t afraid. By God! She was damn arrogant and insolent. He drew his brows into a furious frown. They were immortals with Lycan blood pulsating through their veins and she thought she could overtake them? Damnation! She was either the bravest human he‟d ever met or the craziest. “Do you think she killed the four bandits?” Ortega asked. “If she did, her skill is matched by her beauty,” Krako said gruffly, his face darkening as his gaze roamed over her impressive form. A deep growl rose from his throat. Vasilis was disgusted. “Keep your guard up, men. She obviously has men hiding behind her.” What was the matter with them? They acted as if they had never seen a woman before in their lives, he thought angrily. This woman was affecting his men, making them lose their concentration. Damnation! He needed to get things under control. “Let me pass,” he growled. Malek shot him an unmoving look. “No. You will be an open target, Your Highness.” 7

Lycan Prince “That is a direct order, my friend.” His men parted and he rode in front of them. He stared at the woman poised and ready to shoot another arrow. He got a better look at her and from this distance, he could see the lush curves along her hips, her long, steady legs, her waist so tiny he could probably span it with his hands. For a moment, he felt mesmerized by her and stared at her imposing stance. He cursed. This woman was making his loins tighten again with uncontrollable lust. At that moment, he didn‟t know what was worse—how she was affecting his men, or how she was affecting him. “Lower your bow. Now,” he roared. “No.” Insolence! His anger rose to a dangerous boil. “The men hiding behind you are no match for my guards. Surrender, wench.” “No. You surrender, warrior. Leave now or you‟ll be sorry.” He kept his gaze fastened on her and slowly lifted the bow attached to his harness. He brought it to his shoulders. Without taking his eyes off her, he removed an arrow from his pouch beside his left leg. He was going to aim for her arrow. “Lower your bow,” he commanded. Instantly, her arrow careened through the air and knocked his arrow out of his hand. Then all hell broke loose. Malek shouted out orders, Krako and Ortega aimed their arrows at her, prepared to shoot, while the rest of the guards surrounded Vasilis. Vasilis stared at her, stunned. Instinctively he knew she had aimed specifically for his arrow and was astounded at her precise marksmanship. This woman was magnificent and for the first time in his life, he felt nothing short of amazement for a member of the fair sex. 8

Anastasia Maltezos It was when he saw her that his body went cold. A little, dark haired girl in a bedraggled dress who climbed up from behind the boulder and darted in between the woman‟s legs. The woman looked down quickly and motioned to the little girl to go back behind the rock when his men released their arrows. “No!” Vasilis roared, but it was too late. One arrow grazed her leg and the other one whizzed by her head. Vasilis spurred his horse into a thunderous gallop as the little girl screamed in terror, watching the woman collapse to her knees. Vasilis reached the woman‟s side as she placed a trembling hand up to her grazed head while her other one gathered the little girl protectively to her side. “You‟re bleeding,” the little girl cried. “Shh. It‟s all right,” the woman cooed gently. Vasilis felt his stomach clench with guilt. The woman stared at her bloody hand and grimaced before she looked up at Vasilis. Their gaze locked, hers furious, his concerned and he sprung off his horse before sinking to his knees in front of her. He saw her flinch when he brought his hand gently to her hair and moved it to the side. Relief flowed through his veins. It was little more than a scratch. Thank the gods! The little girl flung her tiny body onto his chest and pounded her little fists on him. “Get away from her! Don‟t touch her!” Vasilis grimaced as he gently picked up the little girl and placed her in Malek‟s arms. “We‟re going to help her, little one,” he said, his tone thick with remorse. The little girl sobbed as she redirected her fear toward Malek and began hitting him. Malek held her gently and gave Vasilis a dark look tinged with deep regret. Vasilis‟s mouth thinned into a grim line as he looked back at the 9

Lycan Prince woman. Her eyes were as black as night and all he could see in them was fury. “If you harm her, I will kill you,” she said huskily and fell to the ground in a dead faint.

10

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Two

T

he throbbing pain in her leg woke her up. Alex groaned as she opened her eyes and stared at the afternoon sky. It took her a few moments to realise she was lying in a wagon being pulled by a horse. She heard the sound of trotting hoof beats all around her and the sporadic murmur of deep male voices. She started to rise, but a wave of nausea overwhelmed her and she slumped back down on the makeshift cot. God she felt like hell. She brought her hand up to her head and felt the gauze over her forehead. Someone had taken the time to tend to her wound. She felt her leg beneath the tarp covering her. Another piece of gauze covered her thigh. “I am assuming that bruise on your cheek is the mark of one of the bandits who attacked you,” said a deep, male voice. She gasped in surprise and slid her gaze to the man sitting in the far corner of the wagon. Alex stiffened. He was the man she had threatened with murder just before she…just before she…oh my God, she had fainted! Alex had never so much as felt dizzy in her life and in a startling flash, all the events that led her here swam before her eyes. Her last, horrible encounter with her stepmother, the royal parchment, the bandits she‟d fought and the small fleet of warriors who—she went cold with dread and fear. Ariel! Panicked, Alex tried to move again and grimaced in pain. 11

Lycan Prince “Where is Ariel?” “Your daughter is safe. She has taken a liking to Malek and is up ahead on horseback with him.” A relief so profound overcame her, she slumped back down on her makeshift bed and closed her eyes. “Bring her here,” she said hoarsely. “I want her with me.” “You need to rest. Ariel is safe with Malek. He is entertaining her with stories and games as we speak.” “I’m not speaking. I‟m in pain.” She moaned, giving the warrior a dry look. She caught the glimmer of a smile on his mouth and took a better look at him. He was sitting, leaning back against the wooden enclosure, staring at her with a dark, fathomless gaze. The first thing she noticed about him was his size. Even sitting down, he looked huge. He was a mass of hulk, his long, muscular legs stretched out before him, his immense shoulders straining against his warrior garb. Alex tore her gaze away from his bulging biceps and stared at his handsome face. His intense gaze brought an involuntary jolt in her stomach. “How were you able to defeat four bandits?” he asked. The question didn‟t take her by surprise. She stared at his face. It was a beautiful face, fierce looking and ruthless, with coal black eyes and thick, black hair that fell past his shoulders. Alex almost forgot his question as she dropped her gaze and stared at his mouth. She laid her head back and closed her eyes. “Where are my horses?” “Behind us. They‟re tethered to the wagon following us. How did you defeat four bandits?” he repeated. Alex sighed and opened her eyes. She gave him pointed look. “Would you be asking me that question if I were a man?” His mouth quirked. “Probably not.” “Then pretend I‟m a man and I don‟t have to answer any 12

Anastasia Maltezos questions for you.” How she learned the art of combat and the use of weapons was a story too long to tell and she didn‟t have the desire nor the inclination to go over the long affair. The warrior‟s face darkened. “Very well,” he said and rose. Alex stifled a sharp breath. The man was a giant, she thought as she looked up at him. “Bring me my—bring me Ariel,” she stated, her voice growing fainter. She started to feel weak. “Thank Malek for looking after her, but I want her near me.” The warrior nodded and swung his big body over the side of the wagon. She could hear him land on the ground— no doubt on his feet—and closed her eyes again. The only two things on her mind right now were getting some rest and holding Ariel. Everything had its place and time and she‟d wonder about this warrior and how she was going to reach King Drago‟s land after she recovered. Alex was almost asleep when Ariel‟s little body snuggled against her side. With her eyes still closed, Alex brought her arm around her little sister, sighed contentedly and fell asleep. **** Vasilis watched the woman sleep with her daughter at her side and a curious warmth filled his gut. All he‟d learned from Malek who had tried to gain some information from the little girl was that her mother‟s name was Alexandra. Vasilis smiled, recalling how the little girl had mutinously stared up at Malek as he had tried to glean more information from her, but the little one had not budged. Only when Malek had changed tactics and began to play games with her had she cracked a smile. 13

Lycan Prince Alexandra moaned softly in her sleep, Ariel fast asleep at her side and Vasilis knotted his brow into a frown. There was something haunting about this woman, something heavy that hung in the air around her. The obvious about her intrigued him, as in how she had learned to fight and use an arrow most men would dream of being able to use. There was her beauty as well, he reflected, skimming his gaze over her captivating curves. But it was more than that. This woman was a fighter. Vasilis always felt it in his bones when he was facing an equal, another warrior. His question was how could a woman be so maternal, realising she loved her daughter very much, kill four men with only a bruised cheek to show for it? The only scratches and cuts on her were the ones inflicted by his own men, he thought grimly. Well, he had ample time to find out who she was because she wasn‟t going anywhere anytime soon. A dark notion entered his head. What if she was a spy? What if his evil brethren sent her? A genius weapon at that, since he was all too aware of his reputation for beautiful wenches. Grim-faced, he vaulted over the side of the wagon. His horse trotted alongside it and Vasilis landed squarely on its saddle. He grabbed the reins and moved ahead to Malek. “She told me nothing,” he said once he reached his friend. “I, too, nothing from her daughter.” “Do you think they sent her?” “I doubt it. Why would she travel with her child?” Malek‟s face darkened. “But I wouldn‟t put it past those monsters to devise a plan as diabolical as this.” “That‟s exactly what I thought.” Vasilis tensed his mouth. “Well, like it or not, we have two visitors and there‟s nothing we can do about it.” “We could always toss them over the side and leave them 14

Anastasia Maltezos to fend for themselves,” Malek offered dryly. Vasilis raised a brow. “Admit it, my friend. You are as intrigued and mystified by her as I am.” “Your Highness, I am impressed by her use of the bow and arrow. Even with their Lycan strength and speed, she could still teach your men a few things. “ Vasilis narrowed his eyes. “Yes, she can,” he murmured deeply. “Perhaps, she can also show you that not all women are weak,” Malek offered all too casually. Vasilis shot him a look. “Easy, my friend. The woman knows how to defend herself, nothing more nothing less.” “She is quite beautiful, too,” Malek added innocently. Vasilis wasn‟t buying any of it. “Yes. A blind man can see that and a deaf man can hear what you‟re suggesting.” Malek shrugged. “Do you blame me?” Vasilis thought about the woman sleeping thirty strides behind him. Yes, he conceded. She did possess qualities he told Malek would make her his ideal woman, but Malek was forgetting one thing. Alexandra had a daughter and that meant she had a husband somewhere and husbands were an attribute Vasilis did not find appealing in any woman. **** Alex opened her eyes and stared up at an old woman applying a cool solvent on her cheek. Her body was stiff all over and she wished she remained in the oblivion of sleep. She tried to move, but the pain in her leg made her groan. “Be still,” the old woman hovering over her said. “We have to remove your garments so I can see if you have any other bruises.” “We will do nothing of the kind. Who are you?” 15

Lycan Prince “I am Hesta, the healer. I have been ordered to take care of you.” Alex didn‟t doubt by whom. She recalled the warrior with the dark frown who was in her wagon when a thought struck her. “Where‟s Ariel? Where‟s my—” “Your daughter is safe, Milady. She is having lunch with Malek.” Alex relaxed. Malek was the man the ruthless looking warrior had told her looked after her sister. She wondered how long she‟d slept, if she could call it sleep. She had been plagued with nightmares, pain and discomfort the whole time. The pain and discomfort she could live with. Lord knew she had plenty of practice living with her stepmother. Alex scowled, her lips tensing into a thin line. Her hand automatically went for her dagger, but it wasn‟t on her waistband where she usually kept it tucked safely from sight. “Aye, Milady. Gone. All your weapons are. The master said it was best to keep all sharp objects away from you,” the old woman offered, cackling. “T‟was such a sight. I have never seen so many warriors turn white at the same time.” She cast Alex a shrewd gaze. “What a sight you beheld, standing up to a fleet of the best warriors of the land. Only a witch could have that power. Are you a witch, Milady?” Alex would have laughed if the pain in her jaw allowed her. “If I were a witch, I wouldn‟t be lying down, unable to move, would I?” The healer nodded. “Aye. As I believed. Now let me help you up so I can remove your shirt and undergarments. “ Alex recoiled. “No. I have no wish being naked in front of a caravan full of warriors.” “Stubborn as well as a good marksman,” came the dry, deep voice behind the healer. Alex‟s stomach jolted at the deep, sulphuric tone. It was 16

Anastasia Maltezos him—the giant with the smouldering, dark gaze and the sensual mouth. She lifted her head slightly and peered over Hesta‟s shoulder. He was in the far right of the wagon, leaning against a pile of crates, his arms folded across his massive chest. He looked every bit as big and alarming as she remembered. “Where are we going?” she asked, hoping her voice didn‟t betray her nerves. “Back to my home.” Irritation lined her brow. “And where is your home, sir?” “On the other side of the mountains, past bandit territory.” He cast a thorough look up and down her slim form, lying amidst tarp and covers. “You are with us for the duration.” Alex thought about the Royal Contest and made some quick calculations in her head. “Tend to my horses. Make sure they‟re ready for me by nightfall.” King Drago‟s kingdom was also on the other side of the mountains and she knew she would make better time if she journeyed with Ariel alone. He raised a dark brow. “Going anywhere?” “Yes and I haven‟t a moment to spare.” “You cannot go anywhere until you are healed. A half day‟s ride will leave you flat on your back.” “I will take my chances.” “Headstrong, too,” he commented dryly. The healer cackled with mirth and he tossed her a warning look before he redirected his gaze back to Alex. “Why put your daughter at risk? This is bandit territory and you‟re in no position physically to protect her.” Irritated with his logic, she pursed her lips. There was something about this man that rankled her nerves. He was arrogant and proud and had a lofty air about him that told her he was not used to being challenged by anyone. 17

Lycan Prince The giant looked at the healer. “Take her clothes off by force if you have to. Check for more wounds. I will return shortly.” He then vaulted over the side of the moving wagon, landing firmly on his horse trotting alongside. Alex glared at the old woman. The healer wasn‟t frail, but rather robust and strong looking. Alex doubted she could ward off her attempts to disrobe her. “Touch me and I‟ll kill you,” she said. The healer cackled, but this time her grey eyes held a hint of warmth. “You have more fire in your bones than twenty of his men, Milady. I can see why he has taken such an interest in you. Do not fear me, child. I want to help you. I will take these tarps and cover the wagon‟s side so no one will see you.” The solvent on her jaw had already numbed most of the pain and Alex wondered if she had any more injuries on her body. God only knew she must have because she felt pain everywhere. Logic prevailed. Besides, the sooner she healed, the sooner she and Ariel could be on their way. “All right,” she conceded. After taking a few minutes to cover the sides of the wagon, Hesta turned to Alex. “Let me help you remove your shirt.” Alex was grateful with the help because she couldn‟t lift her arms past her shoulders. Within moments, all her top garments were removed. The old woman poked and prodded Alex‟s naked stomach, breasts and shoulders and kept asking her if she felt any pain. Alex said she did not and the old healer helped her turn over onto her stomach. That was when she heard Hesta‟s sharp gasp. “Heavens above! What are these marks?” the old woman asked. Alex closed her eyes. “They are marks from the past. Ignore them.” 18

Anastasia Maltezos “Child, they cannot be ignored. They are welts upon welts.” “I said, ignore them,” Alex snapped. She didn‟t fancy a trip down memory lane. “Ah, the caravan has stopped. I need to get my other ointment, child,” the healer said. “It might help soften and fade the scars.” As the old woman climbed over the side panel, Alex heard her grumbling, “Heaven help me, but I do not think I can do anything for them.” Alex closed her eyes, the afternoon warmth of the sun on her back a soothing welcome. The past was creeping into her thoughts and she pushed them away as she willed herself to relax, but it was easier said than done. She squeezed her eyes, thinking about the beatings she had to endure to save Ariel from the whip. She would have taken a hundred more beatings if it meant her little sister wouldn‟t be harmed, but it didn‟t matter anymore. Her stepmother was dead. A deep voice from behind her broke into her dark thoughts. “Holy Mother of God!” Alex gasped in surprise. “Go away!” She knew who was standing above her and she quickly gathered the covers from beneath her and flung them over her sides to hide her back. Grimacing in pain, she turned over on her back and looked up into the giant‟s dark and dangerous expression. “Who marked you?” he ground out. Alex stiffened. The last thing she needed was pity. “Someone who will never hurt me again.” “Who tortured you?” he asked, his face growing darker, more dangerous, as his gaze flicked to the ample cleavage her breasts displayed from the edge of the cover. A low, deep growl rose from his throat and for a split second Alex was afraid. She raised the edge of the cover to hide her breasts. “No one.” 19

Lycan Prince “Tell me. Now!” Alex sensed something wild and primitive ready to snap in him and she raised the covers even more. “I said no one. It‟s…it‟s not important anymore.” “I see.” He ran a rough hand through his thick, dark mane as Hesta arrived carrying a bag. The old woman shot him a pointed look. “Milady needs her privacy, Your—” “Tend to her,” he growled and vaulted over the side of the wagon.

20

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Three

V

asilis frowned grimly as he thought about the bewitching woman with the scars on her back. He pictured the old healer rubbing ointment on Alexandra‟s silken skin and his loins tightened violently. He grimaced with disgust. He didn‟t know if he wanted to ravage her or to protect her. For the life of him, he couldn‟t get the sexy siren with the sharp tongue out of his mind. Damn it. Who harmed her with such violence? Did her husband commit those sins on her back, a husband who may be in hot pursuit of her right now? Vasilis clenched his jaw and swore roughly under his breath. If he saw that bastard, he would rip his limbs from his body. “What has you looking so murderous, Your Highness?” Malek asked. Vasilis tensed with irritation. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me Your Highness?” Malek‟s brows rose. “More pressing is what has darkened your mood to such depths of fury? What happened with the woman just now?” “You‟re asking me too many questions.” Vasilis looked around. “Where is her daughter? Shouldn‟t she be riding with you?” “She is in Paddy‟s wagon. He is teaching her to cut and prepare the beans for tonight‟s meal. I believe I actually 21

Lycan Prince heard a small chuckle from that old coot. “ Vasilis nodded, thinking about their cantankerous, fouled mood cook. Vasilis wasn‟t surprised the little girl was worming her way into the hearts of all she met, much like her mother who had been occupying most of Vasilis‟s thoughts since the moment he met her. And his men, he conceded wryly, catching them cast surreptitious glances at her wagon as they rode by. Like mother like daughter. One, a beguiling, sweet child who thawed frozen hearts and the other, is a siren-songed warrior woman who made men still in their tracks. His mouth curled in disgust. They weren‟t men. They were beasts disguised as men. “Someone beat her,” he said harshly. “She has scars on her back. It could be her husband. Keep a look out. He may be on her trail.” Malek stiffened immediately. “Aye. I‟ll tell my men.” And off he went. Vasilis nudged his horse along, his dark gaze intent on the road before him, but all he could see was the woman lying a few paces behind him, her firm, naked body lying beneath covers. She hadn‟t even batted an eye when she first set eyes on him. He wondered if that had anything to do with his interest in her. Vasilis wasn‟t accustomed to being ignored by the fair sex and he couldn‟t help wondering what it was about her that made her immune to him. He wasn‟t even sure she knew he was the prince. Something told him once she found out, she would drop her defences and be just like all the other women he had met and bedded in his travels. The thought didn‟t sit well with him and he kicked his horse into a small gallop, the four warriors flanking him, spurring their horses to a lively gait to keep up with him. 22

Anastasia Maltezos

**** It had taken all of three days before Alex could move without suffering from pain. She still felt discomfort, but the old woman with the magic solvent was a miracle worker and Alex‟s wounds were healing fast. Three days she‟d been on her back in the wagon. Three days of seeing the giant periodically, his dark, fathomless gaze boring into hers as he clipped out brief questions inquiring about her health. Alex had wondered why he kept returning, especially given the fact they clearly felt an underlining antagonism between them. He didn‟t have to tell her he disliked her. She could feel it every time he looked down at her with his grim face and dark frown. She squirmed on her back, longing to get up and walk. Alex wasn‟t used to non-activity and she asked the old healer when she could find some reprieve. “Now, my child,” Hesta said kindly. “We will stop soon and make camp. There is a small village nearby. The prince will wish to stay the night and visit the tavern.” Had she misheard the old woman? Alex grew cold. “The prince? Who…what…” It couldn‟t be, she thought with dread. Hesta gave her a knowing look. “Aye, he is the prince, child. I knew you did not know of it since the first day. I still do not know why he has not made his presence known to you,” she added under her breath. Alex‟s insides were in turmoil. The prince! And he disliked her! She closed her eyes and pursed her lips. Damn it! How was he going to react when he learned she was going to fight in the Royal Contest for his hand in marriage? 23

Lycan Prince Worse, Alex didn‟t even like him. He was cold and dangerous looking and far too ruthless a man for her tastes, not that she had a particular taste in men or experience with them since the only thing she ever had time for in her life had been looking after Ariel and her training sessions with Hiroshi. Her heart filled with warmth and sadness as it always did when she thought of her dear mentor. He‟d helped her with so many things and not just the art of combat. He taught her to face challenges head on and to be brave. Well, this was one big challenge. She‟d envisioned the prince to be charming and courteous, not the bohemian she‟d encountered. Her prince was caring and kind and compassionate, not the big oaf whose only redeeming quality was his muscle and brawn. “Rumours are we will not make it back to the royal grounds in time for the contest,” the old healer said, breaking into Alex‟s train of thought. Alex frowned. “Why?” The old woman gave her a knowing look. “There are wenches in the next village, child, and the prince cannot resist the tempting flash of breast or thigh.” “Oh.” Alex frowned. Somehow, that didn‟t sit too well with her. It seemed the prince was not only a barbarian, but a womanizer as well. Her plan for The Royal Contest started disintegrating before her eyes. “He has many women, has he?” she asked carefully. “Oh, yes and methinks that will not change after he is wed.” Alex pursed her lips and remained silent as she recalled her own mother‟s heartache with an unfaithful man. Alex‟s father had been a weak, selfish man and she had vowed at a very young age that she would never allow a man to hurt 24

Anastasia Maltezos her as her father hurt her mother. It seemed, however, the fates had wickedly intervened and Alex now found herself facing the same life as her mother. However, this was all for Ariel a little voice rang in her ears. Her sweet, beloved, little sister who needed her. Alex‟s love for Ariel gave her strength. She‟d win the contest! For the coin. For security and comfort. All for Ariel. “Ah, we‟ve stopped, at last,” Hesta said. Alex‟s spirits lifted. Finally, she could get up and stretch. “Please bring Ariel to me.” The old woman nodded. “I will be back in a few minutes, but don‟t move until I return. Your discomfort will lessen if I help you rise.” She paused before she climbed over the wagon to the wooden steps attached on the lower side. The old woman gave Alex a knowing look. “T‟is even more interesting you didn‟t ask me any questions about the contest I mentioned.” Alex couldn‟t hold the healer‟s shrewd gaze. “I…I received a royal parchment from one of the king‟s messengers a fortnight ago.” The old woman nodded slowly. “I see. Methinks you would make a fine competitor.” Then she left. Alex sighed and laid her head back down, closing her eyes. The healer was far too astute for her own good, she thought. Alex envisioned her life with the prince bedding wenches and she sighed wearily. She would have to get accustomed to it. The difference between Alex and her mother was her mother loved her father despite his selfish, cold ways and Alex, well, Alex didn‟t even like the warrior prince. The last thing she was in danger of was succumbing to passion and bedding him, let alone falling in love with him. She almost laughed cynically. Love. An overrated concept. She saw what love did to her mother and Alex wanted no part of it. 25

Lycan Prince The parchment clearly stated the winner of the Royal Contest would wed the prince and be titled princess. It didn‟t state anywhere she had to sire him a child, hence, Alex was under no obligation to allow him to bed her and she wouldn‟t. Besides, she didn‟t think the prince would have the desire to do so if his uncompromising attitude with her the past few days was any indication. Feeling better, she settled her warring mind and waited for Hesta to return with Ariel. She would win the contest, her athletic prowess and combat skills leaving her no doubt she would be crowned princess and she would allow him his freedom to do as he pleased. The prize in her mind was not the title of princess or the companionship of the prince, but the wealth she would acquire to heal her sister of her breathing condition. Ariel was the only person in her life she loved and the thought of losing her filled her with dread. Her beloved mother‟s dying words to Alex after the midwife had taken Ariel out of her womb had been, “Guard and protect your sister, Alex. Look after her, always and with your life.” The midwife had cleaned the newborn and had carried the baby to Alex as her mother lay dying. Once Alex looked down at Ariel‟s scrunched up tiny, pink face, she‟d felt a powerful, astonishing tug of love and protection for the infant. She heard a sound and turned her head, her spirit lifting at the prospect of seeing Ariel. Her smile froze when she saw the prince vault over the wagon‟s side. She stared at his impressive physique and a sudden image filled her mind. An image of their naked limbs entwined in passionate heat. Her face burned with embarrassment. She stomped on the image before it took an alarming note. He towered over her, staring down at her with his brooding, mesmerizing gaze. With the newfound knowledge 26

Anastasia Maltezos that he would one day be king, she took a closer look at him and wondered why she hadn‟t detected his regal stature, his imperial pose before. Their gazes clashed, warred. Hers guarded, his almost violent. “We are stopping here for the night. You and your daughter will sleep in the healer‟s tent.” He flicked a dark glance at the fading bruise on her jaw. There was a strange flicker in his eyes, like a softening of sorts. She must have misread his expression because she couldn‟t imagine anything soft about him. “I see your health has much improved. Good.” Alex nodded. “But I need to walk and stretch.” “One of my men can take you around the camp when you are ready.” “I‟m ready now and I prefer to walk with Ariel, alone. She‟s not used to being around strangers and I don‟t want her to feel uncomfortable.” His dark brow rose. “Your daughter seems to be taking very well to strangers. First, my chief guard and now my cook. Everyone is quite taken with her.” “Ariel is a sweet child.” Alex paused, her gaze wavering under his. “And…and she‟s not my daughter. She‟s my sister, Your Highness.” She saw him stiffen. His eyes bore down on her and a curious muscle twitched along his jaw. “I wondered when you would find out.” She raised a brow. “Was it a secret?” “No.” His mouth tensed. “Was it a secret Ariel is your sister and not your daughter?” “No.” Alex tensed, hoping he would leave. “Thank you for informing me about our stop. You may go now.” “By the gods, are you dismissing me?” She wanted to say yes, but his formidable stance and ruthless air gave her pause. His gaze flickered over the outline of her body covered in tarp and settled on her full, 27

Lycan Prince pink lips. “Why were you out in bandit area with your sister?” he asked abruptly once he brought his gaze back to hers. Alex braced herself. This was where she should tell him about The Royal Contest, but somehow she couldn‟t bring herself to do it. Surely, he would make an unflattering remark or cast a distasteful look upon her if she did. In addition, after what she‟d been through the past fortnight, she didn‟t have the energy to cross that bridge yet. “That, Your Highness, is none of your concern.” “I beg to differ,” he practically growled. “If you are running from anyone, it is my concern. I have the safety of my men to consider. I ask you again, woman, why were you in bandit area?” Alex bristled under his harsh glare. The charged air between them was palpable and she couldn‟t wait to be left alone. “No one is after me. Do not fear for your men‟s safety.” “You did not answer my question.” Alex had had enough and her shackles rose. “I answered your question. We did not run from anyone. We are merely on an excursion. An expedition, so to speak.” “To what? To get yourself killed? This is highly dangerous soil you have entered. You put your sister at risk.” Alex raised a delicate brow. “If I recall correctly, I was doing fine on my own before Ariel came up from behind the boulder and distracted me. I was in no danger from the four bandits who fell upon my camp and I was certainly in no danger from your men.” “Are you always so obtuse? Those bandits come in packs. The four were a diversion. There are more out here.” He paused, his face darkening. “And what of the Lycans roaming the mountains? Preying on innocents like you? Are 28

Anastasia Maltezos you not afraid of them?” “Mythical beasts?” She shrugged. “When I see one, I‟ll believe they exist. Right now they are only myth and I have no time to fear something that is only hearsay.” He gave her a look she could only define as dumbfounded. “These mythical beasts, as you call them, attack when the moon is full and destroy entire villages. They are only hearsay because the villagers they turn become one of them. No one has ever escaped their lair.” “Then surely you must be glad to have me here for your added protection. Speaking of which, where are my weapons?” she asked. He tensed. “Safe.” “I want them.” “When you‟ve healed and we have parted. You are too dangerous with sharp objects. Speaking of which, you fight with silver. I checked all your weapons. Dagger, sword, arrows, all are made with silver.” “They are for mine and Ariel‟s protection.” “From these mythical beasts you don‟t believe in?” he asked sardonically. “I will protect my sister from all, real or otherwise.” He stared at her for what seemed an eternity before he spoke. “And now you have me to protect you,” he said slowly. Immediately, he stiffened as a dark frown fell over his face, as though he was momentarily disturbed by something. Alex had never heard anyone tell her they would protect her. Most of her adult life, she had been the protector. An uncharacteristic flutter settled over her stomach, his words oddly comforting. She thanked the skies above because at that moment, she heard a small bustle behind the prince and turned her gaze toward the sound. It was the healer returning with Ariel. 29

Lycan Prince Alex‟s mood shifted immediately and she smiled at her little sister‟s face peaking up from the side of the wagon. The lavender shadows under Ariel‟s eyes were darker today and Alex pursed her lips as guilt raced through her veins. She had been the cause of Ariel‟s fatigue the past fortnight, embarking on such a perilous journey. Alex saw the prince move and lift Ariel over the side. He looked massive compared to her tiny sister, but Alex could see his touch was gentle as he carried her to her side. “Alex! We are going to sleep in a big tent,” Ariel said excitedly. Alex laughed softly. “I know, baby and while the tents are being set up, you and I are going for a little walk.” Ariel giggled with glee. “Can we play, too?” Alex sat up and pulled her tiny sister into a warm hug. She grimaced in pain. She saw Vasilis move sharply, his face concerned and she shook her head slightly at him, her mouth pursed. She placed a tender kiss on her sister‟s cheek. “Of course. Anything you want.” “I will have Ortega and Roarke walk with you,” Vasilis offered in a gruff voice. Alex looked up at him. He was right, of course. If giving her sister a hug made her wince in pain, how could she find the strength to defend her? She nodded and he looked pleased. With a curt bow, he turned away and disappeared over the wagon‟s edge. Ariel stared at Vasilis‟s huge, retreating form. “The big man is scary, Alex,” she said in a small voice. Alex hugged her close. “That man, honey, is the prince.” Ariel gasped. “He‟s the man you‟re going to—” “Hush.” Alex gave her a warning look. “Come, let‟s go for our walk.” She cast the healer a look and noted the old woman‟s 30

Anastasia Maltezos toothy grin. “Aye, little Ariel,” the old healer began, “that is the man your sister is going to marry.” Alex tensed. “Please don‟t tell—” The healer raised a gnarled hand. “Don‟t fret, my child. You will tell him when you are ready and I wish to witness his reaction.” She cackled like an old hen as she helped Alex up. “Methinks he has finally met his match.” **** After the tents were pitched, Vasilis and his men left the camp to go to the small village, leaving four guards behind with Alexandra and Ariel. The few minutes‟ walk gave Vasilis a chance to gather his warring thoughts. He wasn‟t any closer to answering the two questions that plagued him since meeting Alex. What was she doing in bandit territory and how did she learn the art of combat? He‟d never met anyone like her. She was a mass of contradictions. Hard and unmoving, yet soft and tender. Her love for her sister was evident, he thought, recalling how she winced in pain when she had gathered the little one in her arms. When she had cast him a look that clearly said she didn‟t want him to interfere, he had wondered how deep and for how long she had assumed this protector and defender role. Malek was right. She did display many of the traits he required in a mate. All except the annoyance she had been showing him more and more the past few days. He reached the tavern and clenched his jaw, pushing her out of his mind. Alex had done nothing but vex and perplex him since the first moment he laid eyes on her. He was in urgent need of ale and wenches to drown and alleviate the 31

Lycan Prince mental and physical discomfort he felt since meeting her. The past four days with her had not only opened his physical appetite, they made him quick tempered and frustrated. Another wench was just what he needed to get that Amazon out of his mind. Ortega swung open the doors and Vasilis and sixteen of his men walked in. The air inside the tavern was thick with ale and smoke. There was drunken conversations, laughter and raucous behaviour. Vasilis cast a shrewd gaze around the room. A wench, filling a glass of ale for a patron, giggled as another man walked behind her and swatted her on her behind. A group of men were gaming with cards in the corner and one angry player spewed out curses and tossed his ale in another man‟s face. A serving wench was sitting on a drunkard‟s lap and she licked her lips as the drunkard slipped a grubby hand over her exposed breast. The room smelled of ale and sex. Yes, it was a seamy place, perfect for drowning his frustrations. He stiffened as Alex‟s beautiful face infiltrated his mind and annoyance flared in his veins. One by one, everyone in the room noticed Vasilis and his entourage and stopped what they were doing. The room stilled, the only thing unchanged, the smoke drifting around them. “Go on about your business. We are only here for some ale,” Malek barked out. Vasilis caught sight of a couple of serving wenches nearly stumbling over themselves to go to him. At last, everything was back to normal, he thought with arrogance. Just because Alexandra would not show him the time of day, did not mean he had lost his touch with other members of the fair sex. “Is there anything I can get you?” purred the busty 32

Anastasia Maltezos blonde who reached him first. Vasilis‟s eyes narrowed as his gaze dipped to her burgeoning chest, all cleavage and skin. Alex‟s beauty swam before his face, her strength and love and honour and he frowned. He didn‟t even feel a stir in his loins as he stared at the serving wench‟s breasts. Damnation! Even the mere thought of Alex was affecting him. “Nay,” he found himself answering. “I will call upon you if I do.” The wench then scurried away with a crestfallen expression on her face. “Perhaps I can persuade you for some ale, or something else,” the other wench said, her gaze devouring his towering strength and powerful physique. Vasilis knew what her something else meant, but once again, he was curiously cold inside. No stirrings, no desire, no lust. “Nay. I will call upon you, too,” he practically growled, brushing past her. He sat at a long table with his guards as ale was brought to them. He wasn‟t blind to the blatant glances tossed his way from the wenches, but he felt curiously unreceptive to their lustful gazes. He marked it up to being too tired. He had had a long journey and his father‟s contest still grated on his nerves. He was a warrior above everything else and he couldn‟t see himself play the role of loving husband and adoring father. His battle scars ran deep and he knew his heart was no longer the warm, soft organ that filled with unconditional love. Too much had happened to him. His gut clenched as he tried burying his old demons trying to resurface. His mother was a gentle woman and Vasilis hadn‟t been able to save her. The guilt haunted him still. That was why he needed a wife who could defend herself, a warrior woman. His mother hadn‟t been that kind of woman. She was weak and afraid. When she was bitten 33

Lycan Prince on the raid two hundred years ago and turned into a Lycan, she couldn‟t live with the monster she‟d become. A few weeks later, she drove a silver dagger to her heart. A flash of anger for his father coursed through his tense body. What his father had done was plague the winner of the Royal Contest to an early death. Any wife of his was doomed. His mind went to the Lycans who hid in the mountains. They were a vile pack who came out every full moon to attack villages and turn people to their dark side. Alexandra and her prowess with the bow and arrow and her evident combat skills with the four bandits filled his mind and he realised she possessed the most important qualities he seeked in a mate. Brusquely, he pushed the thought away. She disturbed the hell out of him, they seemed to argue all the time and she‟d shown him nothing but disdain and annoyance. Hardly evidence she was his soul mate.

34

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Four

B

y the time his royal guards finished their second ale, Vasilis didn‟t know what was worse. That thoughts of Alexandra had soured his mood and turned him off to all the blatant advances of the serving wenches or the increasingly irritating conversation around him from his guards—especially the young one, Roarke—on Alexandra‟s archery skill. Vasilis couldn‟t get a break. No peace of mind, his frustration and irritation rising. Every time he got some sort of reprieve and started to appreciate the sultry wenches flashing him suggestive looks, one of his men either mentioned the Amazon with a note of awe and regard in their tone, or something in the smoke-filled room reminded him of her. The dark shade of hair on the serving wench who slipped him her room key, the bruise on one of the card player‟s chin or the tiny waist of the blond wench who kept tossing him seductive glances. She was everywhere and Vasilis couldn‟t take it anymore. She infiltrated his mind with every turn and he was beginning to think he was bewitched. “She was remarkable!” Roarke was saying again for the tenth time. Vasilis flashed him an annoyed look. “How could she have felled all those bandits?” Malek cast Vasilis a wry look. “Perhaps she is a figment of our imagination and does not exist.” 35

Lycan Prince Vasilis downed his ale and all but banged his empty glass on the table. His friend‟s pointed comment did not go amiss. He knew Malek was referring to that night when Vasilis told him his perfect woman did not exist. “I will take my leave. I have had enough ale for one evening.” He gave his men a dark look. “Stay. I have no wish to stop your entertainment.” Ortega rose. “I will escort you back, Your Highness.” “I, too,” Krako added. “These parts are not safe.” Vasilis wondered dryly if it was the parts that were dangerous or Alexandra. He hardly knew her a week and she already had him turning the other cheek from a certain romp or two in the hay, he thought, tossing one last glance at the wenches looking crestfallen that he was ready to leave. It was of no matter, he decided. He wasn‟t in the mood for any of them. The Royal Contest still plagued his mind and he doubted the frustration he had been carrying for his father and Alexandra would put him in the mood for the pleasures he was certain these wenches would provide. Malek rose. “I will take my leave as well.” He turned to his men. “Return within the hour. We have an early start in the morn.” “Aye,” was the collective response around the table. Vasilis left the tavern with Malek, Ortega and Krako following them. A few minutes later, they were at their campsite and Vasilis stopped dead in his tracks, his body stiffening violently. He sucked in a harsh breath. “Holy Mother of God!” Sitting on a small boulder was Ariel, clapping her hands in glee and squealing with delight. “Alex wins!” Vasilis stared at his two guards, Nolan and Falk. They lay on the ground at Alex‟s feet, looking up at her with a mixture of shame, respect and awe. She planted her hands firmly on hips, her legs apart, her back straight and she was looking down at them with a huge grin on her face. 36

Anastasia Maltezos “See? Now that proves size doesn‟t count. The secret is discipline and focus of not only your mind, but of your body, too, specifically your arms and legs.” Vasilis was too shocked to move and judging by the dead silence beside him from Malek, Oretega and Krako, they were as dazed as he was. “Do it again, Alex!” Ariel cried. Nolan and Falk rose. “You must show us how you did that, Milady. It will come in handy out on the battlefield,” Falk stated. “Aye,” Nolan added slowly, his expression still in awe. “You must show us how to leap in the air and spin using your legs as weapons.” Alexandra smiled. “All right, but it will take a lot of practice on your parts to get it right. I‟ve trained for years to perfect this routine.” She turned around, her back facing them and let her arms fall to her side. “Okay. One of you charge at me.” “We cannot. We will harm you,” Nolan said gruffly. She laughed. “Trust me. You won‟t.” Vasilis would have liked to explore why the sound of a woman‟s soft laugh warmed his gut, but he was in too much shock as he watched Nolan charge her from the rear. Vasilis snapped. Had his guard lost his mind? She was still recuperating and he was charging at her like a ferocious lion attacking a young antelope. He sprung forward and managed to land himself between her back and Nolan‟s stampeding hulk. Immediately, Nolan stopped dead in his tracks as Alex felt behind her, spun around and grabbed Vasilis by the arm. She vaulted through the air above his head, taking his muscular frame along with her as she flipped him to the ground. Stunned, he heard dead silence except for Ariel whispering, “Uh oh.” 37

Lycan Prince

**** Alex ignored the pain in her leg. This exercise was good for her. What was it her dear mentor, Hiroshi Tanaka, had always told her. No pain meant no gain. If the stiffness and soreness in her muscles were any indication, she was healing very nicely. She straightened from the ground and extended her hand to the warrior she had just felled. She wasn‟t sure which one it was because it felt like both guards had gained mass in the last few minutes. She winced at the shaft of pain in her shoulder and turned around. She froze, staring at the furious and stunned gaze of Vasilis. She snapped her gaze to the side and saw the rest of the guards watching her with mortified fascination. Slowly, she brought her gaze back to Vasilis who was rising from the ground. “Funny you should drop by,” she offered feebly, attempting a smile. He gave her a glowering look. “I was in the area.” She hid her surprise at his comment. “I…I was teaching your men…a…” She couldn‟t finish. He was looking at her as though she‟d sprouted another head. She waited and he remained silent, still watching her with that same bewildered, glowering look. “Your Highness, are you hurt?” Malek asked quietly. Vasilis didn‟t reply as he kept his gaze fastened on Alex. “Your Highness?” Malek asked cautiously. “What?” Vasilis growled, looking at him. “I‟m fine.” He gave his men a hooded look. “Back to your posts, men.” Giving one last, dark look at Alexandra, he strode away. Ariel ran to Alex and raised her little arms. Automatically, Alex picked her up and held her close. “Did you hurt the 38

Anastasia Maltezos prince?” whispered Ariel. “No.” “But he looked hurt.” “Hush.” Alex looked at Malek and found him watching her with almost the same intensity as Vasilis. The only difference was the satisfied gleam in his eyes. “Malek, I will retire as well. Goodnight, men,” she added, glancing at the four warriors who were regarding her with respect. They all nodded. **** Malek watched her walk away. “Are you men thinking what I‟m thinking?” “Aye. Methinks this lassie should enter King Drago‟s contest,” Ortega said gruffly. “Yes,” Malek offered slowly. “Exactly as I thought.” “So who is going to tell him?” Falk asked carefully. “Tell him what?” Nolan asked. Ortega shot him a pointed look. “That his one, true mate stands right before us. You know the legend, men. For every Lycan, there is one mate.” He returned his gaze to Alex‟s retreating form. “So who will tell him?” Malek kept his gaze narrowed on Alex carrying her little sister. She was perfect for Vasilis and he couldn‟t be more satisfied. It appeared Amazons did exist, he thought dryly and this Amazon was the first person ever to bring the prince at a loss for words. “And risk getting my head chewed off,” he said. “Forget it. This is one battle the prince will have to face alone…and victory will be sweet.” He heard the collective aye from the men as they all watched Alex carry Ariel into her tent.

39

Lycan Prince **** The tent was small, but comfortable as Alex tucked her little sister in her cot and kissed her goodnight on the forehead. Alex drew back sharply. Her sister was warmer than usual. “Are you feeling all right, honey? No pain or aches anywhere?” Ariel shook her head. “Just tired.” Alex kissed her again, but this time she kept her mouth on Ariel‟s forehead a few seconds longer to see if she had mistaken the warmth. No, she hadn‟t. She worried her lip, wondering where Hesta was. Quickly, she went to the basin and wet a small piece of cloth. She rung it out and went back to Ariel. “Here, baby. Keep this on your forehead until Hesta returns. She‟ll have something in her bag to help you.” Ariel nodded sleepily, closing her eyes. “I‟m okay. I just want to sleep now.” Alex‟s heart was heavy. “I love you and it‟s normal for me to worry about you. You‟re all I have left.” “G‟night, Alex. Sleep well, don‟t let…the bug bites…get you.” “It‟s don‟t let the bed bugs get you,” Alex said softly, knowing she would never get Ariel to say it correctly. “Angels around you.” Her heart swelled with love as she watched Ariel sleep, her little face serene and sweet and a fierce tug of maternal drive pulled her heartstrings. Alex wondered if this was what it was like to have your own children, this powerful need to protect and love. Sadness overwhelmed her as she pictured her future without children. How could she have children if she vowed she would never love? It was no use contemplating what could never be, she told herself. She had Ariel and hopefully Ariel would marry and 40

Anastasia Maltezos have children. If she couldn‟t be a mother, at least she could be a loving aunt. Alex smiled, thinking about her future nieces and nephews, all dark haired with dark eyes and soft, creamy skin. She pictured herself holding a little boy whose little brow would knot into a mutinous frown when things didn‟t go his way—Alex stopped her train of thought. She pictured a little boy who resembled Vasilis. Ridiculous! She pushed him out of her mind and went to her cot. She was tired and needed a good night‟s sleep. She wished Hesta wouldn‟t be long. Alex needed reassurance the warmth she‟d felt on Ariel‟s forehead was fatigue from the journey and not a fever. She undressed, blew out the candles and crawled into her cot. The only thing she could hear outside was the soft rustle of the night wind and the occasional murmur of male voices. Apart from that, it was a still night and she was thankful for the quiet. With one final glance at Ariel, she lay back and let her body relax. Slowly, Alex fell asleep. The last thing on her mind was Vasilis and the look of sheer disbelief on his face after she‟d felled him. An odd thought stayed with her. What would be his expression if he looked upon her with love? **** She tossed and turned, the covers tangling themselves around her thrashing form. This was one of her worst reoccurring nightmares. The one where she couldn’t find Ariel and she couldn’t wake up! Alex whimpered in her sleep as she yelled Ariel’s name repeatedly. There was a dense mist all around her and she twisted and turned around, trying to find an opening in the fog to see where her little sister was. She heard the terrifying sounds of wolves howling in the distance. 41

Lycan Prince “Ariel, where are you?” She moaned in her sleep, perspiration forming on her upper lip. She looked up, toward the sky and saw more mist. There was no way out. The wolves continued to howl. In the foggy distance, she heard a faint cry, a child’s cry. Alex panicked and screamed at the top of her lungs, a long agonizing cry that wrenched her soul. In her cot, tears spilled from her closed eyes and she moaned as she fought the emotional demons plaguing her in her sleep. She tried to run toward the sound of the child’s faint cries, but her body felt like lead and she couldn’t move. She screamed again, trying to put one foot in front of the other, but the heaviness around her was so profound, like a thousand hands holding her back. “I’m coming, Ariel!” she cried, tears streaming down her face in her dream and on her face on the cot. Then there was silence. There was only her and the mist and nothing—no sound around her. Alex spun around, her arms out, flailing, as she tried to move the fog away from her so she could see. Another guttural moan escaped her sleeping form and in her dream, she sobbed, covering her face with her hands, her body bent forward, wracked with grief. Then she heard it, a child’s giggle. Alex stiffened. She looked up and peered into the fog. A big shadow moved toward her. That’s when she saw him, in his dark, warrior garb, carrying Ariel in his arms, striding toward her with an intent look on his face, his dark gaze locking with hers. Vasilis. Alex felt her spirit soar with joy and she ran toward them, her arms reaching for Ariel. “Where did you go?” she asked softly, looking up at Vasilis as she hugged her little sister close to her breast. He reached out with his hand and placed it gently on the side of her face. Tenderly, he brushed away a tear with his thumb. “I went to make Ariel better.” Joy and gratitude filled her heart. She raised her face as he lowered his head and his lips met hers in a warm, tender kiss. Her 42

Anastasia Maltezos heart swelled with feeling. Slowly, he withdrew his head. “Thank you, Vasilis,” she whispered. “Wake up. Alex, wake up.” **** Vasilis needed air. There was no way he was going to get any sleep tonight, so he strode out of his tent into the cool, dark night. He looked up and saw the moon was high. It would be full in four days and in four days the castle would not sleep. Ortega rose from the barrel he sat on. “At ease,” Vasilis said. “I am taking a walk around the camp. You can see me from here.” “As you wish, Your Highness,” Ortega said dutifully. Vasilis clenched and unclenched his fists as he walked. He was tense and he knew why. Alexandra. Where did she come from? Who was she? Why at every turn did thoughts of her invade his mind? And why was a woman travelling alone with a child in bandit area? He had too many questions and he needed answers fast. He couldn‟t deny his attraction to her and he couldn‟t help admitting his father would approve of her. But that wasn‟t enough for him. She clearly didn‟t like him and that little matter was starting to irritate the hell out of him. He never had trouble with wenches before. He was not blind to his attributes women seemed to find attractive and yet, this one female, this one wench, had shown him nothing but disdain and caution since she met him. Vasilis was puzzled. Puzzled and perturbed. Were the gods amused at his predicament? Discovering a wench with the ideal qualities for a mate and she didn‟t even like him? 43

Lycan Prince He paused and noticed his walk had brought him to Alex‟s tent. He wondered what she would do if he barged in and demanded answers. He was the prince, dammit! A Lycan warrior prince. He wanted to know everything about her. He frowned and took a step closer to the entrance. Was she even awake? What of the little one? Wouldn‟t his rough entry startle her? He frowned again, but this time because of a sound he heard coming from inside. It sounded like a moan or a whimper. Concerned, he flung open the flap of the tent and entered. He heard a groan coming from his left and he peered into the semi-darkness. Cracks from the tent allowed moonlight to filter through the shadows and he was able to make Alex out. She was twisting and writhing on her cot. “Ariel, where are you?” He heard her mumble. She moaned and he strode to her cot, kneeling beside her. He gazed at her expression and the pain and grief he saw etched on her lovely features made his heart thud. He put a hand on her forehead and murmured soft words to help wake her, but she didn‟t stir from her sleep. Gently, he brushed away the errant tears on her lovely face. Vasilis became unmanned. There was no strength or bravery on her beautiful face, only fear and worry and he‟d never felt as helpless as he did now. She stirred and he watched her expression slowly change. A peace seemed to come over her and she sighed in her sleep. “Thank you, Vasilis,” she murmured breathily and he felt his heart swell with warmth. “Wake up. Alex, wake up,” he said more firmly, gently rousing her on her shoulders. Slowly she opened her eyes, their dark brilliance nearly taking his breath away. She focused on him as their gazes 44

Anastasia Maltezos meshed and locked, a delicate frown lining her perfectly arched brows. “Vasilis?” she whispered. “You were having a nightmare. I went for a walk and heard you moaning in your sleep.” Her expression changed slowly from one of confusion, to fear and then finally to understanding. “Thank God it was just a dream,” she said softly, sitting up to peer into the darkness toward Ariel‟s cot. Her little sister was sound asleep. “It sounded like you were having a bad dream about Ariel.” She nodded slowly and looked at him. He wanted to reach out and brush her dark, silky locks away from her face, but stopped himself in time. “I was. I…I couldn‟t find her. There was a mist and I heard wolves—it was awful.” “It‟s over now. It was just a dream.” “Yes.” He wanted to say more, but couldn‟t speak. He found himself running his gaze over her lovely face, her soft, vulnerable mouth, her lashes still damp from her tears and he felt pole-axed. This was a side of her he hadn‟t seen. A vulnerable, frightened side that made his every male instinct violently surge forth to protect her. The sheer force of his emotions took him aback. “Thank you…thank you for waking me up, Vasilis.” She spoke so softly, he had to lean forward to hear her. And then she smiled, a shy, sweet smile. He couldn‟t take his gaze off her mouth. Her lips were made for kissing, full, soft, inviting and without thinking, he bent his head further. He wanted to taste her. She drew in a small breath and her lips parted slightly, her smile disappearing. Vasilis felt drawn toward her and 45

Lycan Prince leaned even closer, their lips barely touching, his mind on the pleasures her sweet mouth would provide. He could feel her breath. Ariel moaned gently in her sleep and Alex drew back sharply, her expression confused. “Thank…thank you, again, Your Highness. And I‟m sorry…I‟m sorry about earlier. I didn‟t you know you were standing behind me.” He drew back slowly, disappointed. “You must call me Vasilis.” Her tantalizing scent still hovered around him and he rose abruptly, trying to put as much distance between them. He didn‟t think ravaging her with the little one not far away was going to earn him any favours. “And no need to apologise. You showed extraordinary skill. Perhaps tomorrow we can talk more about that. I was hoping you could have your breakfast with me.” Was he asking her for a date? At odds with himself, he ran a hand at the back of his neck, trying to sort these unfamiliar feelings unsettling him. She nodded slowly. Relief flowed through his veins. “It‟s done then. We‟ll have breakfast together. Have a good night, Alexandra.” He strode out before he gave in to his baser instinct and kissed her. As he returned to his tent, deep in thought, a shocking realisation hit him square in the gut. For the first time in a long time, he‟d almost felt human again.

46

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Five

A

t sunrise, the guards milled about the campsite. Some were having breakfast while others were setting up the caravan to continue their journey back to the castle. Ortega and Krako stood guard on the perimeter. “Did you notice the prince wasn‟t himself last night?” Ortega asked. “I expected him to disappear with a couple of wenches as soon as we entered the tavern, but he paid no mind to any of them.” Krako nodded. “Aye. He certainly had his pick of willing bed mates.” “The curse of our Lycan blood is not the monsters we become every full moon to protect the kingdom, but the lust coursing through our veins continuously to find our soul mate.” Krako raised a brow. “You believe in that part of the legend?” Ortega shrugged. “It must be true. Look at how much the prince has changed since we all turned. He thirsts for wenches as much as you thirst for your ale.” “You would think with all the bed mates he has acquired he would have already found his mate.” Ortega shook his head. “Nay. The legend says your thirst for flesh will not be quenched. You can bed fifty women in one night when your time to mate has arrived, but if you do not bed your one, your lust only increases with each full 47

Lycan Prince moon.” Krako raised a brow. “Do you suppose our turn will come and we will have the same thirst as the prince?” “If the legend is true, yes.” “That is why the king set up the Royal Contest, to help his son find his one sooner than later.” Ortega nodded. “Better sooner, than later, my friend. Another delay and the king will raise the castle roof if we show up to the Royal Contest late.” Krako‟s face darkened. “Aye, but we risk being late because he bedded three wenches in the last village, my friend. I, too, would risk the king‟s ire for a lust-filled night with three beauties. I‟ve known him to be with two wenches, but three? When I saw him disappear into the back room with them, I would have given away all my coin to experience what he did.” Ortega‟s face darkened. “Aye, the prince must have been well sated by those beauties, especially the light haired one with the big bosom.” They both chuckled. Krako fell silent first. “But that night was before he met Alexandra. Last night he could have bedded two wenches within minutes of entering the tavern, but he denied them both.” Ortega nodded. “Do you think Alex is his one?” Krako growled. “My friend, if we should be so lucky.” **** After she relieved herself in a private, secluded area, Alex went back to her tent. The sun was rising and the camp was already rustling with activity. She glanced at the guards packing away their gear while others sat on crates eating their breakfast. 48

Anastasia Maltezos She thought of Vasilis and smiled, her spirits lifting. She would be lying to herself if she didn‟t admit she was excited about having breakfast with him. He was going to kiss her last night. She was sure of it—and she would have welcomed it. The sound of deep voices stilled her thoughts. It was Ortega and Krako behind the corralled horses. She heard Krako say, “Aye, but we risk being late because he bedded three wenches in the last village, my friend. I, too, would risk the king‟s ire for a lust-filled night with three beauties. I‟ve known him to be with two wenches, but three? When I saw him disappear into the back room with them, I would have given away all my coin to experience what he did.” Then Ortega said, “Aye, the prince must have been well sated by those beauties, especially the light haired one with the big bosom.” They both chuckled. Alex froze. So last night he‟d been with three women? At the same time? She hurried back to her tent before she heard more. How soon after or before he‟d nearly kissed her had he been with them? She felt ill. Ill and furious! What a fool she‟d been, thinking he wanted to kiss her because he liked her or even cared for her. He‟d just wanted to add her as another notch to his bedpost, she thought resentfully. She slipped into her tent, careful not to wake Ariel and the healer and crawled back into her cot. Well, let him wait for her then! She wasn‟t going to have breakfast with him. An hour later, she was up having breakfast with Ariel and the healer near a clearing by the horses. She looked up and tensed as she watched Vasilis stride purposefully toward them. “Did you not say you would breakfast with me?” he asked abruptly once he reached them. 49

Lycan Prince She pursed her lips. “I did.” He raised a brow as he glanced down at the bread in her hand. “I went to your tent and didn‟t find you.” Alex shrugged. “Well, I‟m here.” Suddenly his face darkened. “Did I misunderstand you last night?” She gave him a pointed look. “We both misunderstood each other last night.” Alex had had enough. Ignoring him, she smiled at Ariel. “Eat up, honey. We‟ll go for a walk around the camp this morning.” “A short walk,” Vasilis said abruptly. “We leave in an hour.” Without another word, he left. Hesta chuckled, giving Alex an interested look. “My child, what have you done to the prince?” “Nothing.” After what she‟d heard this morning, she‟d better not forget her initial plan, to win the contest, wed him and never let him touch her. Ortega and Krako appeared before them and Alex smiled up at them. “Good morning,” she said, Ortega cleared his throat. “His Highness asked that we accompany you and your sister on your walk around the camp.” Her smile froze. “Oh? Well, you can go back to His Highness and tell him I wish to have some alone time with my sister and will be taking the walk without you.” Ortega looked surprised. “Milady?” Now she was irked. Who the hell did the prince think he was ordering her around? If he thought she was one of those wenches he could do with as he pleased, he had another think coming. “I said,” she replied slowly, “tell him I refused your chaperone.” “Aye,” Ortega said, looking nervous as he left with 50

Anastasia Maltezos Krako. “Alex, are you mad at the prince?” Ariel asked once the guards left. “No, honey. I‟m not.” She leaned over and kissed her sister on the head. “I want to have our walk alone. Just you and me.” “Uh, is the prince mad at you?” Alex laughed, but it sounded strained to her ears. “Of course not.” Ariel didn‟t look convinced as she looked over Alex‟s shoulder. “Er…he‟s coming back, Alex and he looks real mad.” The healer chuckled under her breath and Alex stiffened, scowling at her. “Ortega and Krako will accompany you and that‟s an order, woman,” Vasilis said, planting his massive form in front of her. His two guards stood behind him, looking very uncomfortable. Alex fastened her gaze on Vasilis and clenched her teeth. “I don‟t take orders from anyone. I will be walking with my sister alone this morning.” Vasilis‟s face turned a dark shade of red. She saw him clench both fists at his sides. Anyone else should have been frightened by his imposing stance, but Alex wasn‟t. She‟d faced more threatening perils in her life than an arrogant, conceited, womanizing prince. A deep growl rose from his throat and Alex parted her lips in shock at the sound. It was inhuman. She stared at his eyes and drew back sharply as a yellow tint seemed to glow from their dark depths. Was the sun causing this strange reflection? His low growl rose and his face darkened with rage. “Your Highness, no!” Ortega said loudly as Krako grabbed Vasilis by the arm. 51

Lycan Prince

**** Vasilis inhaled sharply as he took a staggering step back. He‟d almost lost control and in broad daylight! Damnation, this woman was driving him to the brink of insanity. He stared at her ashen face, her lips parted in surprise, her breasts rising and falling and he willed his hammering heart to slow down. He‟d almost lost control. He‟d almost shifted in his Lycan form and raised his head to the heavens to release a pent up, frustrated, outraged howl. He felt Krako‟s hand on his arm and shot his guard an angry look. “At ease,” he barked. Krako immediately withdrew his hand. Vasilis drew in another sharp breath and looked back down at Alex. If not for the people around them, he would have taken her in his arms and surrendered to his baser need. His need to claim her. To take her and make her his. At the thought, he stiffened violently. He‟d never wanted to claim a woman in his life. He‟d only wanted to bed them and temporarily sate his lust. He stared incredulously at Alex. No, this was impossible. There was no woman alive who could tame and calm his beast forever. One woman for all eternity? Ridiculous heresay, he scoffed mentally. The legend was not true. Tearing his gaze away from hers, he looked at Ariel who was staring at him with wide eyes. He swallowed hard, pushing the bewitching Amazon from his mind. “Have your walk with your sister alone, little one. Ortega will come and tell you two when we‟re about to leave.” Ariel nodded slowly. “Okay.” With a curt nod to Alex, he turned on his heel and left. In the privacy of his own tent, he went to his basin and splashed cold water on his face. He swore roughly under his 52

Anastasia Maltezos breath as another rush of heat tightened his loins. He still wanted her. He still lusted after her. Dear God, he still wanted to claim her and make her his forever. Was he going mad? How could one woman affect him with such powerful force when he could have anyone he wanted? He stiffened. Was his father right? Was it time for Vasilis to mate? Alex‟s beautiful face swam before his eyes and he clenched his jaw as his heart thudded in his chest. Her sweet scent still hovered around him, seducing him, teasing him and he threw back his head, squeezed his eyes and released a long, gut wrenching howl. “Dear God,” he whispered hoarsely when he fell silent. “What the hell is happening to me?”

53

Lycan Prince

Chapter Six

A

lex stared at Ariel napping on her lap. The wagon came to a stop and she looked up and saw Malek riding back along the caravan, informing everyone this was their last stop before they arrived at the royal palace tomorrow. Alex nodded at him as he rode past her wagon and she caught the hint of a smile on his face. Vasilis had avoided her all day and she still hadn‟t told him she‟d be competing for his hand in marriage. More importantly, she hadn‟t told him she would never assume the role of a real wife. At her first opportunity, she‟d tell him, but for now, she had a bigger worry to contend with. She touched Ariel‟s cheek for the tenth time. Her sister was warmer than yesterday and the shadows under her eyes were darker. She stirred on her lap and Alex murmured soft words to settle her. She had to see the healer now. The old woman had to do something. It could take weeks before Alex settled and found a healer. Gently, she settled Ariel on the makeshift bed. “I‟ll be right back, sweetheart,” she whispered as she kissed her on the forehead and went to the edge of the wagon. She slid down to the ground. She heard Ariel‟s dry cough in the wagon and her stomach twisted in fear as she ran to the healer who was up ahead on her horse. She passed Vasilis talking to Ortega, 54

Anastasia Maltezos both of them on horseback and didn‟t even bother stopping to acknowledge them. What if the healer couldn‟t do anything, she thought with rising panic? She choked back on a sob when she felt a firm hand on her elbow halting her sprint. Vasilis spun her around and she stared up at his handsome face shadowed with concern. “What is it?” he asked, gripping her firmly by the arms. It was the first time he‟d spoken to her all day since that dreadful breakfast scene. She tried to pull away from his grasp. “Let me go. I have to see Hesta.” He ran his gaze over her face. “Tell me what‟s wrong,” he asked roughly, his hold tightening. She saw his concern deepen his features and she released a shaky breath. “It‟s Ariel. She‟s ill. I think she has a fever.” His mouth tensed and he straightened immediately, letting her go. “Return to the little one,” he said, his tone firm. “I‟ll be there in a moment with the healer.” She nodded, the back of her eyes pricking. She blinked rapidly. “Th…thank you.” She watched him dip his gaze to her quivering mouth and he swallowed hard. “Go,” he ordered. She nodded again and ran back to the wagon. A few moments later, she sat next to Ariel and her heart filled with utter dismay. Ariel‟s breath started to come out in small rasps. Alex panicked. She knew that sound. Her sister was having a hard time breathing again. She placed her hand over Ariel‟s heart and felt it race. “Breathe, baby. Please, breathe,” she said, choking back on a sob. Alex winced at the familiar wheezing she‟d heard so often in the past. She inhaled sharply, fearing the worst. A gentle hand on her shoulder startled her and she looked up and saw Vasilis towering over them. 55

Lycan Prince “Fear not. The healer will take care of her,” he said deeply, his concern reaching down and calming a remote region of her heart. She nodded numbly. “Come,” he said gently as he took her hand and helped her rise. The healer bent over Ariel, touching her forehead. “This child has a fever.” Alex raised a shaky hand to her mouth. “Can you…can you help her?” The healer shot her a grave look. “I‟ll try, child, but her breathing is worrying me.” “She…she‟s had trouble breathing all her life.” She noticed Vasilis snap his gaze to her. “The attacks have been coming more frequent this past year.” “I see,” Hesta said, redirecting her attention to her patient. She pressed the skin behind Ariel‟s ears, touched her wrist and waited and then gently roused Ariel to awaken. “Open your mouth, child. I need to look inside.” Sleepily Ariel did as she was told and the healer looked in her throat. “Alex, I‟m not feeling well,” Ariel whimpered. “My…my chest hurts.” “I know, baby. That‟s why the healer is here, to make you better. Just do as she says and everything is going to be all right,” Alex said. For the first time, Ariel‟s eyes brightened, but only for a brief moment as a fit of wheezing wracked her little body. Alex wanted to die. She felt so helpless, so useless and wished she could do something. “I‟ll be better now?” Ariel asked. “Like you said, I‟ll grow up big and strong and be happy?” Alex swallowed the painful knot in her throat. She couldn‟t speak, so she smiled tremulously and nodded. The healer was busy searching for something in her bag as Ariel looked at Vasilis. She smiled shyly up at him. “I‟m glad Alex won the contest,” she said weakly. “She said I‟d 56

Anastasia Maltezos feel better when she became your princess.” The healer placed her hand on Ariel‟s cheek and said, “Hush, now, child. You must rest while I put this on your chest.” Ariel‟s weak state had her confused and Alex panicked. She thought Alex already won the contest and she‟d hired the healer who was going to save her. She stole a glance at Vasilis standing silently at her side and braced herself, but he wasn‟t looking at her. He was looking at Ariel, his expression sombre. “You will feel better, little one. Very soon,” he added quietly. As Ariel closed her eyes, he turned to Alex and his expression hardened. “Let the healer work. Come with me,” he ordered, grabbing her arm. She shrugged herself out of his grasp. “No. I don‟t want to leave Ariel.” “Go with the master, child,” Hesta intervened. “Your sister will sleep now. She won‟t even know you‟re gone.” Numbly, she nodded and let Vasilis help her off the wagon. Without a word, he took her hand and led her to a wooded area past the side of the road, away from everyone. She practically ran to keep up with his quick, long stride. “Your Highness, wait. Let me accompany you,” Malek called firmly from where he was. Alex saw Vasilis shoot his guard a look that made Malek go still. Once away from everyone, he turned to Alex and took her by the shoulders. She gasped as she stared up at his face. He looked furious. Without another word, he dragged her into his arms and lowered his head. Her senses exploded as soon as his mouth touched hers. His arms went around her waist and he crushed her body against his, his mouth moving with a ruthless hunger over hers. He nearly lifted her off the ground as he ground her 57

Lycan Prince body against his. Alex gasped under the passionate onslaught of his kiss and his tongue plunged into her mouth. She inhaled sharply through her nose, her hands squeezing between them to push him, but he was immoveable. He tightened his hold on her as he continued to kiss her. Alarmed and excited, she felt his erection pressing against her and her stomach jolted violently at the flare of passion exploding in her limbs. His tongue explored her mouth ruthlessly and she stiffened, realising with a start she was kissing him back with matching ardour. She moaned under his mouth, trying to control her body‟s treacherous response to his kiss, but couldn‟t. Darts of pleasure coursed through her body as he kissed her with a hunger that almost frightened her. He ran his hands up and down her back, releasing a strangled groan against her mouth and she nearly melted at the sheer pleasure threatening her defences. What if someone could see them? She tried pushing him away again, but he grabbed her hands from his chest and dragged them around to her lower back. He held her prisoner, kissing her with a brutal passion she found alarming and exciting. Oh God, she was melting again and she drew her head back as another moan escaped her lips. He lifted his head, his expression taut with desire, his gaze almost predatory in nature and he growled under his breath. “You drive me mad with desire, woman,” he said hoarsely. “I want to take you now.” Alex was weak, her gaze wavering under his intensity and she closed her eyes. “Everyone will see,” she said, her tone husky. He trailed hot kisses on her neck and instinctively she pressed her lower body against his hard member. He sucked in a harsh breath and stiffened violently. Slowly he released 58

Anastasia Maltezos her hands and withdrew deliberately, his breathing laboured. She opened her eyes in a daze. His nostrils were flared, his mouth tense, his breathing coming out in sharp rasps. He was staring at her with a smouldering gaze. “At least now I know why you travelled through bandit territory.” She was transfixed by his eyes. They bore down so hard on hers, she felt like he was trying to penetrate her soul. “To compete in my father‟s blasted contest,” he added harshly. “Yes,” she replied in a small voice, afraid. “To have enough coin to help your sister?” he asked harshly. She nodded numbly. He swore roughly under his breath, running a rough hand through his hair. “From the first moment I saw the little one, I thought she looked pale because of the long journey. I didn‟t know she was ill. Why didn‟t you tell me she had an ailment of the lungs?” “I didn‟t think she was going to have another attack.” Suddenly, her earlier fears returned, splashing cold water on her unbidden desire and she panicked. “My God, it‟s my fault she‟s had another attack. The journey was too much for her. She…she always has attacks when…when she‟s overly excited.” She paused, swallowing the lump in her throat. With a grim face, he gathered her in his arms and held her close to his chest. “Hesta is the best in the land,” he said gruffly over her head. “If anyone can help the little one, it‟s her.” Alex closed her eyes and let the strength of his body calm her. The embrace was different from the one he gave her earlier. This one didn‟t provoke passionate heat. This one made her feel profoundly safe, secure, cared for. She didn‟t want this moment to end. 59

Lycan Prince “Thank you for being so kind,” she mumbled against his chest. “And…and I‟m sorry I didn‟t tell you I was travelling to your kingdom to compete in the Royal Contest.” A rough clearing of someone‟s throat made her jump from his arms. Malek stood some ways from them with a look tinged with embarrassment. “What is it?” Vasilis growled. “I beg your pardon, Your Highness. I wanted you to know Ortega and Krako have finished setting up your tent.” “Thank you,” Vasilis said, returning his gaze to Alex. She was mortified. At the mention of Ortega and Krako, she instantly recalled their conversation at sunrise. Malek immediately took his leave and Alex gave Vasilis a glowering look. “I see you‟re back to being hostile with me again,” he remarked dryly. “Why?” “I have my reasons.” “You may act as though you feel nothing for me,” he began arrogantly, “but our kiss proved otherwise. Whether you win the contest or not, you will be mine.” Her humiliation rose. “As what? Your mistress if I lose the contest? I won‟t be anyone‟s whore.” His face turned a dark shade of red, but she didn‟t care. She was angry now. “You have enough women in your life. You don‟t need me to add to your list of conquests.” “What are you saying?” “I know your reputation. You bed two or three women at a time and word is after you wed, you will continue to bed other women.” She pursed her lips. “I will not have the same life my mother did. She died giving birth to Ariel while my father was busy with a village whore.” He reached for her and she took a step back. “So don‟t stand there all high and mighty and think just because I responded to your kiss I will fall into bed with you. I have things in my life far more 60

Anastasia Maltezos important to focus on than a conceited, arrogant, womanizing brute.” “I‟m not the scoundrel you think I am. There are things about me you don‟t know. Things you would never understand.” She scowled. “I know that on the eve prior to our breakfast you were with three women. That night…that night I thought you…you…” She couldn‟t finish. She‟d believed he liked her, even cared for her and wanted to kiss her. “I wasn‟t with anyone that night,” he said roughly. “Since I‟ve met you, I haven‟t been with anyone.” “Excuse me, but I need to go back to Ariel.” **** Alex had been by Ariel‟s side for a good part of the night. “Child, I have seen this form of lung ailment before,” Hesta explained. “Her attacks will never be completely cured, but with the right medication they can be controlled.” She smiled. “Do not fear. The little one is strong.” “Thank you so much, Hesta. I‟m so grateful for all your help. I don‟t know what I would have done without you.” The older woman smiled kindly at her and motioned with a gnarly hand to the door. “Go. Get some fresh air. I‟ll stay here with the little one.” Alex nodded and bent down to kiss Ariel on the forehead. Her little sister was fast asleep and didn‟t stir. “I love you,” Alex whispered. Straightening, she cast another grateful look at Hesta. “I won‟t be long.” She then left the tent, stepping out into the cool night air. She wrapped her arms around her torso and looked around. She saw Nolan and Falk standing guard in front of her tent. She smiled at them and they smiled back. 61

Lycan Prince She walked by the horses tethered to a makeshift corral and saw her black steed and Ariel‟s Shetland resting comfortably. All seemed to be fine, except her. She couldn‟t stop thinking about Vasilis and his kiss. Her stomach jolted. He‟d opened a door to her heart she never thought existed and for the first time in her life, she didn‟t feel in control. A part of her wanted to stay away from him and another part of her wanted to desperately explore the treacherous way her body behaved around him. One thing she knew for certain—he was as attracted to her as she was to him, but could she trust him? He said there hadn‟t been any women since he met her. Could she believe him? She wanted to believe him and…she wanted him to kiss her again. Her face flushed with heat. She pictured them lying on a bed, naked, male flesh against female flesh, his hands trailing a hot path over her body, his mouth on her breasts. She felt her heart stop. Oh God, she had to stop this crazy fantasy. She had to put him out of her mind because falling for him would only bring her heartache. She walked further along the campsite until she came to the outer rim. She paused and looked across the dry landscape. The sun was almost below the horizon and the guards had already lit the fires along the camp, but beyond that, there was only darkness. She frowned. What was that? She heard it again. It almost sounded like a stampede in the distance where the darkness lay. She frowned again. It was getting closer. Alex gasped. This time she clearly heard it. A mixture of howling and growling up ahead. It sounded like a pack of 62

Anastasia Maltezos wolves! She spun around and saw all the guards had sprung to their feet, staring ahead into the darkness. Something about them scared her. It was their expressions. They didn‟t appear to be afraid. They looked predatory, wild. She saw Vasilis run out of his tent and look ahead into the darkness. What she witnessed next defied belief. She stood there, stunned as she watched Vasilis clench his fists at his sides, his legs apart and raise his head to the heavens. The howl he released from his chest was deafening, eerie, animal. Alex heard the sound of the wolves behind her getting closer, but she couldn‟t move. She stared at Vasilis, her mouth agape. His body appeared to be growing right before her eyes and as it grew, his clothes ripped from his expanding flesh, leaving only a black short covering over his loins. His gaze snapped to hers and she jumped back in fright. He was a Lycan! Hiroshi was right. They did exist! She then screamed as she watched in horrified fascination as all the guards around her shifted into their Lycan or wolf forms. Vasilis vaulted through the air and landed in front of her. Stunned, she craned her neck way up to look at his face. His nine-foot frame towered over her, his amber coloured eyes staring down at her. She couldn‟t move as she stared at his jowls, his brows meeting at the bridge of his nose, his long menacing incisors that looked like they could slice a boulder. His body! My God, his body had expanded by a foot all around in pure muscle. She was terrified. He reached down and took her by the shoulders, his touch surprisingly gentle considering the ferocity of his appearance. “Hide in your tent,” he growled in an inhuman voice. “You‟re…you‟re a…” She couldn‟t breathe. 63

Lycan Prince “Go, dammit. They‟re almost here.” He shook her gently. “They smell the little one!” Alex gasped. Ariel! Without another thought, she ran back to her tent, glancing back to see the guards, a mixture of Lycans and massive wolves, lining themselves along the camp‟s perimeter. They were in direct line of the pack of wolves speeding toward them. Vasilis sprung in the air, over their heads and landed at the front of his Lycan guards who carried their swords and bows. This wasn‟t happening, she thought wildly as she reached her tent and threw back the flap. She fell inside, gasping as she saw Hesta towering over Ariel who was still sleeping. The healer was also in her Lycan form. She raised a sharp hand. “Child!” Hesta growled. “Please do not fear me. I would never hurt you or your sister.” Alex felt faint as she gaped at Hesta‟s frightening appearance. “I know,” she said, willing her heart to stop racing. The healer growled her satisfaction before she turned to Ariel lying on the cot. “Thank the stars the sedative I gave her is still in her system,” she growled. “I wouldn‟t want the child to witness this blood-filled night.” Alex choked back on a strangled sob. She had to do something. She couldn‟t just stand there and wait. “Hesta, where are my weapons?” She couldn‟t protect Ariel from the werewolves with her bare hands. She needed her silver. “They‟re in the black crate next to the horses, but you cannot leave this tent, child.” Her heart raced as she heard terrible noises coming from outside. She heard growls and sharp yelps, howling and thrashing. Her mind went to Vasilis and for a split second, she feared for his life. Panicked, she turned to the tent‟s entrance. “I have to get my weapons!” 64

Anastasia Maltezos “Stop!” Hesta growled. She threw her bow and arrow across the tent. Alex caught it. “Use my silver. I have my dagger.” Alex nodded and crouched by the entrance, opening the flap enough for her to see what was happening outside. “Sweet Mother of God,” she whispered hoarsely, seeing the guards battle the wolves. Limbs were gashed, blood covered the site, arrows pierced fur. She felt sick watching a wolf gnash a chunk of flesh from another wolf. She prayed it was one of the guards who was the attacker and not the other way around. She stiffened violently as she saw a wolf running toward her tent. With instinctive reflex, she drew back her bow and shot an arrow straight through its heart. Almost immediately, the wolf transformed into the figure of a naked man, the arrow trailing a string of blood on his bare chest. Alex screamed and snapped her gaze back to Hesta. “It changed to a man!” “Aye. We all do in death,” Hesta growled. “They‟re an evil bunch, child. They hide in the mountains and attack on full moons to turn humans to their dark side.” Alex looked back at the war going on outside, her bow readied for attack. “But it‟s not a full moon tonight.” “Tonight they want to feast on the little one.” “They will have to die trying,” she said grimly as she kept her hand steady on her bow, ready to kill anything that approached her. She caught her breath as she saw two grey wolves racing toward the tent. She drew back her bow, ready to release it, when she saw Vasilis in his Lycan form spring between them and grab their heads with his massive taloned hands. Alex froze as she watched the wolves twist and writhe from his grasp, biting into his flesh. He grabbed one by the neck and threw it in the air as a brown wolf approached 65

Lycan Prince menacingly from the left. Alex sucked in a harsh breath. She had to help him. She drew her bow back and aimed for one of the wolves, when Vasilis shifted into his wolf form. All she could see was a mass of fur and fangs, gnashing and ripping and she panicked. Vasilis was the massive black wolf, but they were all moving so fast she was afraid she was going to hit him by mistake. She got a clear shot of one of the grey wolves and released her arrow. It struck him in the chest and the wolf immediately transformed into the body of a man as it fell dead to the ground. The battle around the camp was dying down and she prayed none of the guards were hurt, but she couldn‟t pay much attention to that because she still had her gaze pinned on Vasilis. She watched him rise on his haunches, growling ferociously at the brown wolf. Slowly, he circled it, ready to pounce. Alex threw back the flap and stood outside of her tent. She drew back her bow and released another arrow to the grey wolf that was ready to attack Vasilis from behind. Vasilis shifted into his Lycan form and snapped his amber gaze to her face. “Get back inside! Now!” “You‟re bleeding!” she yelled, feeling sick with fear at the bloody gashes on his chest. With lightning speed, he vaulted to her and grabbed the arrow from her hand. Sprinting in the air, he landed on top of the brown wolf, digging the arrow deep into its chest. Alex dropped her bow and stared numbly at the bloody scene all around her. Bodies upon bodies of naked men lay on the ground with either arrows through their hearts or deep gashes on their chests made from silver daggers. She saw the guards shift into their human forms, naked, as they collapsed on the ground in exhaustion. She inhaled sharply as their cuts and gashes and sliced flesh slowly disappeared. 66

Anastasia Maltezos She looked back at Vasilis and watched him shift into his human form. He was naked, but she didn‟t have time to pay attention to that startling fact because she was gaping at his torn flesh slowly healing and returning to normal. He was breathing hard, his fists clenched, his face grim, as he slowly walked toward her. She parted her lips and released a tremulous breath as she ran her gaze over his muscular physique. A tremor shot through her body and the ground wavered beneath her feet. She whimpered, reaching out blindly to him as darkness surrounded her. She heard him swear roughly under his breath as his arms went around her. She was drifting away and couldn‟t do anything about it. He lifted her in his arms as she began to lose consciousness. “My darling,” she thought she heard him say hoarsely as blackness overcame her.

67

Lycan Prince

Chapter Seven

S

he opened her eyes slowly and realised she wasn‟t in her tent. She turned her head and saw Vasilis sitting next to her, staring at her with a curious mixture of regret, concern and something else she couldn‟t define. Malek stood behind him while Hesta hovered over her like a mother hen. “Oh, my poor child! What you had to witness,” the healer said. “Leave us,” Vasilis said. Malek immediately took his leave as Hesta fixed the blanket around Alex. “I said leave us,” Vasilis said harshly. “That means, you, too.” Hesta stopped what she was doing and gave him a small nod before hurrying away. “Your sister is fine. She knows nothing of what transpired. All the bodies have been moved and buried,” he began in a grim tone. Relief cascaded over her body. “And your guards? Are they…did anyone…” “We lost no one, but our youngest, Roarke, is without his left leg below the knee.” She gasped. “We heal automatically,” he continued, “but if you lose a limb, you have lost it forever.” She raised a shaky hand to her mouth. “Oh my God. Poor 68

Anastasia Maltezos Roarke,” she whispered. He leaned forward and braced his hands on each side of her body, his face close to hers. “I told you to stay in the tent. You could have been killed,” he said. She stared at his mouth, all thoughts disappearing from her mind. She should have been frightened of him, but she wasn‟t. “I can protect myself,” she said in a small voice. She couldn‟t believe that from everything that happened, she had one thing on her mind. She wanted him to kiss her again. “Yes, you can, but not from my evil kind.” He paused, his mouth tense as his gaze flickered to her mouth. “What if I wasn‟t there to stop the two grey wolves? One could have easily jumped on you and ripped your throat. You die if you‟re bitten by a werewolf on any night other than a full moon.” “Yes, but you were there. You saved me,” she whispered as she looked into his dark, mesmerizing eyes. Their gazes locked and she held her breath as his expression darkened with desire. “Dammit,” he said roughly, lowering his head. “I want you.” Then his mouth crashed on hers. She moaned against his warm, firm, sensual mouth and drew her arms around his shoulders, kissing him back with a passion that startled her. His hands slid beneath her torso and he lifted her body against his. His chest crushed her breasts and she dug her nails into his shoulders. She felt a shudder go through him as he lowered her back on the bed, his mouth moving furiously over hers. Alex couldn‟t get enough of him. She ran her hands over his back and quivered beneath the heat flaring in her limbs. She heard him growl deep from within his throat as he 69

Lycan Prince slid one hand between them and found her breast. He kneaded and moulded it, her nipple hardening with pleasure and she groaned in his mouth as his tongue continued to pillage and plunder her. An ache grew where her limbs met and she whimpered for a release she didn‟t know how to get. He shuddered and dragged his mouth from hers with a ragged breath. He stared down at her, his face taut with desire and he shoved aside her shirt, nearly ripping the thin fabric as he lowered a hungry mouth over a breast. She arched her head back and gasped with wild abandon at the pleasure he was inciting in her limbs. Her ache grew and she thought she would die if she didn‟t get her release. He continued to suck and lathe her breast and she thought her body would splinter in a thousand pieces at the exquisite pain growing in the lower regions of her body. Then he moved to her other breast and ravished it with the same intensity and passion as he did with the first one. Alex gasped. She couldn‟t take it anymore. She grabbed his hair and pulled down, hard. She heard him growl and slowly he lifted his head, his eyes boring down on hers. He was breathing hard, his eyes hooded, his face a dark shade of red. “This is madness,” she whispered hoarsely. He ran his gaze over her exposed breasts and rested it on her face. He was clenching and unclenching his jaw so tightly, she stared at the muscle throbbing along his cheek. He looked like he was in pain. “I can‟t believe I…this was not…” he began hoarsely, unable to finish. Slowly she drew her shirt over her breasts and stared at his face. He looked tortured, pained. “What is it?” she asked, her tone husky. Had he regretted what they‟d done? “I hunger for you like no other,” he said almost as though 70

Anastasia Maltezos he was speaking to himself. He drew back slowly, rubbing a shaky hand at the back of his neck and gave her a look that melted her limbs. “I…I wasn‟t exactly stopping you either.” “Why are you not afraid of me?” he asked abruptly. “You haven‟t said a single word to me about what I am.” She rose slowly from the bed, straightening her clothes as he drew his towering height next to her. “The man who taught me the art of combat knew of your kind.” “And the Royal Contest? You are not afraid of being wed to a beast?” She looked up at him and caught a flash of uncharacteristic vulnerability pass over his face. It was very brief, but she caught it. He called himself a beast. Her heart warmed with unbidden compassion as she thought of how gentle and caring he‟d been with Ariel from the first moment he met her, not to mention how he‟d risked his own life jumping between the two wolves to save her. “You‟re not a beast, Vasilis,” she said softly. She saw him swallow hard. “A few weeks after the night my castle turned two hundred years ago, my mother killed herself because she couldn‟t live with a husband and son who were monsters. She was turned, too and had to take a silver dagger to her heart.” Alex gasped and raised a sharp hand to her mouth. “I‟m sorry. I didn‟t know.” “It‟s not your fault. She didn‟t see us as human anymore and preferred death to living.” Gently she placed her hand on his arm. “I‟m sorry, Vasilis,” she repeated. He gazed intently at her. “I am still a man,” he said quietly. “I know,” she whispered. 71

Lycan Prince He took her by the shoulders and dragged her up against his body as his mouth descended on hers. He kissed her hard and her knees went weak with desire. He released her before she could catch her breath. “Go to your sister. We leave shortly. When we arrive at my home, you and I will talk.” **** By mid-afternoon, the caravan entered the royal grounds and Alex couldn‟t help but stare in awe at the castle atop the mountain. It was a magnificent structure with majestic towers, immense walls and turrets. The wagon slowed as the caravan went through the village nestled below the mountainside. The villagers greeted Vasilis and his guards with smiles and cheers. Alex could see Vasilis up ahead, nodding and waving to the people on the side of the road and she couldn‟t help but admire the love his people had for him. Ariel sat quietly next to her in the wagon and Alex looked down at her. She smiled. Her little sister was staring up at the castle in awe. “It looks like a castle in a fairy tale,” Ariel said. She hugged her sister close. “Yes, I suppose it does.” “Alex, are you really going to win the Royal Contest?” “I hope so, baby.” She glanced up ahead and saw a large group of women on horseback and on foot walking along the incline on the mountainside that led to the castle. The competitors, Alex thought. Some looked rather strong and athletic, wearing warrior garb and carrying weapons and she bit into her lower lip. She knew Hiroshi was a great warrior and he‟d passed all his knowledge to her, but she couldn‟t help but feel nervous. 72

Anastasia Maltezos She looked up ahead and saw Vasilis turn around. From one hundred paces ahead, their gazes met and a rush of warmth calmed her. He nodded slowly and returned his gaze back to the front. Did he know she was nervous? Was that comfort he tried to convey to her amid all the welcoming cheers, curious crowds and contestants tossing confident glances his way? Alex was confused. She knew he was attracted to her. She knew he even liked her on some level, but did his feelings run deeper? As they made their way up the incline path, the contestants on foot taking the grand steps, her nerves grew. At the top, the caravan came to a standstill as a massive drawbridge rose. She heard Ariel gasp in awe beside her, but Alex couldn‟t express the same sentiment. If she lost the contest, she‟d never see Vasilis again. Worse, she‟d never see Hesta the healer whom Alex wanted to look after Ariel. But they’re Lycan, a little voice ran in her ears. Alex lived with a real monster. Her stepmother, she thought grimly. A fact that made her accept Vasilis without fear. He wasn‟t a monster. He had showed nothing but kindness to her little sister, and she knew he would never do anything to hurt them. The caravan stopped in the immense inner courtyard and everyone started disembarking from their wagons and horses. She took Ariel by the hand and rose. “Come, honey. I think we need to go to that big tent where the women are lining up.” She sprung down from the wagon and turned around, lifting her hands to take Ariel in her arms. Her little sister was so light and a spasm of guilt weighed Alex‟s heart. She held her protectively against her breast and made her way to their horses. Gently, she placed her sister down. “Stay close to me, honey. I just need to get out horses.” 73

Lycan Prince Quickly, she grabbed their reins and wrapped them around her waist, giving the horses enough room to trot beside them. Then she turned around and stretched her arms out to Ariel. “Come here, baby. These crowds are too thick. I want you close to me.” Ariel automatically raised her little hands and Alex lifted back into her arms. She then made her way slowly to the big tent. A royal guard stood a few paces from the tent, waving the palace‟s flag. “All contestants! Come here and get your assigned tent for the night! You will be sharing quarters and the tents are limited, so first come, first serve!” he commanded in a loud voice. Alex looked with dismay at the line-up. There were at least thirty women waiting. Also, for the first time, she was able to look beyond the big tent and noticed there were thirty smaller tents lining the courtyard. Well, it was nice of the king to offer accommodations, she thought. She was about to take her place at the end of the line when she heard a growl followed by a loud curse behind her. “What do you think you‟re doing?” She spun around with Ariel still in her arms and looked up at Vasilis. He looked irritated. “I‟m…I‟m going to register for my sleeping quarters.” Grim-faced, he reached for Ariel, taking her gently out of Alex‟s arms. “You‟re sleeping in the castle,” he said firmly, as he held Ariel against his massive chest. Alex saw Malek a few paces away giving them a curious look. She returned her gaze to Vasilis. “The tents look comfortable. You‟ve already done more than—” “I‟m not asking you, Alex. I‟m telling you. You‟re sleeping in the castle.” He turned his head sharply to his chief guard. “Malek!” he roared. His chief guard stood to attention. “Yes, Your Highness?” 74

Anastasia Maltezos “Take her horses,” Vasilis barked out. “Aye, Your Highness.” He immediately came to Alex and untied the reins from her waist. She knew people were beginning to stare at them, especially the contestants from the line-up and she wished Vasilis would keep his voice down. “This isn‟t necessary. Ariel and I will be comfortable here.” He gave her a hard look, his jaw clenched and he turned on his heels. “Come with me.” He was immoveable and she knew she‟d better follow him if she wanted to avoid a scene. Besides, he was carrying her sister and she didn‟t want Ariel out of her sight. Ariel peeked her little face from the side of his massive, chiselled arms and shot her a grin. Alex unravelled and smiled at her, knowing her sister was thrilled she was going to sleep in a castle. Every head turned as Vasilis strode through the courtyard with Ariel in his arms, Alex walking alongside him. She caught the satisfied gleams of Krako and Ortega on their faces. Vasilis stopped before two immense doors that were slowly opening. Out strode the king flanked by two guards on each side and Alex nearly swooned. Good God. She thought Vasilis was a huge man, but the king was bigger by a head and wider by a hand. His face was more rugged and fierce looking and just as ruthlessly handsome. She couldn‟t get over the resemblance between father and son. The king‟s hair was a bit shorter, but just as black with only a smatter of grey at the temples. His eyes were so dark they almost looked opaque as he halted before her and ran his gaze over them. His black gaze went from his son to Ariel to Alex and then back to his son again. He wasn‟t smiling, but Alex could detect a hint of warmth growing in his eyes. 75

Lycan Prince “You made it back on time, son. I am pleased.” He gave Alex a thorough sweep of his gaze and raised a brow when he looked back at his son. “And who do we have here?” Vasilis motioned his head to one of the guards next to his father. “Take them to the bower and make sure they are settled. Notify Hesta where they will be.” Alex stifled a gasp. The bower? Was he serious? From what she knew, the bower was intended for the lady of the castle who used it as her private withdrawing-room and bedroom. Vasilis brought his gaze back to the king. “Father, this little one is Ariel and this is her sister Alex, the woman I am going to wed.” Alex was stunned as Vasilis turned and placed Ariel gently in her arms. She looked up at him in a daze, his expression revealing nothing. “Go with the royal guard,” he said, his tone brusque. Numbly, she nodded up at him. As she walked away, she heard him say, “Father, we need to talk. Now.”

76

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Eight

A

few minutes later, Vasilis ordered everyone out of the great hall and watched his father take his time as he strode to his throne and sat down. “So, you have already chosen a bride,” his father began slowly. Vasilis braced himself. He wasn‟t going to take no for an answer. “Yes. I have.” “Do you see yourself being faithful to this woman after you wed? For all eternity if she chooses to turn?” “Yes.” “I see.” The king raised a dark brow. “What of the one hundred women outside waiting to compete for your hand in marriage?” he continued slowly, his dark gaze unwavering. “Cancel the contest,” Vasilis said with an edge to his tone. “There will be a riot, my son. Do you know how far some women have travelled?” “Give them all coin for their time and trouble.” “Aye, I can do that, but do you know how much that will cost us?” Vasilis was angry. “I don‟t care what the cost. Do it, cancel the contest. You wanted me to wed and I will. I am going to marry Alex.” The king nodded, his hard expression slowly lifting to reveal a satisfied gleam. “It is done. I will make the 77

Lycan Prince announcement tomorrow.” Vasilis was relieved. “Thank you.” He turned to leave. “Wait,” his father commanded. Vasilis stopped and turned around. “Does she know what we are?” “We were ambushed by our kind in bandit area.” “So, this woman is not afraid of you?” “This woman is a warrior. She fears nothing.” “She is also very beautiful. Have you already bedded her?” Vasilis tensed. “No.” The king leaned forward and clasped his hands before him, his expression serious. “Son, you must tell her of the legend. If this is your one and you bed her, she will turn into one of us on the next full moon.” Vasilis never believed in the legend. All he believed in was that Alexandra affected him like no other woman ever had and he wanted to be with her and only her. “Father, you know how I feel about the legend.” The king raised a hand. “Nevertheless, my son. You know how what happened to our dear queen and you must be sure Alex is prepared.” Vasilis grew agitated. “A human turns into a werewolf when he is bitten by one on a full moon. That is the only legend I know of to be true.” The king looked like he wanted to say more, but clamped down on his jaw. “So be it.” **** The bed in the bower room was big enough to hold four men comfortably and Ariel bounced on it with glee. “Child, you mustn‟t exert yourself. You must be calm,” Hesta declared, rushing to Ariel‟s side. “Your breathing isn‟t 78

Anastasia Maltezos cured and you must be careful not to encourage another attack.” Ariel stopped jumping and allowed Hesta to lead her into the adjoining smaller chamber. “Come. It‟s time for your bath.” Alex smiled gratefully at Hesta and bent down to kiss Ariel before they left the bedroom. She looked down at herself and cringed. She needed a bath, too, along with a change of clothes, but all she‟d brought with her were the single pair of trousers she‟d been wearing continuously and the two shirts she interchanged when one was drying. There was a knock at the door and her stomach jolted. Vasilis! Nervously, she went to open it and stared at two women. One was pushing a trolley with plates that had lids on them and the other was carrying a huge bundle of clothes. The woman with the trolley said, “The prince wishes you and Ariel to eat. He wasn‟t sure what you preferred, so he made me prepare a different array of dishes for you two.” Alex was touched. She lifted one lid and her mouth watered at the succulent pheasant. She lifted another lid and inhaled the tantalizing aroma of pork. Other plates carried bread, vegetables and broth. She smiled her thanks to the woman. The other woman carrying the clothes laid them out on the bed. She turned to Alex. “Milady, the prince asked me to bring you these gowns. This cream satin is for the royal dinner tonight, these are your bed wear and the rest are for everyday. I hope they‟re all to your liking,” she added shyly. Alex gasped, staring at the gowns. “They‟re beautiful.” She lifted a few more items, noticing smaller gowns and nightwear for a child. “Those are for the little one,” the woman continued with a smile. 79

Lycan Prince “Please thank the prince for me. He really didn‟t have to…” she couldn‟t finish what she wanted to say because she was too busy swallowing the large lump in her throat. “Aye. I will tell him, Milady.” As the two women took their leave, the one who had pushed in the trolley turned to her and said. “He wishes you to meet him in the great hall at sundown for the royal dinner. I will return to escort you there.” Dumbfounded, Alex nodded. When she was alone, she sat down on the edge of the bed and stared at the food and clothes. When she first met Vasilis, she thought he was an arrogant, abrasive barbarian. Now she realised he was every bit as much the charming, kind, generous prince she‟d envisioned. Her heart thudded as she brought a hand up to her mouth. “Oh my God. How did this happen?” she whispered tremulously into the empty room. She was starting to fall for him. **** A few hours later, Alex bathed in the huge brass tub in the adjoining bath chambers. After she dried herself, Hesta helped her pin her hair up in cascading waves and helped Alex into the cream satin gown. She slipped on the satin slippers that had been part of Vasilis‟s gifts to her. She gasped. They were so lovely. Hesta tied the bodice with the laces along Alex‟s back and told her to turn around and face the mirror. Alex did so slowly, smiling at Ariel‟s gasp of pleasure. She looked in the mirror and froze. Was that her? She…she looked different. All feminine and pretty and soft. She brought a hand up to the dress‟s 80

Anastasia Maltezos neckline and flushed at her cleavage, recalling too readily Vasilis‟s mouth and hands on her skin. She drew in a shaky breath and focused on her image. Her gaze went over her small waist, her bare arms, the black lace trimming the edges of the gown and she inhaled though her nose. Slowly, she turned to the uncommonly silent Hesta. “How do I look?” she asked quietly. She knew Hesta wouldn‟t mince words. She would tell her the truth. “Child, you look breathtaking. The master‟s heart will cease to beat when he sees you.” Alex was relieved. She wanted to look nice for him tonight. The door opened. It was the woman who said she would escort Alex to the great hall. She paused at the door, smiling. “You look beautiful, Milady.” “Thank you,” Alex said shyly. She‟d never seen herself as a great beauty. Her ego always lay with her strength, and her weapons and combat skills. For the first time, she felt feminine and it made her feel uncertain. “Are you ready?” the woman asked. “Yes.” Alex kissed Ariel, told her to be a good girl for Hesta and then smiled at the healer. “I won‟t be long.” Hesta chuckled. “Child, after tonight, the master won‟t let you out of his sight.” Alex followed the woman down two flights of the grand staircase through the hall until they reached the massive double doors of the great hall. She heard harps and violins playing inside and the sound of loud conversation. Loud male conversation. The woman opened one of the doors and on nervous legs, Alex entered the room. The great hall was exquisite with massive chandeliers, magnificent balconies lining the room above and an immensely long table draped in silk. The castle servants 81

Lycan Prince were going around the table filling crystal goblets. She froze. Where were the women? The table was filled with about thirty royal guards, all dressed in their finest warrior garb. She took an uncertain step forward, looking for Vasilis. The king sat at on one end of the table and on the other sat Vasilis, looking every bit as handsome and strong as she remembered. He was speaking with Malek seated to his right and her heart fluttered as she stood there, wondering what to do next. As if sensing her presence, Vasilis stopped talking and slowly turned his head toward her. From where she stood, she could see him stiffen as he slowly lowered his goblet. One by one, the noise around the table stopped as all male eyes focused on her. She couldn‟t look at anyone because Vasilis‟s dark gaze held hers captive as he rose and made his way toward her. He seemed tense, his mouth almost a thin line, as he drew near to her. When he stopped, towering before her, she saw a curious muscle clicking maddeningly along his strong jaw. His gaze flickered over her appearance, resting a bit longer on her breasts. When he looked into her eyes, she felt breathless. “You look beautiful,” he said, his tone deeper than she remembered. “Thank you,” she replied in a small voice. He put out his arm and she took it gratefully as he led her back to the grand table. He pulled the seat out on his left and she sat down. Malek smiled at her and she smiled back nervously. “Welcome, Alex,” the king said loudly from the other end of the table. “Thank you for having me here,” she replied. “The pleasure is mine, my dear, as you will shortly be my daughter-in-law.” He raised his glass to her and the guards followed suit. 82

Anastasia Maltezos Alex froze. She hadn‟t yet spoken to Vasilis about that and gave him a guarded look. The king and the guards went about their conversations as Alex picked up her glass and took a sip of wine. She‟d never gotten drunk in her life, but getting tipsy now didn‟t seem like a bad idea. “The contest is cancelled,” Vasilis began without preamble. “My father is announcing it tomorrow morning and we will wed in the evening.” She was speechless. His mouth tensed. “Isn‟t this what you wanted? Didn‟t you come here to compete for my hand in marriage?” “Yes, but…but…” This was too easy. “Why are you doing this?” she asked quietly. His face was grim. “Hesta is a miracle worker with her teas and herbs and I will have her care for Ariel even if you refuse to marry me,” he said abruptly. “But that would solve only part of your problem. If you marry me, I will make sure you and your sister are taken care of for the rest of your lives.” “Why?” she whispered. “And we can be married only in name,” he said roughly. “The only thing I ask is in the eves when it is time to retire, you sleep with me.” Alex‟s problems were solved—and she didn‟t even have to compete with all those women. Ariel would have the treatment she needed and a chance at a grand life and Alex would never have to worry about their future. A mixture of happiness and disappointment coursed through her veins, but it was the disappointment that disturbed her. He would marry her in name only, he said. He didn‟t want to bed her because he would bed other wenches after they wed. His face darkened. “Do we have an arrangement?” 83

Lycan Prince He was right. It was what she wanted. “Yes,” she whispered. He seemed to relax and lifted his goblet to take a drink. She was dying to ask him if he was going to bed other wenches, but she couldn‟t very well ask that, could she? She had no right. He‟d given her what she wanted and he wouldn‟t have to go through the ordeal of a contest tomorrow. As well, she realised in afterthought, she knew he genuinely cared about Ariel and he must have been doing this for her. The servants began serving dinner, roasted lamb, and she ate slowly, trying not to overly analyze his feelings toward her because the answers she kept coming up with left her feeling discouraged. She was starting to care for him and the thought of him being with other women distressed her. “Are you enjoying the lamb?” he asked. “Mm, yes. Thank you.” “Ariel liked the gowns and nightwear I sent her?” Shame made her face grow warm. “Oh, yes. Vasilis, I‟m sorry I didn‟t thank you right away for your generous gifts.” He gave her a hooded look. “You liked your gowns?” She smiled at him. “I did. They‟re all lovely.” He nodded, his expression satisfied. “Alex, there are things you need to know.” Slowly she put her fork down and looked at him. “Okay.” “The king, the royal guards and most of the villagers are Lycans. The ones who are still human can choose to turn whenever they want. My father, me, the guards—our oath is to protect our people.” She didn‟t say a word and he continued grimly. “Our palace was attacked years ago by our evil kind on a full moon. It took one bite and we turned instantly, but we all refused to follow them and so we fought that night for our 84

Anastasia Maltezos lives, our families, our land and we drove them away. Since then, on every full moon, the castle doesn‟t sleep. We‟ve had battles since, but less and less over the years.” He paused. “I am immortal, Alex. Our castle was attacked over two hundred years ago.” “I know.” His brows went up. “The man who taught me everything I know was a very wise and knowledgeable man. He was my mentor. My teacher. He was the father I never had,” she said, her voice breaking. “He was the one who told you of my kind.” “Yes.” “I would like to hear about him,” Vasilis said quietly. Surprisingly, she heard him above the noise in the room and oddly enough, she felt as though they were the only two people in the great hall. “I was eighteen at the time and I was coming home from the market. My father had just remarried and my stepmother sent me to pick up some wheat. Anyway, I was still grieving over my mother‟s death a couple of months prior and I was walking home, sobbing. I didn‟t want the town folk to see me so I took a different path home. I happened along a small road and met a nice man. He lived in a small hut tucked away in the woods. I remembered my stepmother talking about him, calling him the yellow skinned man with the slanted eyes.” She tensed her mouth. “He was different and everyone avoided him, but I didn‟t. I went back to see him nearly every day.” “He taught you how to fight.” “Yes. I trained with him for six years, but that wasn‟t the only thing he taught me. I learned to read and write. He taught me philosophy and astronomy. And…and he told me about Lycans.” 85

Lycan Prince “I see. Did he ever see one?” “No, but he believed they existed. That‟s why he fashioned all my weapons out of pure silver.” Her gaze fell. “He died in his sleep six months ago. I was the one who discovered him.” “I‟m sorry.” She reached for her wine, giving him a small smile. “It‟s okay.” “And your father?” “He died when Ariel was one year old.” “So it was just you, Ariel and your stepmother the past few years.” She nodded, unable to speak. “Am I correct in assuming you‟ve been more mother than sister to Ariel since she was born?” She didn‟t want to talk about this. “Yes, please can we drop this sub—” “Your stepmother marked your back, didn‟t she?” he asked, his tone dropping dangerously. “Yes.” She saw him clench his fist on the table as he inhaled sharply though his nose. “I cannot allow her to get away with this.” “Vasilis,” Alex said. “She‟s dead. I…I killed her the day before I received the royal parchment for the Royal Contest. I packed up Ariel and myself and left right after that.” “What happened?” he asked, but she could see the black of his eyes changing colour. Turning amber. “Vasilis,” she urged, taking his hand in hers. He blinked and looked down at their hands. When he raised his gaze to hers, his eyes had returned to normal. “I killed her because she was about to hurt Ariel. For years, I suffered her abuse so she wouldn‟t harm Ariel. She was about to take the whip to Ariel because she was having a breathing attack and wouldn‟t stop. I snapped and fought her. She lunged at me 86

Anastasia Maltezos with a knife, we scuffled and I stabbed her.” “I would kill her myself today if she were alive,” he said, his dangerously soft tone hinting at the violent truth behind his words. She believed him. “It‟s over now.” “Yes. To beginnings.” “To beginnings,” she whispered back, removing her hand from his and taking her glass. She didn‟t exactly know what she was toasting to, but she prayed he meant them. **** Vasilis and Alex stood behind the king as he faced the crowd of women. King Drago raised his hand and all the women fell silent. “I have an announcement to make. Some of you may not like what I have to say, but once you hear me speak, I am sure you will all be satisfied.” He paused, looking around the crowd. “I am cancelling the contest today. My son has already chosen his bride.” A deep, wide grumble rose from the crowd and King Drago raised his hand again. “We will be handing out bags of coin and gold to all of you for your time and trouble.” “Yeah, but that doesn‟t change the fact one of us could have been crowned princess,” someone yelled from the crowd. Alex peered into the large group of women and tried to see who said that. “Yes, one of you would have been crowned princess and the rest of you would have left empty handed. This way all of you are winners because you all go home with coin. Coin and gold more than sufficient for the time you took to come here.” A mumble of satisfaction ran through the crowd until 87

Lycan Prince one by one, the women applauded. “And now,” the king continued, “I want you all to welcome Alexandra.” He motioned Alex to step forward and she did so nervously. She knew every woman here had her own story for competing in the contest and she wasn‟t without understanding. The women applauded respectfully and Alex smiled with relief, looking over her shoulder briefly at Vasilis. He stared at her with a look on his face that took her breath away. It was possessive, warm and proud.

88

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Nine

S

he was getting married in a few hours. She stared out of the window and watched castle employees dismantle the tents. She withdrew from the window and went to see Ariel. She was taking her afternoon nap in the massive bed. Alex smiled as she recalled last night after the dinner when she had slept with Ariel. She had had to tell her three bedtime stories to get her to sleep finally, from all the excitement of staying in the castle. Alex kissed her sister on the forehead and checked the water jug. It needed filling. She picked it up and went to the door, giving Ariel one last look before leaving. As Alex descended the grand staircase and passed the great hall, she heard loud noises coming from inside. The maid had told her earlier the guards would be celebrating with the prince on his upcoming wedding and she wondered if women were present at this party. She swallowed the wave of jealousy threatening to suffocate her. Pursing her mouth, she passed the great hall and made her way to the kitchen. Hesta told her if she needed water, it was out in the back of the kitchen, through large doors that led to an outdoor well. After a few minutes of walking through the vast castle, Alex found the well. She placed her jug on the ground and, as she leaned 89

Lycan Prince forward to grab the pulley, heard an angry female voice behind her, making her jump. “I would have won the contest.” Alex turned around and saw a tall, dark haired woman standing by the shed. She seemed unkempt in a soiled dress and messy hair. The woman gave her a malevolent glare and for a split second, Alex was afraid. There was something odd about her face, her eyes. Alex frowned, peering closer at the woman‟s face and gasped, jumping back. Her irises were changing colour. They were turning amber. “You‟re a Lycan,” Alex whispered, staring at the scratches on her neck. “Ah, so you‟re familiar with my kind,” the woman growled. “You ruined all my chances. For that you will die.” She brought a rough hand up to her neck and clawed her skin, nearly drawing blood with her nails. Alex was too numb to be afraid. “No.” “Yes. I could have finally been happy.” Alex tried to remain calm. “Ma‟am, you must realise how crazy this sounds. I don‟t even know you. The king gave you gold.” She spat angrily on the ground. “Do you think a few paltry pieces of gold would make me happy? I wanted it all. I deserve it all after the hell I‟ve lived with for two years.” “You turned two years ago?” Alex asked, playing for time. Surely, someone was going to come along soon. “Yes and I would have preferred death to living like this, with ants crawling all over my body, day and night, scratching me, tormenting me. When I heard of the Royal Contest, I realised some good could come from my condition. You see, even in my human form I possess incredible strength and speed—and I would have won!” she screeched. Alex ran a quick gaze around her to see if she could find 90

Anastasia Maltezos anything sharp that was made of silver. Nothing! She brought her gaze back to the woman. Maybe she could calm her down. “Look, I‟m sorry you wasted your time. I understand you had hopes of winning this contest, but you must know I never meant to hurt anyone. I didn‟t ask the prince to choose me.” The woman‟s face twisted with torment as she brought her hands up to her face and dragged her nails up and down her gaunt cheeks. “I can‟t stop them from crawling all over my body! Make them stop! Please make them stop!” she pleaded desperately. Alex sucked in a harsh breath. This woman wasn‟t evil. She was mentally unstable and needed help. She took a step toward her. “It‟s…it‟s going to be okay. Let me get you help.” The woman screeched again and clenched her fists at her sides, glaring at Alex with hatred and rage on her face. “Bitch! You bitch! Because of you, now I will never be happy. My skin will always crawl with maggots and worms and ants. I will never find peace under my skin. Never!” She then shifted into a seven foot Lycan as Alex recoiled in horror. **** Vasilis took a big swig of his ale. He looked around him and watched his guards enjoying themselves. He was getting married soon and judging by the drinking and laughter around him, he knew his royal guards were satisfied with his choice for a bride. King Drago chuckled at Vasilis‟s side. “I think Hesta will have a few patients to attend to later. Krako has nearly drunk a keg to himself.” 91

Lycan Prince Vasilis tried concentrating on what his father was saying, but all he could think of was Alex. A marriage in name only! He grimaced. He was mad! After what happened yesterday in his tent, he didn‟t think he could control himself with her anymore. Still, he didn‟t want to rush her into anything she wasn‟t ready for and in time, he would make her grow to love him. He froze. Love? Where did that come from? His father made a comment to him about Ortega‟s intake of ale when something violent slammed into Vasilis‟s gut. He dropped his glass of ale and it crashed to the floor, splintering in a thousand pieces. He sucked in a harsh breath, swearing roughly as he staggered to his feet. “Son, what is it?” “I don‟t know.” Vasilis said, breathing hard. “I…I feel something. Holy Mother of God! I think it‟s Alex,” he rasped. Stunned at the powerful feel of her everywhere, he swallowed hard and looked wildly around him. What the hell was happening? He could feel her. Sense her. His Lycan blood pounded in his ears. His heart raced with terror. She was in mortal danger! Vasilis threw his head back and roared like a beast unleashed. “Alex!” He could feel where she was. She was by the water well. Shifting immediately into his Lycan form, he vaulted through the air, his silver dagger in his hand, and sprung for the doors, his father and the guards running behind him in their human forms, their silver swords readied. Vasilis was at the well within moments and his heart nearly stopped when he saw the She-Lycan dangling Alex by her neck in the air. Alex was clutching at the She-Lycan‟s hands, gasping and choking for breath. With lightning speed, he sprung in the air and threw his 92

Anastasia Maltezos body over the She-Lycan, tossing them all to the ground. He tossed a quick glance to Alex who was on her knees, gasping and breathing in a lung full of air. He then turned on the She-Lycan. He grabbed her by her neck and squeezed, bringing his sword‟s point to her chest. “No, Vasilis!” Alex screamed hoarsely from behind him. He felt her pulling at his arms, trying to loosen his hold on the She-Lycan and he looked down at her. “She tried to kill you,” he growled. Alex continued pulling on his arm, her eyes welling with tears. “Vasilis, no,” she moaned. “This woman is ill. She needs help.” He struggled to understand what she meant. “Vasilis, she‟s mentally unstable,” Alex rushed on. “She was bitten two years ago and has since lost her mind. Can‟t we…can‟t you help her?” She let go of his arm. “She‟s gone mad. She‟s not evil. Don‟t kill her. The poor woman‟s gone mad since she turned,” she said, collapsing on the ground, sobbing into her hands. Vasilis froze. Had his mother gone mad, too, and he never realised it? Slowly he released his hold. The She-Lycan shifted back to her human form and Alex grabbed the torn dress off the ground and gave it to her to hide her naked limbs and breasts. “Take her to the cellar,” Vasilis told Malek. “Put a guard with silver on her watch and tell Hesta she has a new patient.” Slowly, he turned to Alex and grimaced. Her face was taut, ashen. He knelt in his Lycan form by her side and gathered her close in his arms. His heart was heavy with anguish. What kind of life was he subjecting her to, he thought with deep regret. She deserved better than him. She deserved a normal life. She 93

Lycan Prince deserved a man not a beast. “I‟m sorry,” he said hoarsely over her head. “You have nothing to be sorry about. You didn‟t kill her,” she mumbled into his massive chest. “I‟m not sorry about that. I‟m sorry that bringing you into my life has surrounded you with danger.” She wiped her tears and raised her face to his, placing her hands on each side of his monstrous face. She held his gaze with unwavering determination. “I‟m not sorry I‟m going to wed you. You may be a Lycan Prince, but you‟re also the most understanding, kindest, most protective man I know.” She paused and then kissed him on his Lycan mouth. He stiffened. In two hundred years, no one ever kissed him with such warmth in this monstrous form. In that moment he knew. He knew how much he loved her.

94

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Ten

T

he wedding came and went with joyous fanfare from everyone in attendance and Alex found herself back in the bower, unable to stop thinking about it. Her dress was lovely, a gift from Vasilis as it fell in voluminous waves of white silk and fine lace to the ground. The train was fifteen feet long and her veil fell in a soft wave over her face. He dressed in his regal prince attire and she was never more nervous walking toward him during the ceremony. If not for his steady gaze pinned on hers, she wouldn‟t have made it across the courtyard. Her stomach jolted as she recalled the wedding kiss. When his mouth had touched hers, she‟d nearly melted. It was warm, firm and the crowds had cheered when he‟d placed his arm around her and had drawn her close, deepening his kiss. Alex stared at the exquisite diamond pendant in her hand, another gift from Vasilis. Ariel reached for it. “Can I see it again? Please.” Alex laughed. “Okay. Here, you can wear it for a bit, but then we have to put it in its box.” She clasped the pendant around Ariel‟s neck and smiled as her little sister stared in the mirror. “Do you want some water, honey?” Alex asked. Ariel nodded. Alex walked to a jug and poured water in a glass. She 95

Lycan Prince gave it to Ariel. “Bedtime in a few minutes, okay?” “Okay.” Alex‟s nerves rushed forth. She was going to sleep with him tonight. It may not have been the same as saying she was going to bed him, but the thought still made her nervous. She was attracted to him and sleeping next to him in her nightdress with his muscular body only inches away from hers brought a rush of heat to her cheeks. That morning in his tent swam before her eyes and her heart skipped a beat. She wanted him and she knew he wanted her. Would they make love tonight, she wondered nervously? If he wanted to, she was going to let him, she decided. After the wedding ceremony this afternoon, he‟d reminded her that marrying him requested she retire to his bed every night, even if they were wed in name only. She‟d responded with a calm nod even though she had been a mess inside. Heat warmed her face and she drew in an unsteady breath. “Carla will be here soon, honey. It‟s time for bed,” she said. Carefully she removed the pendant from her little sister‟s neck and placed it in its box on the dresser. Ariel climbed into the massive bed as Carla knocked and entered. Alex smiled at her. “She‟ll be sleeping in a few minutes. The day tired her out.” Carla smiled back and went to Ariel. “I hope you‟ll be able to stay up for at least one story?” Ariel giggled. “Two stories.” “Okay. Two stories.” Alex loved Carla. She was so good with children…and so patient. “Are you going to be okay?” “We‟ll be fine. Have a good night, Your Highness.” Alex was uncomfortable. She still had a hard time getting used to her new title. “Goodnight, Carla. Goodnight, 96

Anastasia Maltezos sweetheart. I‟ll see you in the morning,” she said to Ariel, reaching across the bed to kiss her. “„Night, Alex. Love you.” “I love you, too.” She left them and walked down the long winding corridor to the west wing where the prince‟s chamber was. The castle was so huge it took her a few minutes to arrive at his massive double doors. She swallowed and knocked gently. Nothing. She knocked again. Again nothing. Frowning, she turned the knob and opened the door. The room was lit with candelabras and she gasped as she stepped inside its opulence. Her gaze went immediately to his bed. It was just as huge as the one in the bower, but his bed was raised a few inches off the ground on a platform and was covered by a canopy draped in blue silk. “Vasilis,” she called softly into the soft lighting. “Are you here?” Silence ensued. Disappointed, she went closer to the bed and noticed a large white box on the blue covers. The box had a large red ribbon around it. She walked to the edge of the bed and saw a card. For your wedding night. Vasilis. Curiously, she undid the ribbon and lifted the lid. Tissue paper covered what was inside the box and she pushed it aside, lifting the most beautiful nightgown she‟d ever seen. It was a long, white flowing mass of sheer silk with exquisite straps and lace around the bodice. A wave of guilt rushed through her veins. He‟d given her so many gifts in the last couple of days and she had given him nothing. She went into the bath chamber and changed. She came out a few minutes later and looked around. He still wasn‟t here. Alex stomped down on the flash of nerves rising inside of her. 97

Lycan Prince Where was he? Was he downstairs in the great hall drinking with his guards, or…or was he in another bedchamber with a young wench he picked up from the village? Alex sat on the edge of the bed and waited, wondering if she should just crawl into it and go to sleep. An hour later of pacing and sitting and staring out of the window, she gave up. He was with another woman. He must have been if he‟d kept her waiting all this time. Humiliated, she began removing her nightdress. She wasn‟t going to wear it. Naked, she walked to the dresser and opened the drawer where she saw a long cotton nightdress. At that moment, the door opened and Vasilis strode in. Alex froze and stared at him from the corner of the room. She watched him pause, his hand still on the door and look around until his gaze rested on her and she heard him draw in a harsh, strangled breath. He‟d seen her! Quickly, she grabbed the nightdress from the drawer and held it against her body. Without saying a word, he slammed the door behind him and strode toward her, removing his armour and tunic as he approached, letting them fall to the ground. He stood in front of her, barechested and grabbed the dress from her clutches. He threw it on the ground behind him as he ran his gaze over her naked breasts and lower to her femininity. Alex couldn‟t move. “Don‟t cover yourself,” he rasped and dragged her into his arms. His kiss was punishing and she welcomed it as she ran her hands through his hair. Her senses flared to life as his hands circled her waist and he dragged her lower body up against his hard member. She was weak kneed and returned his kiss passionately. Before the kiss started, it ended as he grabbed her by the shoulders and withdrew. He looked down at her with 98

Anastasia Maltezos unconcealed hunger on his face and she marvelled at the effect she had on him. “Why did you stop?” she asked breathlessly. “I want you to be sure this is what you want.” She pulled away, gasping. Oh my God! He was with another woman and he wanted to know if she was fine with the fact he would never be monogamous! Humiliation and rage made her grow cold. Without thinking, she swung her hand to his face, but he was quicker than her and he caught her hand before she slapped him. “Damnation, woman! What is wrong with you?” he growled. “Where were you?” she asked. His breathing was laboured and he frowned, momentarily confused. “The sun will be up soon. Where were you all this time?” She hated that she sounded jealous, but she couldn‟t help it. She didn‟t want to share him with anyone. His brows came down and his mouth tensed. “I was with Katya.” She felt her legs grow weak. She tried pulling her hand out of his grasp and failed. “Which lover is Katya?” His expression darkened. “Katya is the She-Lycan you didn‟t want me to kill.” “Oh,” she replied in a small voice. Ashamed, her gaze wavered under his and she stared at his chest. “Hesta came to get me just as I was coming to you hours ago,” he explained. “It appears our Katya is from the Lycan pack in the mountains and she was giving me information on them. Where they hide. How many are in their pack.” He paused, the silence deafening. “Alexandra,” he said quietly. “Look at me.” Slowly she raised her gaze and their eyes locked. “I‟m sorry, Vasilis. I…I thought…” 99

Lycan Prince He grimaced. “I know what you thought.” He ran a dark, passionate gaze over her bare breasts before looking back into her eyes. “And I don‟t blame you, but that was my reputation in the past, before I met you. Right now, the only woman I want to be with is you, dammit.” She parted her lips and exhaled a breath she didn‟t know she was holding. “Then be with me,” she whispered. He looked visibly shaken as he stared into her eyes. “What are you saying?” “I want you to make love to me,” she said softly. Desire flared on his face and he immediately lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down and stood back, his gaze never leaving hers, as he removed the rest of his clothes. Alex couldn‟t take her eyes off him as she devoured every inch of his magnificent body. When she looked down to where his male sex was, a thick, long, steel shaft, she blushed. Every part of him was all male, sexy and strong. Her breath caught at the predatory glint in his eyes as he walked to the bed and stretched his long frame beside her. He ran his gaze hungrily over her naked body. A sudden attack of shyness made her bring her hand up to her breasts, but he stopped her with a tender touch. “Don‟t. I want to look at you. You‟re beautiful, Alexandra. More beautiful than you realise.” Slowly, he lowered his head and trailed hot kisses along her shoulders, her arms, her breasts. She closed her eyes and let the moment sweep her away. His mouth was heaven on her skin and her body reacted instinctively to his touch. He slid his hand over her shoulder, down her arm, over her flat belly, making her moan softly, her eyes still closed. Her stomach quivered as he slid his hand from her belly around to her hip and then to the top of her thigh. She gasped sharply, opening her eyes. His hand was on 100

Anastasia Maltezos her mound, caressing her gently. Her breathing quickened and she turned and buried her face in his neck. She inhaled his male scent, squeezing her eyes as he continued his sensual exploration of the top of her mound. Instinctively, she spread her legs. He dipped his hand further down and caressed her most intimate spot. Alex moaned, biting into her lower lip as an ache pulsated and grew in her limbs. His fingers slid over her moistness, circling, pulling, kneading, until he slipped one into her and she threw back her head and released a strangled gasp. She closed over his finger and convulsed with spasms, digging her nails into his back, as racks and racks of ecstasy cascaded over her body. She felt spent as she waited for her exquisite spasms to subside. She couldn‟t believe what had just happened to her. It had been so sudden, like waves upon waves crashing over her, thrashing her back and forth in the ocean. He withdrew his finger, slid his hand back up her body and cupped her breast. Then his mouth was on hers and she wrapped her arms around him, kissing him. He groaned deeply and she moaned as he moved and covered his body over hers. He brought a knee in between them and opened her legs. Instinctively, she spread them further and she felt his hard member press against her moist warmth. She knew what he was going to do and she braced herself knowing it would hurt for a brief moment. He lifted his head and looked deeply into her eyes, his expression taut with desire. He found her entry and plunged himself deep inside her. A blinding, hot flash pierced her as he stretched and filled her. She threw back her head and stifled a scream in her throat. She felt him stiffen violently and she looked up at his face. He was staring at her with a possessive glint in his eyes. 101

Lycan Prince “You have been with no other,” he stated hoarsely. All she could do was shake her head as she felt the pain subside. “And you will never be with another,” he said roughly, his expression a mixture of pride and desire. She gasped as he began to move. At first, he withdrew and entered her slowly. Her body responded and she moved in harmony with him. He moved with more urgency and she met his moves as her body began to quiver and shake. She felt like she was soaring, higher and higher, to a point in the sky where she could find release. All of a sudden, she splintered into a million pieces as wave upon wave of ecstasy fell over her and she screamed her climax for the second time that night. Vasilis stiffened violently, threw back his head and roared his release as he spent his seed into her womb. He lay silently over her, his hands braced on her sides so she didn‟t feel his full weight on her, their heavy breathing slowly subsiding. After a few moments, he turned on his side and with one arm under her, brought her close to him. She closed her eyes and marvelled at all the sensations in her body. She was tingling all over and her heart swelled with feeling. This was love, she realised. It must have been if he was able to make her respond so intensely to his touch. “Do you remember when you asked me why I wanted to marry you?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied softly. He turned to her and looked into her eyes. “I love you, Alexandra. I have loved you from the first moment I saw you standing on that boulder pointing your arrow at me.” His declaration filled her with elation, staring at his ruthlessly handsome face. He loved her. She couldn‟t believe it. “Say something,” he continued, his tone hinting 102

Anastasia Maltezos desperation. “Say anything. Tell me you‟ll be with me forever. Tell me you love me, too. Tell me I‟m not crazy to think a beautiful woman like you could ever love a beast like me.” Slowly, she rose on her elbow and looked down at him. She brought her hand to the side of his face and stared at him with all the love she felt shining from her eyes. His expression lit with hope. “I will be with you forever,” she began slowly. “I love you. And you‟re not crazy.” He brought his hands up and cupped her face, bringing her head down as he lifted his head from the bed. “I love you,” he murmured, trailing kisses all over her face. “God, how much I love you.” She slid her body over his and he growled appreciatively. He was aroused again and she gasped softly as he brought his hand between them and guided his member to her opening. His face darkened passionately and her stomach jolted at the look of desire on his face as he pushed his hard tip a bit past her opening. Then, with a grim face, he slid his hands to her waist and lifted her over him, pushing her down hard on him, impaling her. Alex gasped loudly, throwing her head back, as a rush of intense heat coursed through her body. Instinctively, she closed her womb over him and watched him grimace in sheer pleasure. “You‟re so deep,” she whispered hoarsely. He was gritting his teeth, his eyes hooded, his mouth tense, as he tightened his hold on her waist and lifted her slightly from his sex. He pushed her down and then repeated the process when she realised what he wanted her to do. She rose and fell over him, her pace rising in speed and he threw his head back on his pillow and squeezed his eyes, growling. Then his hands were on her breasts. She was 103

Lycan Prince moving faster, her hands on his chest and they both climaxed at the same time, leaving each other spent and sated. She fell over him, gasping for air.

104

Anastasia Maltezos

Chapter Eleven

A

lex woke up to an empty bed, but she‟d expected that. Last night, Vasilis had explained that on every full moon the castle was busy preparing for a possible attack. She‟d shown immediate concern, but he‟d put her at ease, telling her they hadn‟t been attacked in over fifty years. The Lycans in the mountains knew the castle was well protected with a fleet of Lycan warriors. She rose from the bed and dressed in the riding outfit Vasilis had had the maid fold neatly in one of the drawers. She frowned only for a fraction of a second, recalling last night when Vasilis had told her he didn‟t want her leaving the grounds without him. He was worried for nothing, she decided. She‟d take her horse out for a short run this morning and then spend the day with Ariel. Besides, Vasilis was busy in the great hall with his father and his guards organizing their night when the full moon rose. She was looking forward to riding her black steed. For over a week now, she‟d been sitting in a wagon and she missed the freedom she felt when she was galloping on horseback. Thirty minutes later, she was riding out into the fields, past the village below the mountain. The wind on her face and the sun on her back were calming her heightened senses. Since last night, she felt different. She couldn‟t explain it, but it was as though she heard and smelt 105

Lycan Prince everything. Ridiculous, she scoffed inwardly, gripping the reins. There were many explanations for it and she opted to choose coincidence. Alex frowned, pushing her thoughts away as the hair on the nape of her neck rose. Glancing sharply behind her, all she could see was the vast expanse of empty fields, but she was still tense. Why did she feel like someone was following her? She galloped harder and faster, leaning forward on her horse when a curious tingling persisted on her back. She turned around again and gasped. She could see a black shadow far into the fields gaining incredible distance on her. She crouched over her steed and clicked her tongue as her horse raced ahead. At one point, she turned around and gasped. The black shadow was almost behind her. It was a massive black wolf. Alex screamed. “Faster, boy. Faster,” she urged her steed, but it was useless. The wolf was now racing at her side. She glanced down and frowned. It looked familiar and this close to it, she was oddly unafraid. Was it Vasilis? The wolf made a strange sound and she gasped. It was a curious mixture of a yelp and a howl. She looked back down at it and saw it snap its gaze to her. It made a curious motion with its head, almost as though it nodded and she brought her steed to a thunderous stop. She dismounted as her heart raced in her chest. The wolf stopped and remained motionless before her, gazing at her with its amber eyes. She then gasped as it transformed into the tall, muscular form of Vasilis. He was in his human form and very naked. Her heart flipped over in her breast. She ignored his clenched fists at his sides. He was angry. “I forbade you to go riding alone,” he practically roared. 106

Anastasia Maltezos “Damnation, woman, do you not understand there are dangers everywhere.” “I‟m…I‟m sorry, but surely you can‟t be serious? What can possibly happen out here? Look around, there‟s nothing but fields upon fields.” He grimaced. “Did you not see how I gained speed on you?” She worried her lower lip. He was right. He did move incredibly fast and any other Lycan with deadly intentions could have easily caught up to her. “I‟m sorry,” she said in a small voice. With a grim face, he reached for her and drew her in his arms, hugging her close. “Do you not realise what I would go through living the rest of my immortal existence without you? I would take silver to my own heart if that happened.” “I‟m sorry,” she repeated against his chest. He kissed her on the top of her head and she wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her body against his. She felt him stiffen. She lifted her face and looked at him. “What is it?” She saw his expression darken with desire as his gaze skimmed her face. She raised her face and parted her lips invitingly. With a strangled groan, he brought his head down and kissed her, his arms drawing her body close to his. Alex sighed against his mouth and pressed her lower body against his erection. A low groan emitted from his throat and she opened her mouth as their tongues mingled and meshed. She could kiss him forever, she realised. In his arms was where she felt complete, whole and she never wanted to lose this feeling. Startled, she felt him lowering her to the ground. She grasped him around his shoulders and looked up into his face. He was regarding her with a taut expression, his mouth thinned as though he was suppressing something violent at 107

Lycan Prince bay. She shivered in spite of the sun‟s heat and her warm riding skirt and closed her eyes. She trusted him. She loved him. With a rough hand, she felt him raise her skirt to her waist and grab her undergarments, ripping them away from her silken folds and then touching her. Alex gasped with pleasure. “You are ready for me,” he said huskily. She didn‟t know what that meant and she didn‟t care. She spread her legs and squeezed her eyes, clutching his shoulders. “Do it now,” she said hoarsely. Without another word, he positioned himself over her and plunged deep into her warmth. Her tight sheath accommodated his generous size and they moved together in unison. His hands slid over her bottom and he crushed her to his heat. Alex was spiralling again, out of control, and she arched her neck, gasping for release. Her body exploded with sheer pleasure a moment before he buried his head in her neck and growled his release. They lay there for a few minutes, their laboured breaths recovering, when he slowly raised his head and stared down hard at her. “Never leave the grounds without me again,” he said hoarsely. “I…I won‟t,” she replied. He rose, helping her up and fixed her skirt over her. She stared at his naked magnificence and smiled. “Somehow, I don‟t think you should be parading all your male glory through the town.” His mouth quirked with dry amusement. “When I realised you went out riding, I followed you on horseback. I knew you were too far ahead and I was worried your safety 108

Anastasia Maltezos so I left my horse just outside the village, along with my clothes.” She looked down at her riding attire. “I don‟t have anything to give you.” He shrugged. “No matter. I‟ll return as my wolf and dress when I return to our chambers. Come.” He shifted into his massive, black wolf form. Before she climbed her horse, she leaned over him and ran a hand over his thick black fur. He threw back his head and howled just before he brought his mouth to her hand and licked it. She smiled, climbed on her horse and they rode back side-by-side.

109

Lycan Prince

Chapter Twelve

A

lex saw Vasilis briefly in the courtyard later in the day when she took Ariel outside for some playtime. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched his impressive form adorned in warrior garb striding toward her, his expression intent. He greeted Ariel with a smile before he turned a serious gaze on her. “I won‟t be coming to our chambers tonight.” “I know.” “Make sure you stay with Hesta and Carla in the bower tonight.” “I will.” “I will see you at sunrise.” Without another word, he grabbed her by her shoulders and kissed her. She gazed up at him in a daze after he released her. “Be careful,” she said. A few hours later, she was back in the bower staring out of the window. The full moon would be up soon, she thought, looking up into the night sky. She would be lying to herself if she didn‟t admit she was worried. Even though Vasilis had said an attack was unlikely, she couldn‟t contain the nagging fear that nothing in life was certain. She glanced over to Ariel who was sound asleep. Hesta had given her a mild sedative. All human children were on every full moon, Hesta had explained. The human and Lycan adults didn‟t want them to witness something they 110

Anastasia Maltezos weren‟t ready for. Trumpets blared throughout the castle and Alex jumped in fright. “What was that?” she asked, tossing a sharp glance at Hesta and Carla. They both looked shocked. “The castle is under attack,” Hesta whispered, her expression stunned. Alex stiffened. “What? What do you mean?” “Child, we haven‟t heard these trumpets in over fifty years.” Fear raced through her veins. “Vasilis told me an attack was improbable. He said the castle hasn‟t—” “Calm yourself, child! We are prepared for this.” Alex snapped out of her dazed fear and ran to the chest by the dresser. Quickly, she lifted the massive lid and grabbed her weapons. She attached her sword on her belt, tucked her dagger in the waistband of her skirt and slung her harness over her shoulder. She turned around and gasped, watching Hesta and Carla shift into their Lycan forms. What if Hesta was wrong? What if they weren’t prepared for this? She choked back on a fearful sob. What if Vasilis got hurt, or worse, died? Her tearful gaze fell on Ariel and her legs felt weak. Oh my God! Ariel! What would she do if Ariel got hurt, or worse? She couldn‟t even fathom the or worse. She heard screams, roars and growls rising from the castle grounds outside and her breath came out in short gasps. Howling rose from the distance, getting closer, louder. The attack on the castle had begun. She watched Carla lift Ariel from the bed and run to the bath chamber. “Where are you going?” Alex yelled. Hesta placed a taloned hand on her arm and looked down at her. “We have secret tunnels beneath the castle and the village. The humans and the children hide there until the 111

Lycan Prince battle is over. Come, child. We must go to safety.” Alex followed Hesta‟s towering monstrous form into the bath chambers and saw Carla position Ariel securely on her hip as she pulled a lever with her free hand by the wall. A panel opened revealing darkness. Carla grabbed a candelabra and disappeared into the blackness with Ariel tucked gently under her arm. Alex gasped, rushing to the entry and peered inside. The glow of Carla‟s light grew fainter, but Alex could make out the stone steps leading down. She turned around and stared at Hesta who was grabbing a torch light. “Come. We must hide. The master and his warriors will protect us,” Hesta growled. Alex couldn‟t move. Vasilis was still out there. “How safe are the tunnels?” “Very. In all the battles the last two hundred years, no one has ever discovered them.” Alex had made up her mind. “Go. Guard Ariel with your life. I‟m going to find Vasilis.” “You‟re mad, child! There are Lycans out there who will turn you to their dark side.” “My silver will protect me. Go! Take Ariel to safety.” Hesta looked like she wanted to argue, but clamped down on her ferocious jowls. “Aye. I will take your sister to safety and guard her with my life, child. Godspeed.” Alex nodded and watched Hesta bend her head as she slipped through the entry. Alex closed the panel behind her and whispered a small prayer, wishing all the children of the castle grounds were safely hidden away. She inhaled deeply and left the bower, rushing out in the corridor. She froze. Standing before was a Lycan growling at her. Alex wished he were one of the guards or the villagers. “Ah, a beautiful addition to our pack. You will come in very handy to our leader. Lord Balkathan is in need of 112

Anastasia Maltezos feasting on new flesh,” he growled in a sinister voice. At least now, she knew he wasn‟t one of the good guys. She brandished her sword before her, willing her fear to go away, and faced him with a bravado she was far from feeling. This was different than fighting a bandit. This man was a Lycan with speed and strength she could never match. He advanced her slowly and she raised her sword, gripping it tightly. “Stand back, beast.” “A courageous beauty at that. Lord Balkathan will be pleased once he adds you to his harem. Methinks he will enjoy taming you, wench. You have fire.” He made a disgusted sound. “His last addition to his harem was a snivelling, weak wench. She was insane, constantly scratching herself and trying to take silver to her heart.” “Katya!” “Ah, so you know of her. Good. You will tell me where she is. We are here for one reason and that‟s to kill her. Lord Balkathan does not want her exposing his secrets, you see.” “No!” She brandished her sword again, taking a firm stand. Her silver would protect her and if she calmed down and focused her energies on her target, she could get out of this. Hiroshi taught her to smash through thick planks of wood with her hand. She could do this, she repeated with more confidence than she felt. “I‟m not afraid of you.” He advanced another step and then faltered, his head rising as he sniffed the air. Suddenly his expression changed and he growled menacingly. “I see I am too late. A shame. Lord Balkathan would have enjoyed your flesh. Too bad I have to kill you now.” He grabbed his silver dagger from the belt around his waist and raised it as he vaulted through the air toward her. Alex didn‟t have time to decipher his strange words as she immediately dropped to her knees and watched him vault over her head and land behind her. With lightning 113

Lycan Prince reflexes, she rose, spun around and plunged her sword deep into his back. He roared with shock as he fell to the ground, transforming into the man he once used to be. She had to find Vasilis. At the thought of him, she felt a huge wave of feelings pummel her belly. She…she could sense him. She felt him. He was in the great hall fighting three Lycans. Stunned at this brief imaging flashing through her mind, she sprinted down the stairs. Her heart pounded in her throat as she sped past the kitchen through the main hall and stopped before the great hall‟s doors. Without another thought, she flung open the doors and ran inside, her gaze frantically searching for Vasilis. She froze as she saw three Lycans advancing on Vasilis, their swords raised before them. They had him cornered at the far right of the hall. She screamed. Vasilis snapped his gaze to her and roared ferociously. “Alex! Run!” She dropped her sword and grabbed her bow and one of her arrows. One of the three Lycans growled and sprinted toward her as Vasilis‟s roar raised the rafters. She released her bow and the Lycan went down. She was going for another one of arrows when a violent, scorching pain coursed through her veins. She gasped, doubling over, her bow falling at her feet. She looked up in shock as Vasilis fought the Lycan attacking him. With every blow the evil Lycan made with his dagger, Vasilis stopped it with his sword. Terrified, her gaze went to the other Lycan who was advancing her. “Don‟t touch her, you bastard!” Vasilis roared. “Alex! Run, dammit! Run!” She took a few unsteady steps back and came up against a tall, heavy armoire. The Lycan sprung in the air and landed on top of it. With inhuman strength, he pushed it forward as Alex screamed, falling back. She landed on the ground with 114

Anastasia Maltezos a jarring thud, her breath knocked out of her. She pushed at the armoire trapping her lower body, but couldn‟t even budge it. Frantically, she looked up and saw the Lycan who attacked her had returned to the other Lycan and they fought Vasilis with their silver swords. Alex screamed, desperately trying to remove herself from under her trap. She looked at Vasilis. He gave her an anguished, fearful look and she felt the first spasm of real fear. Oh my God! They weren‟t going to make it. She knew Vasilis wasn‟t fighting at his full capacity. He kept looking her way, roaring, distracted by her. Alex screamed as a shaft of excruciating pain coursed through her limbs. My God! The armoire was crushing her. She felt…she felt like her bones were cracking. Vasilis tossed her a look fierce with worry and one of the Lycans sprung through the air and landed behind him. He grabbed Vasilis by the hair, pulling his head back, as the other Lycan in front of him jabbed the sword from Vasilis‟s hand, tossing it a few paces away. Alex screamed in sheer fright, desperately pushing at the armoire. Vasilis had no silver! They were going to kill him. Her body stilled, growing numb somehow, as a curious feeling invaded her bones. Instinctively, she raised her face and looked out of one of the windows. She saw the full moon rising. It beckoned her. Alex couldn‟t believe, nor could she stop, what happened next as her body immediately expanded and shifted into a massive Lycan. Fire and ice raced through her veins as her bones grew, her skin stretched. She flung the armoire off her and rose, all seven feet of pure She-Lycan muscle. She then gazed at the window, threw her head back and released a long, loud, ominous howl. She snapped her gaze 115

Lycan Prince to Vasilis and saw the Lycan facing him had his dagger‟s tip poised on his neck while the other one held him captive from behind. But Vasilis seemed unfazed by his pending doom because he kept his gaze pinned on Alex, his expression sheer disbelief. With lightning speed, she grabbed one of her arrows from the ground and sprung to her bow that was a few paces away. She rose, positioned her arrow and released it into the Lycan who was ready to kill Vasilis. She collapsed on her knees. She felt another wave of transformation coming on and she panicked, as she stared at her outstretched hands reverting back to their human form. Vasilis spun around and grabbed the Lycan by the throat, raising him off the ground. He turned his head and growled at Alex. “The dagger!” he roared. Her clothes lay in tatters by the armoire and she crawled naked to the dagger laying a couple of paces away and grabbed it. She tossed it in the air, Vasilis catching it neatly, before he turned on the Lycan and stabbed him in the gut. He snapped his gaze to her, breathing hard as he dropped the dagger to the ground. “Holy Mother of God!” he rasped, taking a staggering step toward her. “You are my one!” Her eyes burned and her tears fell. They were alive and judging by the dying sound of battle around the castle grounds, the war was ending. He shifted in his human form and came to her side, collapsing on his knees. He drew his arms gently around her and held her tightly. “Oh my God. What have I done,” he said hoarsely, his tone thick with emotion. She wrapped her arms around his waist and closed her eyes. “So the legend is true,” she said brokenly. “When you make love to your soul mate, the soul mate turns into a 116

Anastasia Maltezos Lycan on the next full moon.” He sucked in a harsh breath. “You knew?” She nodded. “I told you Hiroshi was a very knowledgeable man. He taught me everything.” He grabbed her face in his hands and stared hard into her eyes. “You are not afraid by what you‟ve become.” She smiled tremulously up at him. “If I didn‟t turn when I did and escaped from the armoire, that Lycan would have killed you. And…and now I can stay with you forever and you don‟t have to watch me grow old and die. I love you, Vasilis.” His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he bent his head and kissed her. It was late in the day before the castle and village settled from the bloodshed and carnage. Even though the deaths of the villagers and guards were minimal considering they were taken by surprise, it didn‟t make it any less sorrowful when the time came to bury them. Everyone thanked the gods all the children had been spared and the secret tunnels had once again survived exposure. Alex had just returned from spending time with Ariel in the bower. No human children were allowed outdoors today until every last remnant of the attack was cleared. Everyone including Alex had helped and now she and Vasilis lay exhausted in their bed. “Who is Lord Balkathan?” she asked, nestling her head on his shoulder. “A very old Lycan, older than me, who turned to the dark side centuries ago. His pack grows in the mountains as he takes more innocent lives every full moon and poisons them with his evil soul.” She shuddered. “Poor Katya. What she had to endure.” “She escaped him. She was one of the lucky ones.” He 117

Lycan Prince hugged her close. “Hesta is making some headway with her, but it will be a long process before Katya can live a normal life. Her demons are powerful.” “Do you think Lord Balkathan will attack again on the next full moon to kill Katya?” “Yes,” he said grimly. “For as long as we give Katya refuge, he will continue to attack. She has been with him for two years now and knows things about him he wishes to remain secret.” She released a shaky breath. “How am I going to keep all of this madness from Ariel?” “When the little one is older, we will let her decide if she wants to turn,” Vasilis said, his tone sombre. “I hope she turns. Hesta told me her illness will be completely cured if she does.” “Yes. Then she will be with us forever. We will not have to watch her grow old and die.” “When do you think we should tell her about us? About what we are?” “Soon. It is easier for a child to accept it than an adult.” He held her close to his side, kissing the top of her head. “Alex, I thought the legend was a myth, but when I witnessed you turn, I couldn‟t believe the woman I loved was my one.” He paused. “Hiroshi explained to you a Lycan can shift voluntarily in either his wolf or Lycan form whether it is a full moon or not?” “Yes. I never really believed him, but I also knew he would never lie to me or teach me something he didn‟t believe in. I trusted his teachings on blind faith.” “He sounds like he was a good man.” “He was.” He tightened his hold and sighed heavily above her head. “To think how close I was to losing you.” “Vasilis, do you think your mother was your father‟s 118

Anastasia Maltezos one?” “No. I know my father loved her, but she didn‟t love him enough to live. Besides, it‟s been two hundred years. My father remembers her fondly and he‟s forgiven her for taking her life, but he‟s not the broken man I would be if I lost you.” “I like your father. He shouldn‟t be alone. I hope he finds his one.” “Even though my father believes in the legend, he doesn‟t believe a soul mate exists out there for him. It‟s sad to think he believes he has an eternity ahead of him alone.” “You didn‟t believe in the legend.” “That‟s right, I didn‟t, but I still fell in love with you. My father will never allow himself to fall in love. He has a strong will and I am afraid he will succeed.” “Well, his one is out there. I know it.” He growled softly above her head. “It appears my Amazon has a romantic heart.” “I always did. I just never believed I‟d find love.” “Well, you did. Forever.” “I still can‟t believe how much coin you paid all the contestants when you cancelled the contest. I still feel guilty about that. “Don‟t be. We are wealthy beyond your dreams.” “I can‟t believe we‟re going to be together forever. I wonder what the world will be like in five hundred years.” “One thing is certain. My love for you will never change.” She smiled up at him. “I love you, Lycan Prince.” “I love you, too, my Amazon.” He rolled over, embracing her body beneath his and proceeded to show her exactly how much he loved her until the wee hours of the next morning. Coming soon, Lycan King 119

About the Author Anastasia Maltezos enjoys reading and writing all romance genres, whether it‟s a sweet contemporary or a dark paranormal. Her heroes vary from a high powered corporate mogul falling in love with the girl next door, or a sexy vampire searching for his lost love. Love blooms in all forms.