The Royal Summon

Mia's POV 

The days that followed were unlike anything I had expected.

Jasper didn't just bluff when he said he would pursue me—he meant every damn words

He took me out to dinner at one of the exclusive restaurant, where we dined alone under the soft candlelight, the flickering glow casting a warmth in his usual cold eyes. He let me do whatever I want and order what food I I wanted. He even ordered dessert for me and also went as far as hiring a popular saxophonist who played as we ate. His eyes watched me with affection and amusement as I savoured every bite of the meals and enjoyed every moment.

Shopping trips followed —designer boutiques, expensive jewelry and perfumes. But it wasn't about the price tags; it was the way he was attentive to every details, the way he asked if I liked something before getting them for me, the way he made sure I felt cherished rather than bought.

Together, we visited the hospital. Despite mother unconsciousness, he held her hand and asked for her permission, and hopeful that she would be awake soon to give us her blessings.

Jasper was trying. And I could feel myself developing something different from love making—something genuine towards him. I felt the walls I had built starting to crack. I want him to take control of my life—not possessiveness —just that feeling that I am his and he is mine.

Maybe .... maybe I should accept his proposal.

Maybe I should give him a chance.

That thought lingered in my mind all through the ride back to the mansion that evening. Once we get to the mansion, Jasper had a business call to take, and I used the opportunity to slip away into the forest.

It had been too long. Too long that I had taken Sabina out for a run. And somehow, I don't if it was just me overreacting but I could literally feel her snapping inside me, feeling the urge that she had been caged for too long.

The moment my bare feet touched the forest ground, a deep sigh of relief escape me—i guess it wasn't only Sabina that felt caged, I did too. My body trembled, my muscles stiffened and then with a rush of energy, I shifted.

Sabina, my wolf, appeared with a growl of delight.

Finally. She growled. Was Sabina a she or a he? I dunno really know. I'd ask the mysterious woman when next I see her.

She took off, running past the trees, her paws digging into the floor as the cold wind rushed us. She had been caged for too long, locked away in the chaos of my life with Jasper, the attack and everything else.

But now, we were free—free from the chaos—at least for this moment.

We ran into our paws shiver with exhilaration, until the night air carried nothing but the scent of damp earth and moonlight.

When I finally shifted back into my human form, I stood there for a while, catching my breath and letting myself stay composed.

I grabbed my dress, and I quickly threw it back on. I need to get to the mansion before Jasper started looking for me—he had specifically told me not to leave the mansion without him.

Then at that moment, a thought crossed my mind, which made me scared. So scared.

Shouldn't I tell Jasper about my real identity?

Would he still accept me?

I quickly pushed away the fear that clawed my mind. When I get to the bridge, I would cross it. I don't want anything to ruin this best moments of my life.

And as I turn to leave, I  saw them.

The same woman from before. And beside her was an older man. Then a few distance from them, three men who looked like bodyguard stood in the shadows, her eyes sharp and their posture grounded.

The man was tall, broad-shouldered, with gray hair and sharp eyes that seemed eerily familiar. He had an air of authority that sent cold shivers down my spine. If I guessed correctly —this man was my father—the werewolf king she had talked about in the past.

The woman stepped forward with a soft smile. "It's good to see you again, Your Highness."

I didn't return the smile, instead my jaw clenched. "What do you want?" My voice was colder than intended.

She turned slightly, gesturing to the man beside her. "This is your father, the Alpha."

I was right. My father?

I had no interest in meeting him.

Glaring, I folded my arms. "I don't care."

The man—my supposed father—watched me with unreadable eyes before speaking. His voice was deep, commanding.

"You need to come take your place in the pack." He took a step closer and Sabina stirred in recognition. "It's your destiny, Mia."

Masking my expression carefully to make sure it revealed my displeasure other than fear, I stepped forward. "I have a life here. I'm not interested in you and your little pack."

The woman stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "You don't get to talk to your Alpha in such manner."

I scoffed, returning her glare with one of mine. "He. Is. Your. Alpha. Not. Mine," I spat between gritted teeth.

My words sent her reeling as she balled her fists and closed the distance between us in one stride. My eyes widened when I noticed she wanted to strike me.

"Lyra," the man called, his voice sharp and authoritative.

Lyra? That was her name? I never asked. And I don't care.

Lyra stepped back, bowing slightly towards the man.

He exhaled sharply. “You will be ready. Because next time I come, I won’t ask—I’ll take you.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

Take me? What right does he have to do that? Let him try.

Before I could respond, he turned and disappeared into the trees with Lyra and the guards following closely behind him.

I stood there, my heart hammering against my ribs, despite the attempt to disregard his words.

What if he really did take me?

Should I tell Jasper?

Would he even understand?

Would he even want to get married to a werewolf?

Would he even defend me?

Fear curled up in my stomach. I'm really at the bridge, now and I don't know how to cross it.