The Prince’s Unwilling mate by Mutya

Chapter 226

001 Ayla

“Ayla, honey, can you come sit down with us? We want to talk with you.” Dad called out for me. Hopefully, they finally decided I could go and live with Dad’s parents at the White Oak pack. I had been begging them to let me go for a year after all. I started asking them the day after David rejected me for being the runt of the pack.

I remember smelling him and recognizing him as my mate, I was beyond happy. Grandma’s words rang in my mind. “The Moon Goddess does not make mistakes in whom she pairs together.”

me, 5 ft 3.

David is right. I have been the runt of the pack. Dad’s great grandmother is a rare human mate. Grandma is a werewolf as is my dad, his brothers. and sister. She was mated to my Grandpa Alpha Quinn and a very powerful werewolf. Dad is big even for a wolf. Everyone else in my family is either big or average–sized for a wolf. Then there is me, After shifting, I can pass for a regular wolf. I always know that some pack members are whispering behind my back. But I get lucky, Mom is the only pack doctor and after refusing to be Uncle Cedric’s Beta to move in with the Bloodtail pack, Dad became the pack’s lead warrior. They are well–respected. And the Alpha’s son and future Alpha is one of my best friends.

It at least stops the other pack members from gossiping too much. So when I found out the morning of his eighteenth Birthday that he indeed was my mate, like I had been hoping for most of my life, and even more

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when I didn’t find my mate when I turned eighteen, nine months before he did, I was over the moon. I remember Willow my wolf going crazy when we sensed David walking up to us. And when he spoke the thirteen words no wolf ever wants to hear, I felt my heart shatter as Willow closed herself off from me.

“I, David Birch, reject you, Ayla Hemmig, as my mate and future Luna.

Rejecting me in the pack kitchen, so that everyone could hear. To make matters worse, he felt the need to explain why he would reject his best. friend.

“You’re a sweet girl, Ayla. You would make an Omega very happy. But how could the runt of the pack ever be the Luna we need?”

Soon after, he started avoiding me, being short with me like it was my fault that his mate was the runt of the pack as he put it. Of course, this caused the other members of my pack to bully me. They respected my family too much to get physical but their words hurt too. That was why 1- wanted to live with my grandparents. Their pack was different. They would all accept me. As a small unmated wolf, because I was sure I would never want a chosen mate. Second–chance mates are for those who lost their mates. Not wolves that got rejected like me.

Deep in thought, I made my way to the kitchen to join my parents at the kitchen table. Mom looked sad and Dad looked conflicted. He held a letter in his hand. Instantly I recognized the royal seal. So the rumors were true Crown Prince Griffin would pick a chosen mate. On his first

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Birthday, he got the mark showing his fated mate died before they met. In four years, he was supposed to rule the land and all the werewolf packs taking over from his father and mother. He needed a Queen by his side to do so. Rumors had been spreading he was inviting all unmated she–wolves from eighteen to thirty to come to a ball, where he would choose his chosen mate.

“The rumors are true. Prince Griffin is inviting all the unmated she- wolves between eighteen and thirty to the ball. We know you want to live with Grandpa Quinn and Grandma Emmy, Sweetheart.” Dad started confirming what I was thinking as soon as I saw the letter.

“If you go to the ball, we will grant you permission and we will convince Alpha Phillip to let you move in with the White Oak pack.”

This was the best news ever. If I was not suitable as a Luna even as a

fated mate, there was no way the Crown Prince would select me as his chosen Queen. The royal family lived closer to the White Oak Pack, so I might as well pack all of my belongings. Maybe I could convince Mom and Dad I could stay at the White Oaks a few days before that. After all, it was only a few hours by airplane to get to SilverCreek where the Royals lived. I had never been there before and I was excited to go. I would be able to taste some new foods, and maybe even get some new recipes.

“You’re not saying anything, honey. Do you agree?” Mom’s voice pulled me back to the here and now.

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“Sorry, Mom, I was daydreaming. I just got a little excited. Of course, I agree. I cannot wait to see SilverCreek.” I honestly told her.

My parents‘ wide smiles hurt me a little. They were excited and happy because I seemed so open to giving this a chance. But all I could think of was going over to Jessa, so I could tell her. She was twenty like me and unmated too. My sister Kate named after our human great–great

grandmother was nineteen and unmated. We would probably go together, the three of us.

Before I even asked, Dad chuckled telling me I could go and visit Jessa. Jessa and her parents were the only pack members who never treated me differently aside from my family of course. I would miss them when I moved, but they could always come over and see me.

I rushed over to Jessa’s house and was welcomed by Jessa and her father

Theo.

“Got the letter too, I see?” Jessa greeted me with a warm smile.

Unlike me, Jessa hoped to be picked by Crown Prince Griffin. Even when I pointed out that I doubted the future Queen of all the werewolves got to get away with her country–rock aesthetic.

“So are your parents going to take you? I doubt my parents can travel with us. Would they mind if we traveled together?” I asked her about traveling instead.

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“Siveety, your parents, James, and I already discussed it. Of course, we are not letting two young she–wolves travel alone. We will go together, the four of us. And yes. we will stop at the White Oak pack.” Theo smiled at us.

“Wait. Mr. Silver, you said 2 unmated she–wolves. Do you not mean 3? Isn’t Kate traveling with us, too?” I had not seen Kate in the last 2 days, which was unusual, but if something happened to her, Mom and Dad would have surely told me. All the faces around me fell, and I knew something had happened to my dear sister.

“Oh sweety, has nobody told you why Kate hasn’t been home?” Theo said avoiding making eye contact.

“No, what are you guys talking about?” All kinds of scenarios flashed. through my mind.

“Ayla, come to the packhouse now. It’s urgent.” My father mindlinked. me, rousing me from thoughts.

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Saying goodbye to Theo and Jessa, I raced to the packhouse.

“Of course, Kate can move into Cresent Moon pack with her mate Tim.‘ The moment I walked into the packhouse, I heard Alpha Phillip happily. permit Kate to leave with her mate.

Kate rejoiced at the great news, arm in arm with the man standing by.

Knowing my sister was fine, I sighed out of great relief.

“Wait, you’ve found your mate?” With a questioning gaze, I mindlinked

Kate.

Kate turned to me, nodding. Her face blushed with sparkles in her eyes

“Thank you, Alpha Phillip.” Father bowed. He gestured for me to come over and added, “And Ayla is intended to go to the royal ball. Would you mind she moving to the White Oak pack after that?”

Alpha Phillip thought Father’s words over and looked at me. My heart skipped a beat under his intimidating gaze.

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Finally, he shrugged his shoulder and broke the silence. “Honestly, I have no issues with Ayla going to the royal ball. But we all know the likelihood that the Prince will choose her as the Luna of all Luna’s is

extremely small…”

Just like his favor for members of the pack going to live in another pack to form an alliance, Alpha Phillip was very interested in the prospect of one of the pack’s unmated she–wolves becoming a chosen mate to the royal family as well. For him, it would be the ideal alliance, though he deemed me unworthy of being the future queen. He didn’t even try to hide his disbelief..

“But tell me how it would benefit our pack if Ayla was not to return to us after the ball?” Alpha Phillip questioned Dad’s words bluntly. “There is already an alliance between the BloodMoon and White Oak.”

That was the problem. Alpha Phillip would never let pack members move to another pack if it didn’t benefit him. In most cases, forming or strengthening an alliance would suffice. But I wasn’t about to move to my mate’s pack. I was about to move to family, so no new relationships were built.

“Alpha Phillip, some pack members were laughing at Ayla after David rejected her.” Dad tried to reason with him. “It’s hard to see my daughter suffering.”

“And how would the future Luna feel if she noticed that David’s fated mate was still living in the pack?” Dad added.

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“No worries. My son has already made the greatest sacrifice known to wolves. He has selected Hannah as his chosen mate. Hannah is a fine she–wolf, strong, poised, graceful, and kind. She will treat Ayla exactly like she has been doing ever since the rejection.” Alpha Phillip told us like he was reassuring a toddler that there were no monsters under the bed.

Was he that unaware of what was happening right under his nose or was he that uncaring? Hannah had always been jealous of my friendship with David. She claimed David was her mate and seeing David hanging around me made her crazy. She kept making troubles for me. Hearing. David reject me thrilled her. She rejected her mate, an Omega, a sweet guy, instantly and was determined to be the pack’s Luna. She started to try and hit it off with David. The fact that I was David’s fated mate was enough for her to bully me with her minions.

Not screaming about everything Hannah and her flying monkeys had done to me so far was already taking all of my self–control, Willow was, already itching to take over control. I knew I shouldn’t.

I had been enduring the bullying, the beating, and the abuse for two years. Now so close to escaping was not the time to mess it all up.

Easier said than done when David smirked at me, licking his lips before addressing his father like a good little Alpha in training.

“Can I give my opinion, Father?” He asked politely, and of course, Daddy dearest let him.

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His pride over his son starting to pick up Alpha duties was all over hist face.

With an evil smile, David started talking again.

“I do think the Hemmings put too much weight on my decision to reject Ayla. Every wolf with a sense of self–preservation would want a more suitable Luna. Pack members applauded me for the sacrifice I made in recognizing the Moon Goddess‘ only fault. Many seemed to thank for the mate bonds between me and Hannah.”

Right away, the air was thick with tension. Mom and Dad stiffened at the insult. His blatant disregard for me, my wishes, and the matebond we once shared set everyone off.

“I guess she is allowed to stop by the White Oak before going the to royal ball then…” Dad pled. I knew there was nothing else he could do.

Alpha Phillip smirked. “Make sure Ayla comes back home after that.”

Father’s silent and quick acceptance of my fate hurt me.

“What’s the point of going to the royal ball if I can’t go to White Oak and get away from all these forever?” I murmured to myself in desperation and anger.

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Yet Alpha Phillip sat there with a straight face telling me I was the she- wolf who made troubles to the pack.

My anger was taking over, and I needed to get these emotions out before they would get the better of me. Willow hadn’t stopped fighting to take control and it would be better to shift when I was still in control. My wolf tended to react more primal and I had no doubt she would go over to David and fight him the second I was no longer in control.

Too upset with my parents, I mindlinked Kate where I was going, so that my family would not worry about me. Then, I walked out into the forest, to one of the empty tree trunks where we could keep our clothes after shifting.

After checking no one was there, I shifted into my wolf form and just took off running. I’ve always loved running and it was the one thing I was better in because of my size. Being small made me faster and a lot more agile. I could outrun every wolf in my pack and most in the White Oak pack too.

The feeling of the wind rushing through my fair, the whizzing in my cars drowning all the other sounds out always made me feel peaceful. Feeling peaceful, calming down, and collecting myself was exactly what I needed now. The first few minutes it felt like someone was watching me. Once I got deeper into the forest, the feeling faded. It must have been my illusion.

Sun was already setting. I had ignored every single family member that

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reached out to me over the mindlink. Now my limbs were aching, I was hungry, thirsty, and honestly exhausted.

When I finally reached the treetrunk where I stored my clothing, and was about to shift back to my human form, a huge wolf ran into me. throwing me onto the ground.

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And of course, it is Hannah and her little band of bitches.

this time, Hannah?” I asked.

wanting to shift back to my human form, because I

royal family. Do you really think you are fit to be the queen, the Luna of all Luna’s, if you are unfit to be the

want to complete the mating process. Because she wanted to be unmated for the prince’s

not looking forward to this event, and I knew the Prince would never choose me. I did know that the royal family is seen as kind and fair. I imagine the future queen has to possess those same qualities, meaning it could never be

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lot of lips for someone who the Moon Goddess herself deemed barely worthy of an Omega. You think the

were on me, head–butting me and biting me. Scratching me with their paws. I tried hitting them back with my paws, but they were all over me and I could not

grew limp, but they didn’t stop. Their growls and snaps told me I was about to get

you think you are? Doing five against one?” An unfamiliar

to see someone wearing the royal sigil on his

back to their human forms. Awkward tension filled the. air. I was the only one who brought my

out of pure stupidity Hannah still bucked naked in front

or pure arrogance,

think you are? Even if you are a servant of the royal family, you have no right to interfere with our pack business.”

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should deem themselves worthy enough to attack a single wolf in a group. Honestly, I don’t know if I am praying to the Moon Goddess that you are mated, so you won’t come to the royal ball. Or to pray you are unmated to spare other wolves from having a mate as horrendous as you are.” He scoffed.

In fact,

me and helped me up, his eyes

I

asked, worries visible in his

I stumbled and fell back

not.” He chuckled, “Come on, let me

I stammered.

me Dillion.” He introduced himself, holding me up

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you. Dillion. I’m Ayla. Thank you

big deal. As a return, would you please tell me how to get to Alpha Phillip? I am here to hand deliver the invitation for the Prince’s ball.” He asked.

problem. It’s just a few blocks ahead.” I

most cases, but I don’t see a mark on you. And you seem to be

in his questions. I could

I won’t be completing a

me in trouble before. That is why some of the pack members believe me to be unfit as a Luna. They want

and handed me the

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fancy ball

walked me home, we chatted a little about the BloodMoon pack. He asked me how I had been treated here.

tell him anything. It was still not worth the trouble that would

are you?” Daniel sounded agitated, so I excused myself to Dillion

but we got interrupted by a messenger of the royal family. I’m walking him over to the packhouse and will

it. Would you ever be able to move to a different pack for a chosen or second chance mate?” Dillion asked me.

beautiful intricate mark on his neck I would think he was flirting

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coming to the ball. Either way. I did not know him well enough

move to a new pack. I always know and I still do.” I gave the most non–committal answer I could think of

exhausted the last bit of my

and her mate ran to catch me, to stop me from falling over. Dad was growling

happen. She tried to protect all of us, but this

our parents, I was about to tell him not to, but the

  1. me.

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004 Ayla

up, I was in my own

shared but I could tell from her body language now that she was just skimming over the pages. Not really reading even though it seemed like she

  1. to.

eyes. By now it was completely dark outside, so I must have been out for

okay? Why didn’t you tell us before?” Mom asked me while

Hannah’s lashing out at me wasn’t their fault. I knew that if I had told them about what Hannah was

all healing. I could not tell you and Dad because it would

tighter, whispering how sorry

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my head in my arms, I started

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but still I could not help but sink into the embrace. Unable to keep on fighting

for not seeing what was happening to you. Please forgive

was not his fault after all. It was my own choice to hide the truth from him. However, I was disappointed at the fact that he did not fight harder for me. He just shrugged and gave up when Alpha Phillip told them I could not change packs. That was why I didn’t want

why you want to move to White Oak to live with your grandparents?” He hugged me

Alpha Phillip and leaving the pack. Alpha Phillip would never allow that. It will risk a war. Your know

Still, we could have talked about it as a family. Do you

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jumping into action?” Dad asked me, the hurt clear

like I didn’t give my parents enough credit.

Hannah as your Luna when she is

will I accept David. He isn’t going to be a better Alpha.” Dad

Alpha like your Uncle Cedric. But your

into my eyes. “We will

it would be safer or easier to do so? But I didn’t understand because Alpha Phillips had

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your grandparents and stay with them there. And when the Silver’s come back, they will explain you got injured and need to rest at your Grandparent’s place. By then, he will know what his son and possible future

Phillips doesn’t allow me

has to, Sweetheart.”

Oak pack seemed to be within reach now, and I hugged Dad happily, grateful

be necessary if the Prince is smart enough to see how amazing you

in my heart. I know this would never happen. Hannah was right. How could I become the Luna of all

old memories flashing in my mind, I felt

had noticed how dizzy I was. They settled me on my bed and forced

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healing fresh injuries. Now that everybody in my family

with the BloodMoon pack has been weird. Even after I was getting much better, they

started to pack my belongings. Sadly, I couldn’t pack at lot. Dad told me to pack only the essentials in toiletries and clothing so I could take more small personal things with me. Mom promised me she would at

show the other she–wolves, especially those of Blood Moon, that you are a queen in

recalled it was the dress my Grandma wore when Grandpa introduced her as his Luna to the pack. Thinking of

like I was still living here.

prince.

to go.” Mom’s voice came downstairs. “You

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miss the Shout

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achy like I have been training too hard: Mom had noticed and she was worried about me. She thought I might have been overdoing myself in preparation for the royal ball. Probably because this was the first event I had gotten personally involved with.

one final chance of meeting my second chance mate. I had been praying to the Moon Goddess every night, bringing her offerings. And I had sent every staff member available, whom I fully trust to bring the invitations personally. To both get as many she–wolves to come

on his word. But I will wait until the clock strikes midnight I do not find my fated mate before that time. Thinking, of it, maybe I should stop thinking about her as my second chance

everything. It was just the pressure of finding her. Normally when you find your mate, you have the time to get to know each

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Come to think of it with all of the

around in my room. I was wondering whether I would just pick a different room. for me and my mate to move into. Or should I move some of my personal belongings, so my mate could have her personal stuff and

room.

as it is,

back. He knew I was doubting my room being ready enough for my Luna, my mate. He also was the last of my messengers

how was it?” I asked him, sitting down on the bed and signalling for him to sit down next

packs and they were more than happy to attend the ball.” Dillion

I can

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laughing.

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know you are praying for a fated mate, and you know I hope you find her, Griff. I want you to have the same happiness as I have.” He stated and I knew what

never stopped him from being faithful to his mate. To wait until he met them. But it had made them nervous not knowing what he needed to look out for. Until he met Collin he had the moment I was dreaming of where he instantly knew who his mate was. Luckily Collin didn’t have an issue with moving to the castle. They had completed their mating process and were as happy as could be. Now that happily mated wolf sitting on my bed. was about to tell me I should not hope to find what

random mate.

don’t meet a girl and

small yet brave she–wolf at BloodMoon. She never backed down though being attacked by five other wolves. And the royal emblem on my coat didn’t change her attitude towards me at all.” He chuckled. “She is a little firecracker though. You need someone who

girl sounds like a fun person to be around. You know how much

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ganging up on others.” I commented. “Will she come to the

seemed to be interested

Don’t forget to point out who she is at the ball. I’d

the end of the night.” Dillion continued, “And one. more thing, she

words surprised me. I could not help wondering the reason behind her rejection. I could not imagine someone being rejected by the person the Moon Goddess

getting rejected, that must be the worst feeling in the world, even worse than finding out your

gave me another thing to worry about..

she rejects me?” I asked. Dillion, worries

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be fine. You could not be praying to the Moon Goddess while doubting her picks for you!”

to calm myself down.

It was the last thing I needed to settle before the ball. So now, all that was left to do was count down the last five days until the ball, praying and bringing my offers to the Moon Goddess. Selene.

***

ball to be picked by me. It was a good thing though. The more she–wolves here, the bigger the chances were that I realized

of one scent. A scent that was so enticing that it stopped me from thinking of anything else. A scent that woke my wolf up. The

mate was here.

felt

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Crown Prince supposed to choose between all of us? There is no way he is going to be able to see all of us let alone speak with us. One of the many reasons I do not want a chosen mate. Look at the Prince now. He is supposed to announce his chosen mate today. Out of all the she–wolves here, but as of yet he doesn’t know any of

Prince and seemed to be a high–ranking wolf. At first, that made me chuckle. Hannah would be so embarrassed knowing she had shown her true colors

prince walked up to us in big strides. I breathed a sigh of relief. This made far more sense the mark on Dylan’s

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a fated mate. Maybe I was just too worried, now that I lost the absolute fate of fated mates instantly loving each

Wow, you’re breathtaking. I mean. I am sure you are kind

it was obvious that this Gerald guy was a nervous wreck. Jessa introduced herself. She wasn’t nervous but

It turned out that Gerald would be

He now works as an assistant to the Crown

than a regular Alpha to

working directly for the Prince, too?” I asked, hoping to find out just how bad

Dillion, the one next to Prince Griffin?” Gerald ⚫

up to see if I indeed meant Dillion, it happened. I. was hit by a smell that was even better than the smell when

and citrus. To my absolute horror, it was the Crown Prince himself who smelt like that. Willow was going crazy, howling out for our mate. But it could not be. We found our mate he rejected us, humiliated us. My fated mate didn’t pass away, so it was not like I was getting a second chance mate.

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