Eight

"It has been quite a while since I last visited this part of the country." Esteban who was currently on his way down to attend the upcoming mate search party being held by the Gradv pack spoke while he looked out the car window.

"It sure has. I guess we have His Majesty to thank for making you travel this far." His best friend Kairo commented as he too watched the beautiful scenery they were passing through. "I heard Gradv is the biggest and the leading pack around here. If your mate is to be from this part, then I am certain she is going to be from Gradv." Kairo added smiling while he stared at his friend. One wouldn't need to be told, Esteban is a huge fan of nature.

"You may be right but I won't put too much thought into that. I think what intrigues me more right now is the fact that the Wristy pack Alpha will be there too." The king had warned his son to not get himself involved with that pack. Their leader is known for his ruthless schemes. As much as they knew he wouldn't dare to attack a Royal member, they still wanted to be careful.

"Why should you concern yourself over that?" Kairo watched his friend. He knew him better than anyone to know the rubbish that might be going through the prince's head right now. "He might be ruthless and all of that but you mustn't forget that you are the prince. I know you want to tear his head off his shoulders but you must cage that hunger within you. You can't attack him, you know that yes?" Indeed Kairo is right. As a member of the Royal family, they cannot attack any were without reason. The Lunatic who had killed hundreds of werewolves was already dead and the new one reigning over those rogues only has rumors circulating around him. The Royal household is yet to get any incriminating evidence against him. "He is attending this event even when he knows you will be there. Doesn't that tell you something? Please man, stay the fuck away from them." Esteban was frustrated. He has been frustrated for years, the fact that his father is letting a cold blooded murderer free has him losing his mind.

'Why would his father condone that man?!'

"One wrong move from him man... Just one wrong move " Kairo heaved a sigh feeling relieved. Had the king not called him into his office to ask this favor from him, he never would have stopped Esteban from killing that being. But he is still a subject and he must obey his King. The Lunatic might have been killed, but the present ruler is still as psychotic as the previous one.

"Just take your mind and attention off of him." Kairo warned. If Esteban is to give so much attention to that Alpha then he will surely find faults with him. "Instead put your attention into your mate. I just have a good feeling you know." Estaban eye-rolled his friend. Kairo had also had good feelings these last two years yet he still has not met his mate.

"Maybe this time you will be the one finding your mate." Kairo looked away guiltily. He had found his destined but like a fool, he was too scared to accept the bond. Hence the reason he cannot also confide in his best friend now turned brother. How can he?

Laughing awkwardly "Maybe" Kairo agreed. There was disappointment in Esteban's eyes when he heard Kairo's response. How could he not have noticed, his friend has a beloved? As curious as he is to know who it is, he had decided to wait until he told him about it. If Kairo is hiding this from him, then he must have good reasons.

"We will soon be at the pack house Your Highness." Their driver Deverick who had been quietly listening to their conversation suddenly announced. Ahead of their car was a black sedan and behind them were two other sedans following. The Royal household would always insist some of their military men should accompany the prince whenever he is away from the palace, this way the soldiers too can be opportune to find their mates during the mate search event. But Esteban prefers to travel with his own men. Having trained with them and being through a lot with these group of men, Esteban finds them much more comfortable to travel with. But he also understood he cannot deny the Royal military men the chance to find their destined so he would pick a few of them who are yet to be mated to travel with him.

The car before them made a turn for the right, Deverick also followed as they finally were in the pack's house. The hosting Alpha and all his pack members were all waiting with some of the other Alpha's that had arrived earlier. They all showed their neck as they submitted to the Royal who had just arrived.

Esteban showed no emotion to their actions. Since young this has been what every wolf he meets does.

Alpha Jackeral of the Gradv pack stepped forward with a big smile on his face. "Your Royal Highness, it is a great pleasure to have you visiting my humble pack. I believe your journey here was smooth." He asked his head bowed down. Normally, the Alpha will never bow to another especially not when his whole pack was watching him but who was he currently bowing to? It is the only Royal son of the Werewolf king. A young man who will eventually take the throne of his father. Meeting him and having to bow before his presence is a pleasure, something worth bragging over.

"My journey was quite OK." Esteban suddenly felt uncomfortable. His wolf was acting strange, it itched to come out. "I am a little tired though." Kairo furrowed his brow when he heard Esteban's complaint. Tired?! How can he be tired?

"Of course, please follow me." The Alpha was disappointed, he had made arrangements for food to be served. He wanted to make himself acquainted with the next king. Having him as an acquaintance will do him a whole lot of good.

"The food has been prepared and it is being served, would you like to eat first before you rest?" Alpha Jackeral decided to try his luck but all he got as a response was silence.

"His Highness had already eaten before he got here, he just need to rest." Deverick chimed in. He was not only Esteban's driver, he was also his assistant. How could he not have noticed the slight show of discomfort in his bosses face.

"I see" the Alpha smiled as he led them to the quarters being arranged for the Prince and his entourage. 'There will be more chances' the Alpha consoled himself with that thought. The event is meant to hold by tomorrow night, but any lucky werewolf might meet with their mates before the event even begins.

"This is your room Your Highness, I hope it will be to your taste." Kairo almost laughed out. Be to his taste? He has never met someone as picky as the prince.

"Thank you" Esteban glanced at the Alpha before going into the room. The Alpha stood there wondering what he might use as an excuse to go in with the prince but alas his beta had to talk.

"We should let him rest Alpha" James was also hoping the pack can serve the prince well and seeing how his Alpha's brow kept on moving, he had to interrupt before any damage occurs.

Alpha Jackeral felt bitter. 'How can my own beta not understand my thoughts?' But he had to swallow his bitterness as he was sure the prince can still feel their presence and hear their conversations. He turned around and left with his men quietly.

'Finally' Esteban thought to himself as he tried to think of why his wolf was acting up.

"Are you alright Your Highness?" Deverick who couldn't hold his curiosity in asked.

"I am fine. But I will like to be left alone." Kairo and Deverick glanced at one another before bowing. As they left the room, they both wondered what might have happened to the prince.

'Could he?' Deverick glanced back at the closed door as his heart leaped. Could he truly?

Kairo too who had the same guess smiled hoping his suspicion is right.

He knew more than anyone how jealous Esteban gets when he sees his parents and any mated couples together. He might not talk much about finding his mate and might even act like he is not curious about what he/she might look like but he knew, the prince just like everyone is anticipating the day he will finally be able to meet his beloved.

While his two companions were busy having such thoughts, Esteban was fighting with his wolf. He can't allow his wolf out, especially when he doesn't know why it is this agitated. One of the Royal rules is to not change into their beast form outside the palace except if something unexpected is to occur.

"Please" Esteban pleaded to his wolf Erskine.