SOULLESS

CHAPTER V

ONE YEAR LATER

Alpha Ramos stood at the front of his mansion with his wife, surrounded by beta Lionel and his wife, Cybele with her beautiful daughter- Oasis in her arms, high ranking pack members and the elders. They stood in anticipation for the arrival of Ricard, who was finally returning home, having completed his alpha training.

The alpha's and luna's eyes glaze over for a few moments before they look at each other. Ramos nods at his wife who walks away pulling a startled Sarai with her, while he faces the pack members behind him saying, 'Distinguished members of Claws Peak, I have just received news that my son will soon be arriving with members of the royal family. Though we weren't informed official of this visit, I expect all pack members to give our best welcome and be well behaved throughout the duration of our royal guests.'

The elders murmured amongst themselves, not understanding the motive behind the unscheduled visit from the royals.

Moments later a convoy of luxurious cars drove upon the interlaced brick driveway, several of the cars carried the royal flags but a black bullet proof jeep in the middle carried the flag and insignia of the ruling house of king Davron.

Royal warriors came down from various cars at both the front and back ends of the convoys, taking a moment to survey the area before opening doors for royal nobles to alight. Alpha Ramos with his beta and some of the elders walked down the staircase to receive them and exchanged pleasantries, while this was going on Ricard came down from his car followed by his future beta Ash. The crowd cheered as father and son hugged for a few minutes. Ramos looked at his son whom had grown taller, was broader chested and was sporting a moustache, and nodded approvingly.

'You're ready', he mind-linked to Ricard who could only smile.

Together father and son stood facing the final car with the elders and the nobles. The warriors opened one of the doors and duke Farad alighted, swiftly moving to the right side of the car and opening the door. Kohan, the last son and crown prince alighted and everyone bowed to him with some omega servants who were present, cowering at the aura he emanated.

Kohan walked up to alpha Ramos and pulled him to his feet, both of them exchange pleasantries while everyone else stood back up. The prince, duke Farad and the pack leaders talk to themselves for a few a minutes before walking together up the staircase.

Luna Star was standing with Sarai and Cybele either side of her. Cybele looked at her mate whom had grown taller and was broader chested, with longing. He had cut his once shoulder length hair to a short modern haircut which gave him a refined look. She watched as he hugged his teary eyed mother quickly and bowed slightly to Sarai exchanging pleasantries but when he looked at her, his eyes showed conflict and the rapid change in colour of his pupils showed he was fighting with his wolf for control as he kept looking around. Hearing the people behind them begin to murmur, Cybele presented Oasis to Ricard to prevent the situation from becoming embarrassing. Ricard took the toddler into his arms while she touched his face with her tiny hands. Father and daughter stared at each other with their identical eyes for a few seconds before Ricard held her closely to his chest. Cybele quickly brought out her phone to take a picture as Ricard rocked his tiny daughter, only putting it back in her purse when she noticed the royal delegation approaching.

Kohan exchanged pleasantries with Luna star and his grand aunt princess Nara. He sniffed the air, perceiving the scent of star dust and looked at Cybele intensely, making Ricard's wolf growl and place his arm around his mate possessively while still holding his daughter.

Looking at the situation it was clear to see why Ricard's wolf was worried. Ricard had failed to show Cybele any affection before their departure and didn't mark her either and left her to birth their child alone. After being apart for so long, their bond was very weak, so if a higher ranking wolf were to show interest in Cybele, especially one as high ranked as Kohan who was still unmated; nothing could stop Cybele from leaving him. Cybele was surprised by Ricard's jealousy and looked up at him with bulging eyes, clearly embarrassed by her mates behavior. She bows to Kohan and apologizes on his behalf but he simply jests back that if he had a mate and daughter as beautiful her and Oasis he would do far worse, making everyone around them laugh. He played with Oasis who hid her face in her father's chest, making everyone laugh even more. They all made way into the building and were led into the dining hall.

Everyone marveled at the simple but beautiful decor in the room. The chairs and tables which were decorated in sheets of white and gold, were arranged in a circular fashion, with gaps between every sixteen chairs for ease of movement. Beautiful embroidered curtains were opened to allow for natural light into the room through the windows while beautiful vases filled with sweet smelling flowers adorned the tables. Kohan loved the simplicity and inviting atmosphere within the room but remained alert because the star dust scent filled the room.

'We apologize your highness for not offering more grandeur, we were not informed that you would be joining us. We would have been better prepared', said Luna Star to the prince.

'Duchess Star, you owe me no apologies, I simply came here to support Ricard as he takes his oath of office and do not wish to burden you with royal protocols. Simply treat me as you would a regular alpha, I insist.'

'As you wish your highness, please enjoy yourself', she responded. Kohan sat first followed by everyone else. Omegas came in bearing trays of food and glasses of wine, placing them on the tables for the dining to begin.

'My compliments to the chef luna Star, the entire course was delicious ', said royal elder Whitman as slices of chocolate cake was being served.

'Thank you elder Whitman', she responded

'May I be so bold as to request the chefs transfer to the royal household? Surely his majesty the king would appreciate such fine cuisine', he said again looking at her, gaining Kohan's attention at the request.

'This meal was made by my son's future concubine, she insisted she would cook his first meal', she responded, making Ricard smile and Kohan jealous within himself.

'You are a lucky man Ricard to have two dedicated mates, I pray the moon goddess will be as generous to prince Kohan', elder Whitman said

'I know she will elder Whitman, prince Kohan is truly worthy of a divine mate', Ricard responded.

'So where is this concubine of whom we speak?', asked the elder once again looking around.

'Em...well ...she...', Luna Star stuttered

'Ari is currently arranging your resting quarters your excellency's, upon the news of your arrival she took charge of the home affairs, leaving our future Luna to handle other important matters with the future alpha', says princess Nara.

'A partner that understands the importance of her role and discharges her duties diligently is every lycans dream and truly a treasure to find, I can't wait to meet this lady myself', Kohan responds looking at princess Nara. The royal elder was clearly not satisfied with princess Nara's explanation but decides not to pursue the matter after the prince's remark.

'With a meal like this, it's no surprise he chose her as a concubine', said another royal envoy as he continued eating, making everyone laugh.

'To the future Luna and concubine of Claws Peak', cheered Prince Kohan raising his glass, and everyone raised theirs as well.

'Thank you my lord's for honouring us Cybele said bowing to everyone before taking her seat once more.

The meal ends and the royals are led to their various sleeping quarters to retire for the day. Farad followed Kohan to his room to talk before retiring for the night.

'So what do you think?' Farad asked

'Father is a right, something seems to be off about this arrangement.'

' I haven't picked up any sign of sorcery since we arrived'

'Doesn't mean something or someone isn't being hidden', Kohan responded

'How do you mean?' Farad asked

'Firstly, Ricard stated it clearly while we were training together in the palace that he would only accept his mate if he was allowed to marry his concubine. He chose to be with his mate for political reasons but his mistress, he chose for love.'

'Whereas it should be the other way around', Farad finished

'Exactly', replied Kohan

'Secondly father didn't give notice we would be arriving with Ricard to see the reaction of the pack, which you would agree was seemingly relaxed', Kohan stated which Farad agreed to by nodding

'No one knew we were coming, yet all of my favorite meals, including dessert were cooked to perfection. How do we explain that?' Kohan asked looking at Farad.

'I don't know but I guess it explains why you ate so well, I haven't seen you eat so heartily in so long', Farad responded then continued; 'but Ricard's mate seems to be taking it quite well. I didn't sense any anger or jealousy from her even when the concubine was being praised', Farad said

'About her, I need you to do something for me, I got a really sniff of stardust from her and it was also in the dinning area', Kohan replied

'I didn't smell anything' Farad said

'It wasn't strong but it was definitely there, I'd recognize that smell anywhere. I need you to find if there is a large deposit of it here, or if someone has a huge chunk in their possession.'

'Even if it's here, it's totally harmless my prince.'

'In werewolf hands, yes. But in the hands of a powerful witch, it can spell disaster.'

'Do you think this Ari is a witch?', Farad asks

'Our records show she is wolfless but there is a history of magic in her bloodline. I can't help but feel there is something about her that we are missing and until we find it we need check on all possibilities. Father believes alpha Ramos is up to something with this concubine business because no alpha would readily marry a wolfless woman that isn't his destined mate to his heir without cause. If this Ari is practicing witchcraft with access to stardust then we may have a looming war on our hands and with Claws Peak being the largest and strongest pack after us royals, it is a war we cannot allow to happen', Kohan responded

'How do you want us to handle this?' Farad asked

'Swiftly but quietly, I hope we can expose whatever is going on quicky and go home early. I am not comfortable leaving my parents alone with my brother for too long', Kohan responded.

'I understand, I will start my investigations tonight and see what it is I can find. Good night Kohan', said Farad bowing slightly before walking out the door. Two stern looking royal guards stood outside the prince's door wearing dark custom tailored suits to fit their bulky frames. He gave them strict orders on the prince's security before walking across the hallway, nodding at the royal guards stationed across the hallway to protect the nobles resting in their rooms. Discharging the guards assigned to him from their duties, he walked out of the building with his hands in his pockets and stood for several minutes watching pack members go about their business. Some stopped to look at him, sensing the aura of authority he radiated which they weren't accustomed to. He saw a pack warrior and asked to be taken to the head warrior of the pack. He was led to Arnold who was walking towards him with his wife and Ash behind him.

'I hope I haven't kept you waiting long Duke Farad', said Arnold

'No, I hope I'm not interupting anything important', asked Farad

'My daughter is returning from her elite guard training today, the entire family wishes to receive her at the pack entrance. Is the pack security not to your liking my lord?', asked Arnold apprehensively

'Not at all. You will forgive me for disturbing your evening head warrior Arnold, but I wish to make a request', replied Farad

'Just Arnold, please; I don't like formalities', replied Arnold

'Very well Arnold, I wish go on a run with my wolf and your warriors will surely attack me due to lack of connection to the pack, could you kindly inform them of my presence',

'I can come with you, they won't attack you if I'm there', replied Ash

'I do not wish to take you from your family having only just arrived Ash. And it is not me I'm worried about if I'm attacked, it's them', replied Farad looking at the soon to be elected beta of Claws peak with pride.

'I thank you for your thoughtfulness duke Farad, my patrol guards will be duly informed. Would you like to be shown the best trails?' asked Arnold

'That won't be necessary, I'm sure I'll find my way around', replied Farad

'Then our island is yours to explore as you wish', Arnold replied before glazing his eyes over for several minutes.

'Whenever you are done running, look for the pine trees in the woods, that is where clothes for warriors are kept, I'm sure you will find something your size', Arnold said

'Thank you and double congratulations to you Arnold', Farad replied to Arnold, who bows before walking away.

Farad walked a few paces in the opposite direction, heading into the woods before changing into his huge dark brown wolf- Mayhem. Mayhem stretched his front and hind legs before shaking his fur and giving a lazy yawn. He and stood for a few minutes, allowing his senses to get accustomed to the strange environment surrounding him. He focused his hearing, narrowing down the surrounding sounds untill he heard the distant noise of an argument ensuing. He chose to follow the noise, walking carefully so as not to startle whoever was involved in the discussion. From the distance, he saw Ricard talking angrily with a beautiful girl that looked exactly like Ricards mate, except instead of dirty blonde shoulder length hair, she had dark long wavy tresses that shined beneath the stars. Her beauty radiated despite her anger at whatever it was Ricard had said, and she had no fear speaking back at him in a raised tone. Farad supressed his aura and his scent so as not to be discovered as he slowly got closer.

'WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HER, ARI? CAN'T YOU SEE I'M DOING THIS TO PROTECT YOU! YOU ARE MY MATE FOR MOONS SAKE', Ricard bellowed using his alpha tone at her, which surprised Farad upon hearing all he said, but what was more surprising was that Ari didn't flinch. She was totally immune to the tone

'I AM NOT YOUR MATE RICARD! CYBELE IS YOUR MATE, NOT ME!' she responded, shocking Ricard with her outburst. Farad watches Ricards demeanour change to a cold one as he responds back to Ari and sees the shock on Ari's face at whatever it is Ricard said back to her. She tries to speak but Ricard shouts, 'I SAID GOOD NIGHT', to her; making her clip her tongue and walk away from him. Ricard watches her leave before going the other way.

'Damn it' Farad says in his mind, frustrated that he could barely get information from the conversation. He sat, trying to put together the pieces of information he had gathered together to make a report to Kohan in the morning. He was so engrossed in what he was doing that he failed to notice the red coloured wolf sneaking up behind him. He feels the pain of the claws on his back before feeling the full weight of his attacker who was scratching quickly trying to use her advantage quickly. She is surprised at how quickly he throws her off him and clamps her neck within his jaws, putting his entire weight on her to prevent her from moving. She closed her eyes waiting for the final twist that would end her life as she desperately tried to mind-link her family and pack warriors of the intruder on their island. She was suddenly distracted by the sweet smell of chocolate emanating from the wolf on top of her.

He jumped off her and sat in front of her while she took a defensive stance. Mayhem wagged his tail making funny sound that sounded like chuckling as the bells in the females head began to ring.

'Mate', she said, making Mayhem c**k one of his eyes at her with a grin. He moves forward to meet her but soon realizes he is losing consciousness and falls to the ground. He sees his mate howling into the night sky before morphing into to her human form and running to meet him, she places his head on her naked lap and he feels the sparks as she strokes his head saying, 'I'm so sorry, please stay with me, help is coming'.

He closes his eyes enjoying the moment but staggers and growls upon hearing movement as several pack warriors arrive. Annoyed that several males are looking at his naked mate, he uses his large body to shield her while she tries to calm him and tells him not to move too much or the poison in his system will spread but by the then he had already fallen to the ground, unconscious.