**3rd Person POV**
“Prince Harlin, you must be excited about your new title,” Lowell, a man who liked to be seen as a friend of Harlin, said. Harlin did not like the man. He was the son of a noble Lord and was twice his age. Lowell gave him the creeps. He had tried to shake the man off by expressing how uncomfortable he felt in his presence but the man was clueless. He could never take a hint and it did not help that his aunts_ Alison and Irene thought of Lowell as a responsible young man. It helped even less that he had very few friends and did not like to hang out much.
“It is not a new title,” came Harlin's response as he rolled his eyes. He was being given the title of Alpha when in all honesty, he had been functioning as the Alpha for as long as he could remember. They were giving him the official title now because Aunt Alison said that it was time to take on more responsibility and allow him to take the decision on so much more. Harlin did not like it. He felt that he was not prepared for a task like this but he could not complain. Him doing that would make him sound petty.
“It sure is and now that Princess Alison is no longer a regent ruler, you are in control,” Harlin saw a twinkle in Lowell's eye. He hated the man for his greed. Harlin wondered how his aunties were so easily fooled by his warm smiles and flattery.
“I would not say that,” said Harlin. The only reason he remained polite to him was because the man's family was very important in the pack. After the Beta, they were the most powerful family in the land. Without their support of the throne, it would be hard for the throne to stand. Harlin hated that he would have to put up with him for the rest of his life.
“The situation with the vampires is dire. I learnt Queen Emily is sending a delegate to negotiate with the kingdom of Dome. I believe we should…”
“Are you appointing yourself the new regent leader, Lowell?” quipped Harlin, offended by Lowell's brazenness.
“Nothing of the sort my friend. I'm simply giving advice as a concerned friend, there are many who would like to see us make peace with the vampires before the situation gets out of hand,” returned Lowell. Harlin understood that Lowell's family had a vested interest in making peace with the vampires because they were responsible for half the gold that flowed into the pack of which came from the vampires. He knew that they had enriched their curfers with money from the vampires. Unfortunately, no one believed that they did and no one had any evidence to prove it but Harlin knew. He only wished there was a way to prove his suspicion.
“I see; is there anything else you would like to advise me on?” Harlin did not bother to hide the sarcasm in his tone but the other man still did not get a hint or simply ignored it because he responded enthusiastically, “Oh yes! Some say you should get married as soon as your new title is announced. It would be the sensible thing to do.”
Harlin had not seen that coming. Did Lowell realise that he was merely sixteen and in no way interested in getting married? Hell, his friends, Reginald and Charlotte were older than him and marriage was not on their minds. Harlin had to do everything in his power to stop himself from laughing.
“I hear your niece is getting married tonight, should you not be getting prepared?” Harlin asked in an effort to get rid of Lowell.
“Perhaps you can attend the ceremony too? I would like to introduce you to my sister, Francesca. You have not met her before,” said Lowell in an excited tone.
“I am…” Before Harlin could reject the invitation, he was interrupted by Aunt Alison.
“Harlin dear, I have been looking for you,” there was worry evident in her tone. It always baffled him that she said those words to him every time and meant them genuinely each time. She and Aunt Irene were always a little bit paranoid about his whereabouts.
“As have I, I believe we should discuss…”
“I see Lowell has spoken to you and I am certain you have given him a positive response at the wedding, yes?” she quipped with a smile. It was Aunt Alison's way of telling him that it was not an invitation he could turn down. He sighed heavily to which Alison gave her disapproving frown.
“It’s tonight, Aunt Alison. Is it even safe? We have a vampire epidemic at night? Who holds parties at night?” Harlin had said the last part to insult Lowell but it was a serious question. Given the recent situation, there has been a crackdown on night parties. It was not a problem with Lowell's family though as Harlin believed they had some sort of understanding with the vampires.
“Of course dear, Lowell has assured me that you will be well guarded. You have nothing to worry about,” said Aunt Alison with a smile. Harlin returned her smile when what he really wanted to do was squeeze the life out of Lowell's neck.
“Your Highness, I must take my leave now. I believe I shall see the Prince this night,” Lowell gave a bow before he left. Harlin heaved a sigh of relief. He was glad Lowell had finally given him some space.
“Harlin, my dead. There's some talk about some vampire ball going on. What do you make of it?” asked Alison once they were alone.
“It may be a ploy to lure us. They can't really be serious about inviting us to their ball when they've done nothing but raid our towns at night,” returned Harlin.
“You have a point dear but I hear Queen Emily is sending Charlotte to Dome.”