The Alpha Prince And His Bride
Episode 8

Austin’s POV:

“Do you really think that Alpha Richard would take the risk of crossing the borders?”James asked as we continued to scan the village, looking for any signs of intruders. So far, there was nothing that looked suspicious.

I shrugged. “Richard never seemed like the type to fear war, however, the Fire Cross Pack have never stepped into our territory before, not after what happened years ago. I don’t see why they would suddenly decide to show up to cause trouble.”

Nothing made sense to me. After all of these years, why now? What exactly could they possibly want from here?

“Maybe, and I think father is thinking the same . . . they were waiting until their pack got strong enough to host another attack on us, they failed before, this time they may be more prepared.” He responded while spinning a pocket knife in his hands.

I paused and thought about that for a moment. “Either way, everyone knows that my pack is the strongest, yours comes in third in strength, with both of our packs combined, we’re almost invincible. Only an i***t would try to cross us.”

James seemed to ponder on that for a moment before changing the topic. “Your wolf likes her, doesn’t he?”

My steps slowed at his words. “Who?”

I already had an idea of whom he was speaking about but I wanted to confirm it before I responded.

“Lucy.”

I stopped walking altogether at her name, I had absolutely no idea why just the name alone affected me so much. My wolf was on high alert at the mention of her as well, he was suddenly interested in this conversation when he hadn’t been before. I turned to face my brother. “Why would you ask that?”

I didn’t like his question, he made me think about things I’d rather bury inside.

He threw the knife at one of the nearby trees, something that he often did when he was deep in thought. When we were younger and didn’t have the strength of our wolves yet, father would teach us to be good with our hands, training with pocket knives was one of the many lessons taught to us back in the day.

“It was more of a statement than a question brother.”

“I don’t understand why he’s so smitten with her, it’s driving me insane.” I finally confessed before I could stop myself. It was driving me more than insane, after my reaction to Lucy yesterday, after the strong urge to claim her as my own. I didn’t dare step back into that room. I couldn’t even remember ever having such a strong need to claim Ariana before and that thought had me uneasy.

“Hmmm.” Was all he had to say.

I pulled the knife out of the tree with ease, handing it back to him.”It doesn’t matter whether or not he likes her, it doesn’t change the fact that Ariana is our mate, we could survive without Lucy, it’s losing Ariana that would kill us both.As an Alpha ,I have a duty towards my mate, she would always come first.Nothing could change my views on that.”

James nodded, he looked like he was about to say something before a dark expression crossed his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just got a mind link from Lucas, something’s wrong.” I informed him. “He said to get home now.”

……………………………………..

Lucy’s POV:

“What does the Fire Cross want with Lucy?”Lucas demanded.

“That’s none of your business .”The tallest one snapped.

“Just show us the girl.”Another ordered before his eyes travelled to me.

I saw immediate recognition in his eyes , all at once the rest of them turned to me as if he had somehow told his brothers he’d found me without speaking a single word to them.They all looked like they were holding their breaths , but why?

Why did I feel like I’m supposed to know them?

Who were they?

“Lucy.”They whispered , each of them taking a step in my direction.

Before any of them could reach me however a figure came right in front of me , blocking me from their view.I didn’t need to look up to know who it was , my body’s immediate reaction was enough to tell me who .

Austin.

“Don’t f*****g come near her.”He warned in a deadly calm tone , the threat evident in his voice.

“Or what?”The tallest one asked taking a step further.

I felt Austin stiffen besides me, his knuckles tightening into a fist at his side.”Are you really ready to start a war with us?”He asked stiffly .

“Does Richard know you are here?”The king inquired.”Do we need to contact him and let him know the trouble his sons are causing , knowing fully well none of you are welcome in our kingdom?”

They tensed at his words , answering the King’s questions with their expressions alone…their father didn’t know they were here.

“This isn’t over.”The tallest warned , he seemed like the one in charge as the rest of them were following his orders , all except one who just stood glaring at Austin with hatred in his eyes.

“He better take good f*****g care of her!”He shouted , the rest of them pulling on his shoulder as if to force him to leave with them.

I was so confused , why would he say for Austin to take care of me?Why did they care ?I didn’t understand anything that was happening , so many questions were swamping around my head , making me dizzy.From the little I knew , they were supposed to be the bad guys , so why did I feel like they were good people?

When they were all out of sight , everyone around me seemed to relax a little.”This isn’t right ,we’re missing something.”The queen muttered.

“It doesn’t matter if we’re missing anything , they crossed the borders , they broke the rules for peace between our families ,if they want war they would get it.”Austin promised , his gaze dark.”We have to set up a meeting , put things in place in case they come back.”

I felt Maya’s hands on my shoulders .”We’re so sorry you have to go through so much already Lucy.”

Austin turned to study me at Maya’s words, his eyes narrowed as if he was thinking of something, without another word he stormed into the house and everyone except Maya followed after him.

“Do you know those men?” Maya asked.

I shook my head. “It’s the first time that I’ve ever seen them but I don’t know why, I feel like I should know them, it feels weird.” I answered honestly.

“My mother is right, something is definitely wrong. We’re missing something.” She noted while deep in thought.

. . . . . . . . .

Austin was glaring at me and I couldn’t comprehend why. I had only just entered the room from spending the day with Maya. He was already waiting inside when I got in. His penetrating gaze seemed to see straight through me and I suddenly felt like covering my body with a blanket.

Anything to stop him from looking at me like that.

“How do you know them?’

I stared at him blankly .”I don’t know them.”

“Don’t lie to me Lucy!” He snapped. “Those men clearly knew you, so who the f**k are they to you?”

“I told you I don’t know them.” I pressed. “I also don’t appreciate the tone you’re using with me when I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong.”

“Did you have an affair with one of them?” He accused.

My eyes widened. “You know nothing of me to be accusing me of things like this , and even if I did , what does that have to do with you?Only one woman matters to you , what I do or don’t do is absolutely nothing of your concern.”

That seemed to piss him of further.

He appeared beside me in an instant , his hand gripping my waist tightly and pulling me back against him.”You are mine , we’re legally bonded Lucy ,by right you are MINE.”He growled into my ear, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up at his words.

He spun me around so that I was now facing him , his eyes were dark and deadly ,staring into mine .”f*****g MINE!”He roared before crashing his lips to mine.