"You are the prince. You surely would know what my reward is," I commented.

Acure had brought me to another part of the cave. It was a room - no, not his bedroom - that had nothing but torches that were lined up against the walls and kept us from the darkness. Acure wanted us to be alone, and no, it is not what you think.

Acure was the only werewolf prince and Xerus' son. He had nothing on but jeans, a black belt, and golden bracelets on his wrists and ankles. He stood on two legs and like his father, was in his wolf form.

"Do you want me to spoil the surprise for you?" he stated. His voice was comforting and had a British accent.

"I am not asking you to reveal what it is...uh, what is your name?"

"Acure. It means 'to find a solution.'"

"Really? If you are an expert searching for the best solutions, then the name fits you perfectly."

"Oh, I am, Sam Wolf. I can solve every problem that does not have to do with the dreaded vampires." He winked. "Especially yours."

"Okay then. I have two questions that I need answered, and only you can tell me." I pointed an accusing finger at him. "How do you know my name?"

"Have you already forgotten what Silver told you? All of us werewolves know you because of what you did to Silver and because her mom and dad decided to raise you."

Dang it. He was correct. I facepalmed, feeling like a complete moron.

The werewolf prince reached out and stroked my cheek with his furry paw. "Do not hate yourself. It happens to the best of us." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Why, just yesterday, I accidentally confused laundry detergent for shampoo. I have not told any of the fellow werewolves this because I realized my mistake after my dad used it on his fur. But you want to know what is funny? My dad remains oblivious that he used the detergent."

"You are in so much trouble, young man!" we heard Xerus exclaim.

The color red appeared on both of Acure's cheeks, and he chuckled nervously. "Now he knows."

I giggled. "Wow. That is way worse than my first question," I said.

"Speaking of questions, my dear, what was your other one?"

"Oh, yes. Um...why did you say to me minutes ago that you wanted me?"

"Easy. Because I do want you. I wanted you then and still want you now."

"Why? What do you want me for?"

Acure admitted that he, like Darius, had been watching over me ever since that my biological parents died. He grew a liking to me because I was human and not a werewolf and added that his father was pressuring him to get himself a bride so that he will be prepared to be king when his father retires.

Even before he told me what I had to do with this scenario, I already guessed - and was far from wrong.

Acure needed a bride, but he did not want to settle with some werewolf. He desired a much more interesting and funnier girl. A human. He chose me to be his bride and had not yet told his decision to his dad or any of the other werewolves.

"You see why I want you?" the werewolf prince said. "You are the only person whom I have admitted this to. I particularly am not attracted to the girl werewolves. They are all serious - too serious if you ask me - and well...they are not you." He took my hands into his. "You are perfect."

I jerked my hands away, careful to not hurt him, and rubbed my arm. I had no idea what to say to him. I was honored that he picked me out of the hundreds of girls in Forlot, however, his proposal was so sudden. I was not ready to be in a relationship and get married! Besides, I was grieving the loss of my relationship between me and Darius. How it could have been.

Acure's face seemed concerned. "What is the matter, Sam?"

"I am sorry, Acure. I really, really am," I apologized with sadness. "I appreciate that you want me to be queen of the werewolves and to rule by your side. But..." My voice trailed off, and he picked up to avoid the eerie silence.

"You sure are different. Girls usually are over the moon when a king or prince from royalty asks them for their hand in marriage."

"In any other circumstance, Your Majesty, I would probably accept your offer after we went on some dates."

"What makes this situation so different that you are not eager to be my bride? Not trying to put pressure on you or anything."

I played with my hair and let out a whoosh of air. "I...I have been bombarded by plot twist after plot twist. I am not related to neither my parents nor sister. The three of them are werewolves just like you, and there has been a war between you and the vampires. A war that I had no clue about! So do you still think that it was a good idea to ask me to marry you?"

"I did not ask you to marry me, but I do understand that you are in a world full of confusion." He moved a strand of hair away from my face. "I am sorry for making it more challenging for you. It is just a relief to get my real feelings about you off my chest."

I gently grabbed his paw. "That I can totally understand." I fiddled with the fur on his paw. "How much...do you love me?"

"A lot. For years."

I shrugged. "I guess that...we can go on a date when this all blows over."

"I will be honest with you, Sam. It will never end until all the vampires get theirs."