Lycan Prince Matteo

Matte

“We needed to lock eyes, ensuring she was indeed my mate. I am unquestionably overjoyed that she belongs to me, and my inner beast shared in that enthusiasm. We were on the brink of something significant. My entire focus was on her eyes alone.

“Your Highness,” someone called, diverting my attention. I turned to see the person addressing me. “I am Freya’s father, and I’ll be taking her home,” he declared. With those words, Freya’s chin slipped away from my forefinger and thumb. Glancing at her, I noticed a relieved smile as she greeted her father.

I clenched my fist, attempting to rein in my beast due to the unwelcome interruption. Nodding in acknowledgment, I shifted my gaze back to Freya, whose eyes remained fixed on her father. If my original plan failed, I would have to resort to a royal command. For now, I turned away and headed back to the villa. The looming fear of Joric and Britney’s potential actions against my supposed mate forced me to participate in the tournament throughout the week.”

The next day, I rose early and prepared Calvin for a visit to the old Howler’s Pack territory-the primary reason for our presence. However, my priority was securing my mate before delving into anything else. I had confidence that my future beta and best friend would dedicate himself to the investigation. Though we had gathered some clues, we refrained from finalizing them due to my mate’s unresolved situation.

Eunice, on the other hand, posed a potential challenge if she continued to stay there. I observed Freya becoming agitated in her presence, confirming my suspicions. “Matteo, are you certain you’ll be fine without me?” Calvin inquired with a grin.

“Cut it out, Calv. I’m not a child. If anyone needs babysitting, it’s you,” I retorted, and he chuckled. “Focus on investigating the territory, not any she-wolf you might encounter,” I reminded him.

“You’ve deprived me of my joy; I’m not sure I want you as my king anymore,” he remarked, expressing his discontent about my disapproval of his promiscuous behavior.

“What a shame; you have no choice but to follow me,” I teased, smirking, and we both shared a laugh. Regardless of his antics, he couldn’t resist tagging along. Since childhood, we, along with our other friend James-who would serve as my future gamma-had stuck together. James stayed at the palace to look after my parents, and before we left, I sensed an unusual atmosphere there, prompting me to entrust him with the responsibility.

“I’m heading out,” Calvin announced. “Oh, I almost forgot-I’ve arranged for one of the warriors to escort Eunice back to the palace. You can’t harm her impulsively; her demeanor isn’t a justification for punishment,” he added. I sighed and nodded, grateful that he had intervened the previous night, preventing me from doing something regrettable.

“Also, we’re uncertain if Freya is truly your mate. Hold back and don’t invest too much emotion or hope,” he cautioned before leaving my room. Contemplating his words, I acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Freya’s status as my true mate, despite my overwhelming attraction to her. The inability to detect her scent fueled doubts, leaving me pondering what to do if she wasn’t my mate after all.’Grrr…’ I heard my beast growl. Seriously? It seems that he wanted her as much as I wanted her. Yes, we will be going to find out whether she’s ours or not, and once we do, we

will do everything we can to get her. I went out of my room and found my warriors waiting for me.

“We’re prepared, Your Highness,” reported Kevin, Calvin’s trusted warrior. I acknowledged him with a nod and began descending the stairs. Uncertain whether Freya had engaged in a battle today, I decided to head to the training ground and observe.

Upon reaching the training area, the tournament had yet to commence, but everyone had already gathered. Their punctuality impressed me, considering I thought I was early. I proceeded to my designated seat, and Daniel approached. “Good morning, Your Highness,” he greeted.

“Good morning,” I responded, and he took a seat beside me. I had no issues with Daniel; he appeared amiable, and I had never detected his heartbeat, except for last night, which was unusual. However, that was a different situation altogether.”

“He’s really that nice? I still didn’t want to believe it. That’s why I maintain my reservations. His beta, Jack, was now addressing everyone, heralding the commencement of the tournament.

My heart pounded like a drum as Jack began to draw the matchups, and the bulletin, where their names would be recorded to track progress, rested in my right hand. I could observe who would be leading and who would be left behind. The participants formed a large circle, providing ample space for the fights in the middle and a clear view for spectators. Despite the excitement, my worry persisted because Freya was there.

The tournament had commenced, and as participants were called, they approached Jack for instructions. Three pairs had already completed their matches, and I was pleased to see their proficiency in offense and defense. These individuals seemed dedicated to training and protecting the pack. Whether on the losing or winning side, they shook hands, exchanging smiles.

“Freya and Britney,” Jack announced for the fourth pair, prompting murmurs and whispers. With Lycans having more sensitive ears than werewolves, I overheard their desire for Freya to lose. My fists clenched, indifferent to Daniel witnessing my reaction. My beast was uneasy.

Britney stood up, grinning. “Go, baby!” Joric cheered for her.

“You can just forfeit, b***h,” she taunted Freya, who stood up as well. Clay grabbed her wrist, perhaps attempting to dissuade her from the impending fight. However, Freya smiled at him, assuring him that everything would be fine. Stepping forward, she positioned herself beside Jack, visibly calming herself with deep breaths.

“Freya, you know that Britney can shift. If you don’t wish to fight her in that form, inform me, and I’ll halt the match,” Jack advised, and Freya nodded.

“Britney, this is a friendly fight. Any unnecessary attacks causing severe harm will lead to disqualification. Remember, Freya has no wolf,” Jack reminded.

“Beta,” my mate referred to him. Yes, I claimed her as mine because that’s how I feel now. There’s something different about her today that I overlooked last night; she seems to be glowing. “I didn’t say I don’t have a wolf,” she added, leaving everyone who heard her in disbelief. She turned her back and headed to the center, where the fight would take place.

Britney was grinning from ear to ear, while Freya remained as calm as the sea. How was she able to maintain composure? Anyone in her position would typically cower in fear, knowing they had to face the beta’s daughter. Both were in fighting stances, and the arrogance on Britney’s face irritated me. She initiated the first move, and I nearly rose from my seat because of her speed. Damn, how is Freya going to handle her in a fight?”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.