~Emeric~

　　[THE EVENING BEFORE]

　　With every ounce of patience left in me, I tried my best not to thrash the whole table and further add to the elders' dissatisfaction. As I left the table, concluding our pack meeting, my legs took me back to my room.

　　The meeting was arranged quickly after my arrival back at the kingdom. I was at a party just moments ago!

　　I need to let out some heat. However, as i walked past the elders, their revolting words fell in my ear.

　　"Tsk! He's young and capable. He should find someone or at least participate with consent to our match making!"

　　"I am aware, elder. But it's also his choice to find a mate—"

　　"He had long given up on finding a mate for himself. It's been one whole year since his wolf had awaken. He's only twenty-one! I'd much rather push him to find a match than a mate. He has to birth healthy pups with a single omega, or even an unpaired beta! Alpha females are rare and a headache."

　　This is what I don't like about them.

　　My Lycan Kingdom's elders are wise and trustworthy, but they worry about the future of their kingdom too much. So much so that no rational thought goes into thinking about their leader. About me!

　　Yes, I have given up on finding my mate upon various reasons.

　　One being...The loss of my family.

　　I, who was boldly named Emeric Wildhart, the decorated Lycan Prince was always looked down by my own family. My parents were alright, they never left any need for me to ask for anything. My elder brother was a charming lycan, but unpaired even after twenty three years of age.

　　Last year, however, tragedy struck the kingdom of Lycans. The world lost its celebrated rulers of the Lycan Kingdom.

　　My parents, my elder brother have passed the bridge and left everything beneath my feet. I had to lift them up to my shoulders, when twenty years old.

　　Those days were the ones I never wished to relive, ever again.

　　Irritation spikes me up every time the elders bring up the topic of my partner, or my pair, because they've failed to see how I've pushed everything aside...to maintain stability in the pack!

　　And as a man, I never had anyone to lean onto. No one to call for support, nor does anyone know the amount of tears and pressure that built me into the man I am today. No one could even guess the amount of trauma that's bagged in my heart.

　　And hence, I've closed all doors to my heart towards everyone.

　　As a human, I didn't care if I found a mate. I'd reject her in a heartbeat, because love is a disease and a bloody distraction. I've dedicated my life to my Kingdom and managing this bloody alliance. One or two rejections isn't going to break anyone's heart. Definitely not mine.

　　However...I'm not the only person living inside me.

　　My Lycan half, my soulmate for life named Marrok is a great company. He's my best friend, but of course, I feign my disagreement with my lycan just because. The elders must not know I have a rather good relationship with Marrok.

　　Speaking of the devil,

　　'Oi, oi, oi...you're overthrowing again.'

　　I sighed hearing his deep voice in my head. Settling on the desk, locking myself in the office room for the umpteenth time this week, I replied to Marrok.

　　'You should stop worrying about me, Marrok. I didn't deserve your care. I'm fine.'

　　'You're fine with a LOT of things, Emeric Wildhart. But I am not. I'm an animal within you, and I have my instincts! Find me a mate...or I'll never let you rest.' With a click of my tongue, I dismissed him. I got back to overlooking the paperwork on my desk.

　　'You angered me, Emeric.' I didn't respond to that either.

　　'...Fine then. I'll assume you're just a pussy trying to prove to the world your worth. Your past fucked you up so good, didn't it?' He irks me, but I still replied with nothing.

　　'Oi...is it because of the girl who rejected you at a bar two years ago? Don't tell me...' The amusement in his voice made my eyes widen.

　　Slamming the pen onto the desk, I exclaimed in my head!

　　'No fucking way! What do you think I am!? A pedo!? That girl was way too young for my taste. Besides, she was someone's daughter. An alliance, actually. So I offered her company! I'm a much powerful and busier person now. You and I both know I'd prioritize work more than little joy in life.'

　　'But I need a mate! I need the joy in life, you moron!'

　　Well, I didn't respond to that either.

　　It was way past midnight when someone knocked on my office room door. I lift my eyebrow, seeing my Beta slightly ruffled in composure. Instinctively, I put the pen down to enquire.

　　"What is it?" I knew something was wrong upon reading his expression.

　　"Piece of bad news, your majesty.

　　Den Fangborn, Alpha of Darkforest pack and his Luna were involved in a fatal accident. The birthday party you've attended today, it's the girl's parents."

　　I knew the Darkforest pack. They're one of my powerful alliances. That's why I've gone to attend their daughter's birthday party today.

　　'Poor girl...' Marrok softly spoke within me. I felt bad for the girl too. She was only eighteen.

　　"Arrange transport for me in the morning. I'm sure they'll have a funeral planned soon."

　　"As you command, your majesty." Saying, the beta left. I couldn't stop wondering why I felt something intense was about to unfold.

　　And the next morning, when I attended the funeral, I recognised...her.

　　My eyes widened, but I refused to show the discomposure in my stance.

　　Inside my head, Marrok kept chanting, 'Mate...Mate...Mate...'

　　Indeed...The girl's sweet scent was all over the place. Her back was faced towards me. There was something going on. As I walked around to catch a glimpse of her, something about her expression made Marrok and me...disoriented.

　　Her bold, big eyes were filled with tears up to the brim. Her lower lip wobbled in sorrow. Oh, how I wished I'd drain all her sorrow whilst taking her in my arms, embrace her as tightly as possible.

　　Then...The words left my mouth unexpectedly as I witnessed a whole drama revolving around my mate,

　　"You will not marry her, Alpha Leif Lupus."