Page 53 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

My posture stiffened. “Speak.”

“Our person on the inside reported the prince and members of the noble family are secretly nurturing a rebellion, and Mira’s life is being threatened. Her friendship with one of the maids is raising questions, and the prince is beginning to doubt her loyalty to him. The report I got is that she’s not very receptive to his touch in private, and he thinks a part of her is harboring feelings for you. He might discard her once she has served her purpose.”

Discard her. The word left a bitter taste on my tongue. I knew about Mira’s friendship with Ella. I figured she was just extending the friendship she shared with Mary to her, but evidently, I wasn’t the only one paying attention.

“Thank you, Michael. I’ll take care of things from this end. Just make sure nothing gets past you.”

“I won’t fail you, my prince.” He replied before the line went dead. I sat on my bed, trying to figure out the elders who could possibly be involved in the rebellion.

Elder Edmond was a given, along with his brothers and a few others. But that was barely a quarter of the court. At that moment, it occurred to me that while Victor was busy forming an army for himself, I was banking on the people choosing what was right for them, a stand that was being threatened with each passing day. With Mira in the mix, I couldn’t afford any mistakes.

It was finally time to pull every bit of influence I possessed. Victor had gone past the line, and this meant war.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Mira

With the welcome ceremony gradually coming to an end, and the mating season fast approaching, the palace was brimming with activities. Mates were announcing their weddings and those of them yet to find their mates were putting extra efforts into finding them.

It is believed that if one should find their mates at this time, there was a special blessing reserved for them, as this was the moment the goddess was considered closest to us.

My wedding to Victor was to be held after the next full moon to close the mating period, and every day that brought us closer to the date left me with cold feet and a parched throat. I constantly reminded myself that the mission outweighed every personal feeling I might have. I owed this to Mary. She brought me joy in my darkest hour. Sherisked her life to free me from the dungeon, and she never let go, not even when she realized the dangers associated with me.

My phone pinged with a message from Ella, requesting that we meet at a spot in the garden. She hinted that she might have something that would help with exposing Mary’s murderer. The text had my heart racing with anxiety and hope. I wanted to send a reply, but I caught a glimpse of Victor through the mirror, so I settled for a thumbs up, immediately deleting the text and tucking my phone into my purse.

“You look ravishing,” Victor complimented, watching me with hungry eyes through the mirror.

His eyes raked all over me, starting from my classic chignon to my strapless blue dress, lingering briefly on the necklace that rested between my cleavage before trailing down. His eyes glowed with approval.

I stared at our reflection, noting how we looked like the perfect couple. His height towered over my petite frame, creating an illusion of protection, and his light features complimented my dark ones. Still, somehow, the idea of us raised an army of goosebumps on my skin.

“You don’t look bad yourself,” I replied, and his face split into the most charming smile. Why couldn’t I love this brother?

He dipped his head, his lips moving from my shoulder to ear, eyes locked to mine in the mirror while I fought the urge to put a safe distance between us. He nibbled softly on my skin. “We need to leave for the banquet now, or I won’t be held responsible for what happens next.”

I whirled around so fast I almost tripped over my dress, snatching my purse from the nightstand and making a beeline for the door. What should’ve been a romantic statement to set the mood felt like a death sentence to me.

The banquet was already in full swing by the time we arrived, and Victor’s soft nibble left a mark on my skin, making me the subject of wiggling eyebrows and low whistles from the women.

I didn’t want to imagine what the situation looked like from their point of view—me sporting a hickey while arriving late to a royal party with my mate. The picture was quite obvious.

Subconsciously, my eyes sought Griffin, and I found him sitting alone at the head of the table, his eyes drilling holes into the hickey on my neck.

Guilt washed over me, and I felt a sudden urge to cover the mark, but with my hair in a chignon and my dress having no strap, I had no choice but to brave the situation.

“This way, my love,” Victor said, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he steered me into a gathering of elders and a few nobles.

Pleasantries were exchanged, and we took our positions at the table, with me next to Victor and Lilith across from me. I poured ninety percent of my focus into pretending not to notice Griffin’s eyes. I almost missed Lady Sheila’s greeting until she tapped me.

“You look beautiful as always, Mira.”

“You’re far too kind, Lady Sheila. I could only dream of looking half as good as you do,” I replied, and she bestowed me with the brightest smile.

“How are you finding the place? I trust you’re comfortable and settled in this time?”

I needed no help to catch the meaning behind her question—I hope Lilith is not giving you any problems.

“I’m fine. Thank you. It’s been the most beautiful experience.”

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