Bounded

02

Chapter Two

How do you contain a beast?

Third Person’s Point of View

The room was covered with a thick atmosphere.

Johnny was already aware of what is happening behind that door. Nerves and stress were pilling from inside him knowing the very thing that he will be needing to fix when they continue fucking stuff like they usually do. Despite his need to stop them, he was told not to move where he was since this was a private talk and only those who are royals are allowed to hear the conversation.

He does not understand why people continue testing the man who can kill them with a single flick of his finger.

“They must really love their job.” He whispered, stretching his neck for the inevitable.

The door was slammed closed in a bang, followed by a murderous growl from a person that could send shivers into everyone’s spine. It was enough to make Johnny sigh before pushing himself out of the comfort of the kitchen stool. It wasn’t really a surprise that the meeting ended in the wrong way, knowing the purpose of the so-called meeting.

“Marcel,” Johnny called the man who is paler as the paper that he was holding. He released a dejected sigh, already knowing what had happened inside closed doors, to how they are treating the treaty like shit is still a mystery to him. “To what way would you like him to kill you the next time that you step foot in his very castle?”

The man, Marcel, did nothing but gulp at his words. It did flash his mind to how stupid his job is. He knows how dangerous —no, lethal would be the right term for that. He knew how murderous the man is and being killed by him seems like a straightforward mission compared to what he wants to accomplish.

Not only was that legal in the ground he was stepping, but he knew that his death would come in the most painful and dangerous way.

“He needs to choose as soon as he could, Johnny.”

He sighed, still seeing the idiocy of the people. “He doesn’t need to choose, not once is that in any plan. From the second that his father had gained a mate so does he. Our King needed to wait for the one who was chosen for him.”

“The elders can always choose—”

“You’re all provoking his beast… most especially, you.” Johnny sighed, shaking his head, seemingly annoyed at these inane events that are stirring the whole place into nothing but oblivion, igniting the fire that was already stirring at their King. He looks straight at Marcel, being very serious and solemn to his words. “If another one of these occurs, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an omega cleaning the pool of your blood rather than his broken items.”

Marcel stood there with his jaw ajar as he listened to words coming from the Beta’s mouth. Johnny was not stupid to not already have a mental picture of what had happened behind those close doors. As of right now, the omegas are indeed cleaning a million worth items that he had thrown in the rage of emotions.

“Is that a threat, beta?” Marcel gasped, not letting the fear that was consuming him to eat him alive.

The man, Johnny, is obviously intimidated by the second. He is oozing with nothing but threat and dominance, looking at him as if he was nothing but a speck of dirt under his very boot. He towered Marcel with proper height and his feature was enough to let him know that he could crush him like a joke. Besides, Johnny is a well-known dangerous wolf —well, possibly next to the man that he just provoked.

In every way that he would look, it would still be a surprise if he got out of this place unharmed.

Johnny shook his head slowly, letting the man soak in his words. “No, I do not pose threat to people. That was the truth, Marcel.”

“You are—”

“Excused.” He replied as he looked at the guards close to the door. “Drag this man out of the door.”

“You can not—stop! Unhand me at once! Do you not know who I am!”

Marcel continued thrashing his hold and sparing a card that the warriors should know who he was when he had scratched the man who holds enough power. He only raised his knuckles before massaging his temple.

This is already a long day.

Not wanting to be called inside, Johnny entered the room where a roaring beast was shaking, in rage, and almost in his beast form. Canine were elongating on his teeth and the claws on his hands were barely even there but visible enough to let him see that he was close to being lethal. He is getting dangerous to all that is close to him.

“Your highness.” Johnny bowed, knowing that this was not his friend anymore.

The man just roared loudly, one that was enough to shake the very foundation of his castle. His roar made the beta to look into another direction as he had reeked with nothing but dominance. “I am not choosing one!”

“Nobody in the right mind expects you to, Your Highness.” He easily replied.

“Johnny.” His voice was rough, neglecting an emotion but there was no way that he could hide his insecurities. The eyes before him were flickering to black and his usual electric blue eyes. “However, what if they’re right? What if I really don’t have a mate? I need a Queen and if She didn’t partner one—”

“Bullshit.” Johnny snapped, earning a growl from the King but he did not mind. He stood tall, not letting his feature fall as he flashes a severe face to his best mate. “You know it yourself that she exists, Alpha. You’ve seen her in the vision from my mother and you had felt her. You have a mate, Clayton.”

His hands dive into his hair, nothing but annoyance and trouble was getting into him. Despite the usual growls and anger that would cause things from him, Johnny only needed to fix the ideas that his Alpha would have on days that they would fester him for a mate.

For he always believes that his old ancestors, he does not hold one.

“What if it wasn’t a vision?” He rasped, looking defeated. Thinking all of the things that his father had told him, he does have some skeptics of what he had seen when Johnny’s own mother had given him a chance to see his future. “What if it’s just a manifestation of what I want? Maybe she does not exist.”

All could see loopholes in his words.

Despite Johnny thinking that he was messing things up, by the expression of his face—he knew that he was serious.

“Don’t fuck this up, man,” Johnny advised, shaking his head before patting the man on the shoulder. “Do you know the pain that you’ll put her through if you give her up?”

Clayton sighed, closing his eyes shut. “Fuck. I really need her now.”

.

.

Fate Peirce’s Point of View

“Why does everyone dreams of having a mate?”

Granpapi looked at me like I was stating something that was so crazy that he could not believe it. His forehead creased like he did not know the words to say, which I do understand since he does love every passing time he has with Granny.

I do not know why they were all excited about having their mate in their life at such a young age. My mom gave me options on what I could do with my life and through the years of me fucking things up, I did spend most days with her.

She made me realize that if I have a mate now… I would not be able to see her as much and that is something that I do not want to have.

I adore my mother with the rest of my heart, and the very reason that I am agreeing to all of this was all because of the fact that she said that it would benefit me. Because I believe my mother to the bottom of my heart. To the years of me creating a mess that was enough into making her angry with me… she is the first person that I hated to be departed with.

He frowned. “Well, it’s the person who will complete you.”

“Mom completes me.” I reasoned out.

“Well, she could not mate with you and bear your children, pumpkin.” He replied, making me cough to my apple. Since he has the most power now, seeing that my father could not reprimand his use of words, I could see that he is enjoying it very much. “You really need to stop calling your mother in such late hours, she can be swamped too.”

I frowned. “No way, I love her and I always wanted to be updated in the pack.”

“I am sure Laurence is regretting having you here and ruining all his free time with your mother.” Granpapi grinned.

“That’s his fault then.”

I let my mouth devour the apple's taste as I wait for Granny in the pick-up truck. Granpapi is driving me into my new school for he will drive his wife in the market, knowing that we’re almost out of the stock in the food department. Most teenagers would die or prefer walking than being seen by their grandparents driving them to school but I… well, I am thrilled.

But I do have to remember that as soon as I get out of the truck, I will have to think and act like a human. My scent is naturally very different from the werewolf, seeing that they had never seen or smelt a fox from before. Well, that is saying that none of these people who would be present or teaching me was participating in the mass massacre of my entire yes, then I would be safe.

Their lack of knowledge in my kind would make me easily blend with them.

Granny hopped on her seat with a smile. “I got what I was looking for. Now, you got the hands—”

“That’s what she said,” Granpapi teased, making me gasp.

“Granpapi! I am right here!” I replied teasingly.

He fake a shock, clearly teasing me. “I forgot, sugar pop.”

“You wound me, Granpapi.”

Riding through the school was all about stories from my grandparents' adventures, and I couldn’t help but let my eyes sparkle, loving every moment that passed on. I always love hearing stories about how our pack had stood from its ground and the people acting as one. To how their time of prime was something that had always amused me since Uncle Lucian would always have this hard time protecting his pack due to his lack of training. Granny was so engrossed in the story that it seems to me that the time stood still, letting us get caught in a trance.

“We’re here, sugar pop,” Granpapi announced.

My forehead creased, bothered. “No! Granny’s not over with the story yet!”

“I will tell you them when we pick you up.” She soothes me softly, before pressing a kiss in my forehead. I know they have their own schedule while I am at school, so I should not hold them up. “Enjoy your day, dear.”

I nodded, knowing what it translates into. “Keep safe, you two.”

“As do you, dear.” Granny hollered.

My feet touched the pavement and my posture stood still. The school was big, or so I say. Since it was the same school that had harbored the children that will soon challenge the King's son for the throne. Usually, by that time, literally no humans are allowed in the school.

Even today, they don’t normally hold humans as one of their students, so I was not sure what had made it change... or how my grandfather, Silvester, managed to get me inside.

The school looked ancient but it enough to be beautiful with the decoration and engraved stamped on every wall. The school does seem like a small version of the palace, that was built in a substantial history and that was enough to put a smile on my face.

Well, almost.

I hide my emotions when I am near to people and I never know why.

Walking through the hallways is weird enough, seeing that everyone’s nose would twitch before glancing in my direction. A human would have thought that they are all snorting something, they should know how to act correctly. I didn’t pay attention to them, fighting the urge to scrunch my nose every now and then.

Werewolves are just naturally weird.

“So that’s the new kid?”

“Damn, a human?”

“She’s sexy!”

The talks continued passing around in nothing but a hushed tone, if I was a human, I would not have heard that. Werewolves are always going to be werewolves… I guess.

With a soft ding, everybody scramble into different rooms almost in a hurry. I wouldn’t understand why I’m new. My eyes found the first class that I am in and before I could even knock; the door push open and I found my blue eyes in front of a brown eye man.

“You must be the new kid.”

I nodded, trying hard not to let my fox in control. “I’m Fate Alfred.”

My mind almost gave myself a quick high five into remembering my fake last name, knowing full well how much my father’s identity is pretty much known even here in the palace.

“I’m the holder of the fifteenth wa—” his voice was cut by a cough in the room. My forehead creased at his words, acting like I am confused. This was Burk Hardly, the holder of the fifteenth platoon. He is an excellent leader. A small cough came from him, dismissing his words despite it being hard. “I’m sorry. I’m Professor Burk.”

“Uhm..” I nodded, acting like it was weird. “Okay.”

Walking to the class was awkward enough and if it wasn’t for the kind girl who opens the chair next to her. Thanks to her, I would not have to spend awkward minutes standing around and acting like an awkward walking bitch, looking for a seat. I let a soft thanks voice out and she smiled, contented at my answer.

“Now our lesson was cut by Hades, the guardian of the underworld.” Professor Burk’s voice was now thick and severe, utterly different from ones before.

My eyes and ears were all on him, not once did it falter as my hands do the writing. The need to graduate in this place, possibly as fast as possible is something that I would like to achieve. Despite my undying hate for greek mythology—I needed to be able to ace this shit.

And I think I need to run a lot of activities to run the past events that I have missed. My hands stopped as soon as the bell cut Professor Burk’s words. Other students moved in sync, walking through the halls and probably into the cafeteria. I close the book in silence, fixing my things when I noticed a pair of eyes on me, moving it to the direction; I was confused to still see my seatmate beside me.

“Your hand literally moves as fast as his mouth.” She mustered in awe like it was a surprise for her when it was necessary for us. “Seriously girl, you were like a programmed typing machine. I wouldn’t be surprised to see all of his words in your notes. Like, damn girl. Chill!”

Acting nothing but a sweet bitch that I am not to people, I nodded gently. “Thanks.”

“Sorry, I ramble most of the time.” She grinned, letting her hands hang in the air, waiting for me to shake it. “I’m Somi Hawthrone!”

What the fuck—

Hawthrone?

The Hawthrone?

Princess Somi Hawthrone?

I hope I have composed myself when she had introduced herself and not seem surprised or clearly taken aback by her position. Despite myself being the sister of an Alpha, it was still different knowing that this woman is a royal.

She is the infamous Somi Hawthrone, one who had made a lot of Alpha bow before her beauty. To which I do see and understand. She is the King's youngest sister, and I did not need to know everything going on in the palace to know about that.

“I’m Fate P—Alfred,” I replied, stumbling on my words as I accept her hand.

“I know! The new kid!” She grinned, thankfully missing my fucked up answer as she shakes my hand in glee. “No wonder everybody is gushing about you!”

Fuck.

Already?

My inner panic surged like waves, crashing into me like how a tide would. I felt drowning into my own thoughts as if everything was coming back to me. The gut feeling in my stomach intensified, and I couldn’t hide the fear and terror of being spotted binding in my eyes.

She felt my discomfort—or in fact, saw it in her eyes that she cringed.

“I—oh my god, no! All good things, I swear!” She replied almost in panic as her hand pressed through my shoulders in the address of comfort. I, however, flinched. She frowned, seemingly guilty. “Not in that way that you’re thinking, I promise. We never really see new faces around here since it’s infrequent that he agrees for new people to stay and you’re stunning, you know? Calm, collected and you look serene… and somewhat feel like home. Think of it like—ugh, I’m babbling again, aren’t I?”

He?

Does the Alpha King approve the person who is entering this very school? I was not aware of that fact… does that mean he knew what I was? Or did my grandfather dare lie to the King of the Wolves?

I smiled, trying my best not to make it seem like a grimace. “No, that’s fine.”

“So, do you want to come to join me in the cafeteria?” Somi asked.

This child is really a nice one, and I know that by the aura surrounding her presence. She is nothing but honest with her words, not a single threat, and color that connotes that she is a mean one was indicated… and it does surprise me.

My head almost titled to her direction, in wonder if I should accept her offer. I have no intention of making friends—not once did I thought of that. Soley because this place is just nothing but a passing area for me to gather some low profile until I am allowed to come back home. And somehow, rejecting her offer seems like a douchebag thing to do.

It was really a surprise that I caught myself shaking my head before grabbing my bag. Somi was in all smiles as she grabbed her too.

“If you wouldn’t mind.” I smiled, now feeling genuine with my response.

She giggled. “Girl, I would never!”

Walking through the cafeteria was awkward, so I would say. People would glance at Somi, half bowing and half worried about her. They were all surprised to see me in a near distance at her. And those men would flinch when they reach her for at least a range that was close enough to touch—they all act like each of them was slapped when they get close to her.

I do know the reason why.

She’s the Princess.

Anyone who dares to challenge her would have to face the King and I hate to be that kind of person too. However, there was something that was indeed making me think about it. I wonder why she was all on her own when I entered the room—nobody was seating next to her. Not a single soul even waited for her when she had talked to me.

“Somi,” I muttered, looking back at her. “Do you have no friends in this school?”

She bites her lips, uneasy as she takes a good look at me. Somi seems to be in a debate about something before she puffs a breath. “Uhm, I do have one before, but I realized that they are all using me to contact my older brother.”

A small frown came to my face. “That is the worse thing ever. A lot of people had done that to my past school too since my older brother is handsome.”

“I know!” She practically screamed, finally bursting out her feelings knowing that someone does understand her. It was the main problem of any younger sister when their older brother is an Alpha. A lot of she-wolves wanted to have Luna's role—but in her case, it would be severe since her brother is the King. “So, I just stopped talking to people who I know would use me.”

“And how did you know that I won’t use you?” I tease, raising my brow up and down to her way.

Somi only chuckled, pushing me around as she told me to stop messing with her. I know that she was more comfortable talking to me, as I am a human, someone who clearly was not aware of her status and the status of her brother. The very fact that she was willing to make friends with a human that she still was not aware of shows how much this kid is facing her loneliness all on her own.

“Maybe I can really introduce you to him,” Somi suggested as we grabbed out trays.

I only scrunch my nose, shaking my head. “No.”

She laughed. “You told me that you would use me!”

“Yes.” I nodded, pointing to the food that was the holy grain of all. “Can you let the food lady —person —uhm.”

Somi nodded, seemingly acting like it was nothing as she pulled to me to where a mean lady was located and rejecting every people along her way. The second she saw Somi before her, she quickly bowed and smiled. “How can I help you, today?”

“We’ll have the roasted beef for today, Cheska.” Somi smiled.

The woman nodded. “Of course, right away.”

“If it actually makes it count,” Somi muttered as she looked at me. “I think my brother is using you to make me eat the food that he does order for me.”

I fake a small gasp, pulling my phone into my ear to tease her. “Damn, she figured it out.”

“Stop it!” She chuckled, pushing me away as we wait for our food.

Maybe people were right. Parents do know best. I have never known a single female in our pack that I could act in the same way and passion as I would to Somi.