Wolf Prince

by Stephany Wallace

  “That was very good. You practiced that didn’t you?” I joked.

  Sarah gave me a one shoulder shrug. “It’s a habit of mine,” she replied with a smirk. “I stand at the airport in my free afternoons, welcoming people who arrive. I also giveaway the key to the city.”

  We laughed as she grinned at the guys.

  “Touché,” I answered still chuckling.

  “See you guys around. We don’t want to be late for class,” her blonde friend added, winking at Olis.

  “Bye,” Sarah waved at Zelin, giving me and the guys one last smile.

  “See you around,” I answered with a half-smile, as they turned and began walking towards one of the close by buildings.

  I didn’t need to see my guardian’s face to know she was scowling at the girls. Probably even imagining all the ways she could hurt them if they even dare come close to me.

  “Stop flirting,” Zelin warned as we began walking, and I laughed.

  “I wasn’t flirting, I was being nice.” The guys snickered. “Oh, shut up.”

  “Woah,” a guy whistled near us, and we all turned to see two friends staring at the three red SUVs behind us. “Are those the new Audi Beast?” one of them asked, almost salivating at the sight.

  “They are supposed to be like a luxury war tank, with all the security features integrated in them. But you wouldn’t know it by its sick design.” The other guy explained.

  “Yep,” Egon answered, proudly. “Bullet proof and everything.”

  “Those are not even on the market yet.” The first guy whistled appreciatively again.

  “We shipped them here from back home. They were a gift,” Emory explained.

  “Audi’s CEO is a friend of the family.” I offered, trying to be vague. He was more like a… distant cousin. “The car was inspired by my father. They are close friends and my dad’s nickname is the Beast.” I shrugged.

  “Damn, I need to hang out with you guys,” the first guy joked. “First day?”

  I chuckled. “Yeah. We just moved here from Germany.”

  “Cool. I’m Kevin, and this is my best friend Zack, we are second year Engineering.”

  “I’m Gustav, first year Psychology,” I answered, seeing Kevin’s eyes gleam when he took in the girl on my back.

  Zelin tensed behind me, her low growl returning.

  “Stop it.” I chided through our private link. “They seem cool, we could be friends. Friends are a good thing.” She huffed. “This is Zelin, and these are my cousins,” I added awkwardly, nodding towards the knights. “Emory, Dale, Alois, Egon, Fonzo, Geron, Barnie, Ivo, Rey, Len, Rod, and Olis.”

  “Cousins?” Zack asked, shocked.

  “Damn, that’s a mouthful.” They both spoke at the same time.

  “We have a big family.” I shrugged.

  “A very, very big family,” Dale added with one of his signature happy grins.

  “Cool. Good luck. Hope to see you around,” Kevin offered, sending one last intrigued glance towards Zelin, and they were on their way.

  We nodded our goodbyes and turned, finally walking towards the main building to see the President, while Zelin relaxed behind me.

  Dale was right. This was going to be fun…

  If Zelin manages not to attack anyone for talking to me, that is.

  SIGH.

  College, here we come!

  2

  After jumping off my back, Zelin entered the building with six of the guys filing behind her. I followed as the other six walked behind me.

  So much for being inconspicuous.

  “We are here to see the president of the university,” she told the secretary outside his office.

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “He’ll see us. Please announce Gustav Von Reinheit is here,” she all but ordered the lady while I cringed.

  “Please…” I added, peaking my head over Zelin’s shoulder, and smiling at the lady.

  An air of recognition sparked in the lady’s brown eyes, and her gaze flew down to her agenda book, reading a red marked note. “Oh. Yes of course, Gustav Von Reinheit. Mr. Schultz is expecting you. He asked me to inform him the second you were here.”

  The woman smiled, fixing her glasses nervously, as though she had just seen a Hollywood actor or something. My brows gather in confusion, and Zelin and I exchanged a glance. She shrugged.

  “Just a moment,” the secretary added, giggling, and reached for the phone pressing the button for the internal line. “He’s arrived, sir… of course.”

  By the time she hung up, the door to the office behind her opened, and an older gentleman stepped out in a sharp gray suit. His dark blond hair was sprinkled with white on the sides and the top of his crown, and large blue eyes filled with dominance, wisdom, and kindness settled on Zelin and I. A smile briefly stretched his lips, and he motioned us to enter.

  Zelin’s gaze connected with Emory’s, silently instructing her knights to stay outside, and she walked in behind me. Before the door closed, I caught the guys forming a wall of muscle between the door and the secretary’s desk. I sighed.

  Would it kill them to just act normal?

  Zelin took her post inside the room, holding her hands in front of her and standing guard like the knight she truly was, her back to the door.

  “Moon Prince, Eisen Ritter, I can’t tell you what an honor it is to have you here,”

  The man greeted, offering us both a full bow.

  Zelin nodded politely at him, while I smiled in appreciation of his gesture, but I didn’t think I would ever get used to the formality of it all—even if the castle had become my home. Especially after being born in the Black Forest, where I’d lived for the first part of my young life, sleeping on the wet earth without a roof over my head, or even clothes on my back.

  “Alpha Supreme,” I answered, offering my hand to him. “No need for reverence, please. I’m not my mother. You can just call me Gustav.”

  His hand took mine, shaking it firmly, and a pleasant smile lit the man’s features at my request. “Walter Schultz. Please call me Walter.” His intense eyes looked straight into mine for a moment, asserting his dominance as the Supreme Alpha of these lands, and I gladly held it, confirming mine as the Moon Prince.

  A few seconds passed while we held each other’s gaze, not as a challenge, but as recognition of each other’s strength. His smile widened in approval, a moment before he diverted his eyes from mine. The change was subtle, he hadn’t submitted, simply motioned towards the center of the large space, where his desk was located, and began to walk.

  I followed gladly, sitting at the other side of the desk, as he took his chair. Although my race followed a royal hierarchy due to our origins, our race, based around the world, had a structure very similar to a democratic government.

  Each country had a ruler, called the Alpha Primes, and each state also had an Alpha Chancellor which was similar to a State Senator, then an Alpha Supreme, who was basically the State Governor, an Alpha Mayor, and the Alpha Justice Chief who acted as the Attorney General would, but following our pack rules and laws instead of political agendas.

  Walter was the Chicago Alpha Supreme, which meant he governed the wolf shifters settled here, and made sure that everyone followed the rules, so the humans were protected, but didn’t learn about our race. He’d also become the President of the University—having only been a member of the board three years ago—which meant many Moonchildren had begun attending.

  “Thank you for the warm welcome,” I added, holding my hands on my lap.

  “Of course, it’s the least I could do. I truly can’t explain how happy we are that you chose Chicago as your home, here in the United States. We are honored. Did you find the house to your liking?”

  “Yes, it’s incredible. My mother sends her gratitude for assisting Franz in his search and purchase of the home. She and my father hope to come visit later this year. She has a trip planned for Alaska this summer, but they should be here after.”
>
  “The ReinheitWölfe Queen and King Eisen Ritter, here in Chicago…” he paused, trying to contain his excitement, and my chest warmed. Everyone loved my parents. “Words elude me. I don’t think I could describe my elation even if I tried.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “These lands will be the envy of the pack.”

  I chuckled with him.

  “I can’t tell you the difference they have brought to our race during the past three years of their ruling. Your mother is truly an inspiration. She’s so young and has already accomplished so much. Thanks to her we are stronger than we have ever been. And with her Iron Knight as our king, our kingdom has never been safer.”

  A true smile stretched my lips. My parents were the most powerful rulers to ever exist, and the only known exception to the rule of no romance between a Moon Princess and her guardian… but that was a whole different story.

  Some might even call it Fairytale.

  “I also wanted to thank you for suggesting the Lincoln Park and North Avenue Beach for our first run here,” I added, trying to make sure I didn’t forget and somehow offended him for it.

  “Oh, it’s my pleasure. I made sure all our shifters knew not to be in the area so you could enjoy some privacy before you were introduced to the Chicago pack.”

  “It truly made a difference. The wolves from the habitat joined us, too. It was a cool experience.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, they are used to us. We also benefit from their presence, since the residents think all howls come from the zoo. After they run with us, the red wolves return to their habitats, so no one is the wiser.”

  “Sounds like a great arrangement.”

  “Well, we are not as lucky as you are, with the Alps and innumerable acres of mountain to run through, so we take advantage of what we have locally. There are a few small forests in Chicago we could drive to, but they are not practical for our nightly runs, and humans visit them regularly. The Lincoln Park terrain and the beach are much closer and guarantee no humans at night.”

  He leaned closer, resting his forearms on the desk as he held his hands before him.

  “I’m truly pleased you are here, but may I ask… what made you choose Chicago?”

  A heavy sigh left me as I leaned forward too. “To be honest, I also considered California, and Washington, but since the new ReinheitWölfe North American Headquarters are here…”

  “The old Hunter’s tower,” he added knowingly.

  The Tower had been headquarters to the Hunters—our human enemy—for decades, until my parents ended their hateful organization, and repurposed all their safe houses as pack houses. The Tower was now the epicenter of the ReinheitWölfe North American packs, and the Alpha leaders convened there once a month.

  “Yes. I know the Alpha leaders are making great use of it.”

  “We are.” He straightened, proudly. “We’ve become more proactive about the safety of our human citizens since the building was handed to us. It is now the Chicago Center for Humanitarian Relief, and with all the resources it provides, and monitoring systems available to us, we have become far more able to help our mission. Did you know the Hunters had a specific surveillance room monitoring each country in there?”

  Wow. That was seriously messed up. “No. I had no idea.”

  He nodded regretfully. “Now that they are gone, we’ve been able to take full control of the lands—rather than continuously fighting them for the territory, and we fully protect the city. There is now a pack representative from every country in the surveillance rooms. We have implemented new watch programs, and preventive strategies against crime.”

  “Is it true that you have started a free housing program in the tower?”

  His eyes sparkled with pride. “Yes. We used the apartments located in the first thirty floors to offer free housing to homeless, and families down on their luck. We heal them in the Free Clinic, give them clothing, food, counseling therapy, and make sure they become stable once again. I also started a program in connection with the university, to offer free studies to those who want them. We help them find jobs, and a place to live, so they can reintegrate themselves into society.”

  “And that is why I’m here,” I answered honestly. “I heard about some of the things you are implementing, and I wanted to see it for myself, be part of it. If you’ll allow it, of course. I won’t interfere with your work, I just want to lend a hand.”

  “We have a crime force unit, founded and led by my son. I’m sure he’d love to have you be part of it, if you want. It’s like our own police force, but private of course,” he winked.

  I stared at him for a moment, considering his offer. “I truly appreciate that, and I don’t mean to be rude by rejecting your offer, but I was more interested in a position where I could help others one on one. You mentioned you have counselors who help the homeless?”

  A knowing gleam entered his eyes. “That’s right. You’ll be studying psychology with us.”

  “Yes. I know that I’m just starting to learn about the career, so I’m no expert, but I know that certain situations can take a toll on those involved. Bullying, emotional and physical abuse leave a darkness in us that remains long after it’s over. Sometimes we don’t need an expert… we just need someone to be there for us and listen without judgment. I’d like to offer that to them, while I learn how to help them psychologically. If that is something you think you can allow, I’d love to help.”

  “You speak as though you know from experience,” he asked thoughtfully. “It must have been horrible growing up with the RavenWolves, seeing them eat human flesh, and witnessing the sacrifices they performed to create shifters.”

  At the unexpected reminder of what I had been forced to endure as a child, every single muscle in my body spasmed, and my hands gripped my thighs.

  Damn it.

  Zelin’s form blurred and she appeared beside me the next second, making the Supreme Alpha jump back in his seat, startled.

  “It’s okay… I’m here,” Zelin whispered into my mind.

  Her hand reached for mine, gently pealing it off my thigh, and she held it tightly between both of hers. Feeling the reassuring warmth of her skin in mine, I took a deep breath, willing myself to contain the anxiety stirring just under the surface. With each calming breath, I forced the flashing memories away.

  “You are here with me, G. I’m with you,” Zelin reminded soothingly, kissing my cheek.

  Normally, I had it under control. I had been blessed with a beautiful life after my mom claimed me, but the shadows of the past were hard to lift, and sometimes they snuck up on me, like they had now. It hadn’t been Walter’s question itself, but the triggers within it.

  Triggers were very real for a person with PTSD, and the terms he used were ones I could go the rest of my life without ever hearing again. I hadn’t been prepared for the reminder.

  “I’m so sorry,” Walter swiftly added. “I didn’t mean any disrespect.”

  He nervously looked at Zelin, who stared him down menacingly. Surely, holding back the urge to make him pay for triggering my trauma—one I still tried so hard to overcome.

  Iron Knights weren’t exactly known for their patience, or tolerance for disrespect and tactlessness towards their charges.

  A low growl started in her throat, and his eyes immediately dropped from hers, submitting.

  “Please forgive me, your highness,” Walter added, looking at me. The nerves rolled off him in noticeable waves, as he dropped his gaze in submission to me as well, focusing on his desk.

  “It’s okay,” I finally answered, focusing on Walter, and offered him a small smile as the tension left my muscles once more, and my wolf settled.

  Feeling the calm returning to my being, Zelin let go of my hand, and crammed herself beside me on the armchair I occupied—unwilling to leave my side again. Internally smiling at her protectiveness, I wound my arm around her waist.

  “To answer your question, it was a traumatic experience,” I exhaled. “Those who defie
d the Alpha were beaten into submission, or killed, their bodies discarded as though they were nothing. Those who didn’t, were forced to witness or participate in their atrocities, and crimes. But I have been incredibly lucky. I have people there for me when I need them, a family who loves me, and friends who would do anything for me.”

  “Always…” Zelin sent into my mind.

  “I want to help someone else like they have helped me,” I confessed, looking at the Supreme Alpha. “And I know helping someone who has gone through a trauma like I have, will be good for me too.” I chuckled humorlessly. “Perhaps it’s not good to admit that my intentions are purely selfish.”

  He chuckled. “Not at all,” he held my gaze, briefly but meaningfully. “Yes, it will make you feel better, but your intentions are not selfish when you want others not to feel what you have felt. Dedicating your life to helping those who need it, like you plan to do, is the mark of a pure heart. And the very reason our Great Moon made you a Moon Prince, regardless of the pack you were born into.”

  “Thank you,” I whispered, humbled by his words.

  Nodding, his gaze briefly went to Zelin. “My apologies again, Eisen Ritter. It was insensitive of me to speak to the prince that way. I was ignorant about what he had experienced, and that made me careless with my words. I assure you it won’t happen again.”

  “Please see that it doesn’t,” she answered coldly, her protectiveness of me making her defensive. “Make sure to never use of those terms again. A second offense will not be tolerated.”

  She sounded like my father, her mentor, and I refrained from rolling my eyes. Zelin was too intense sometimes.

  “Of course,” Walter answered with a nod and cleared his throat, reaching for a set of folders on the left side of his desk. “I assume you are excited to get to your first class, so I won’t keep you any longer. Here is your registration, class schedules, a map of the campus, and an itinerary of events at the University. An identical set has been prepared for your Iron Knight, and each of her knights.”