Hi everyone! Thanks for the great comments; they have been so encouraging to read!

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter...

Please continue to comment and vote - all comments are welcome even if they are to say HI! Haha

PS - this is unedited so please excuse any mistakes or grammatical errors.

***********

Standing in the shower after my little session with Dante and Christian I felt a chill rush through me.  Aghhh what’s wrong with me? I thought to myself as I could smell my own scent waft through the bathroom stronger than normal.

Getting out of the shower I wrapped the fluffy towel around my body as I searched for some comfortable clothes to wear, I needed to go see Cass and apologise to her in person for standing her up.  I was still feeling quiet warm even though it was now late afternoon early evening so I decided to put on a pair of black tights, I saw Christian’s blue shirt that he put me after our little sexcapade and decided I would wear that.

 It was too big on me so I gathered it from the back and tied it in a knot at the back. It hung slightly off my should but I thought it looked cute so decided to leave it.  I lightly dried my wet hair and left it out wavy.  Looking up at my face I was still looking flushed, so leaving my skin natural I put a little lip gloss on and decided I looked ok. 

Just as I was about to move my eyes zoned onto the two purple marks on my neck....... aghhh dammit I had totally forgotten about those hickies.  Grabbing some concealer and some pressed powder I worked hard to try and erase them somehow. 

My wolf was slightly proud of the marks that were on my neck.  She was urging me to wear them with pride, but the better half of me won over knowing exactly how I would be perceived if I waltzed around with these hickies.    Looking at my handy work I was actually pleased with how well id done. 

Glancing around my room I was happy the guys had made that disgusting rat disappear... seriously who would do that, it was just gross.  I reminded myself to check in with Dante to see how the interrogation went.  I knew there would be no point in me trying to go down there myself because he would just kick me out, not wanting me in any danger. 

Walking out into the lounge I saw Christian raiding our fridge.  “Hey” I said shyly as images of what we had just done not more the half an hour rushed through my mind.  “It’s official you should totally wear my clothes everyday love, you look amazing” he grinned as he sat on the kitchen stool.   I couldn’t help the blush flow to my cheeks as I stood there trying to get used to him complementing me so openly.

 “So....you ok now, no more freak outs” he said as he started walking towards me slowly with his hand out like he was trying to approach a scared animal. 

I giggled as he finally reached out and grabbed my hand.  “Yes I'm fine... it’s all just so new to me..... And my feelings are all over the place....” I said as I felt like my hand was tingling.  I saw Christian sniff the air frowning slightly..... “What the hell” he growled as grabbed me gently sniffing me.  “Your scent has changed.... it normally smells like fresh strawberries......but now its changed.... you smell like.... dark chocolate and strawberries.... so irresistible.....” he mumbled into my neck. I stood there in surprise.   I pulled back gently and looked at him confused.  I felt him growl trying to get me back into his arms.

“Why would my scent change?” I asked out loud. 

Christian shook his head as he tried to focus.  I stood there thinking about what I could have done that made me different.  Until I felt Christian stand stiffly taking a step back.  “I think you’re in heat love” he said with a frown. 

“But how? I knew I would go into heat after my birthday but don’t I need to have found my mate first?” I asked looking up at him with a questioning look.

“I dunno, I’ll have to talk to Dante, but I have a feeling it’s because you’re royal, your scent will change when your wolf finally starts accepting the alpha blood in you..... It would make sense... it’s a natural way for your wolf to find the strongest mate for you”. He said as he thought out loud. 

“Ok... well at least I know what I smell like to you now” I said with a cheeky grin, as I reached down to put on my fluro blue nike high tops that I had left next to the couch.    “Sit down love, your muscles must be tight from your swimming, don’t forget I know how hard you push your body when you do that, it’s really not healthy for you” he said shaking his head as he pushed me down on the couch and pulled my legs up onto his lap while he tied my shoes for me. 

“I'm fine honestly” I said laughing trying to push him off my feet.  “Grrrrrrr... Stop love let me please” he said with a deep growl as he starting on the other foot.  Once he was done I went to stand up until I felt a pair of hands on my hips bringing me down onto a very firm lap, wrapping his arms around me bringing my back up against his chest I felt his chest rumble in content.

“And where are you going looking extra beautiful” he asked, I looked over my shoulder and couldn’t help getting lost in his gorgeous golden brown eyes. He noticed how he effected me and a cocky smirk fell onto his lips.  As soon as I saw it I rolled my eyes and tried to get back up again.  “If you must know, I'm off to see Cassie, I totally blew her off and I really should go apologise.  And anyways I'm getting hungry since I missed lunch I'm gonna go see if dinner is ready soon” I said with a smile as he tried again to grab at me. 

I notice him nod and then frown quickly.  “Are you not worried about the package that arrived” he asked.   I shook my head.  “I was totally freaked out earlier, but I know you and Dante are going to take care of it” I said as I stood still looking at him.  I noticed his smirk had fallen off and had been replaced with a genuine smile.  “I love how much you trust in us” he said honestly. 

I smiled back nodding.  “So I'm just gonna head out” I said as I finally made my way to the door.  Before I could open the door I felt a rush of wind and Christian standing up against me.  “As much as I love looking at that juicy backside of yours, I really can’t let you leave by yourself.” He whispered as his lips grazed my ear.  I shivered in delight.  “Well let’s go then....” I said in a seductive voice and opened the door “dear cousin” I said as I cracked up laughing knowing he hated being called my cousin. 

“Can we be kissing cousins” he murmured so only I could hear.  I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped my lips.  “Gross much” I said as I playfully punched his arm.    He shook his head holding back a grin as we started to pass other students. 

“Let’s go check her room” I said grinning at him as we walked down a set of stairs.   As we started to descend down, Ant ran up to me and wrapped his arms around me.   I stood there in shock as my body was pressed firmly against the prince’s chest.  Looking to my left I saw Christian clench his hands knowing he wanted to rip me out of Ants arms. 

“Thank god your ok Claudette, I heard about that disgusting package” Ant sighed as he wrapped me up.  “Umm thanks, but honestly I’m ok” I said as I pulled myself out of his arms.

“How did you know anyways?” I asked looked at him curiously.  Ant nodded towards Christian, “your guards had to inform my guards for safety reasons” he said as he held me at arm’s length looking at me to make sure I was ok.    

Having Antony act so caring was a shock to me.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve become accustomed to having his attention but I always felt like he had an underlying sexual connotation to everything; however him acting concerned was creeping me out.  When we were kids I remember falling over breaking my arm and he couldn’t have cared less, I distinctly remembering him to telling me to get up and stop being a drama queen. 

I narrowed my eyes at him and looked at him sceptically.  “Wow Ant, be careful you don’t want me to think that you actually care” I said jokingly.  I noticed him frown at me and take a step back.  “I do care” he said sounding a little annoyed.  “Really?....you flirt, you charm but you don’t really care” I said looking him dead in the eye.

“I flirt with every beautiful woman, however I only actually care about a select few” he said with a heartbreaking smile.

“Why do you smell different?” he asked raising an eyebrow.  Now don’t get me wrong I know Ant is an ass but when he did that he did look charmingly handsome. 

Before I was able to say anything Christian had grabbed me and put me behind him protectively growling lowly towards Ant.  I couldn’t help the warm shiver slither down my body hearing his deep growl. 

“Love you need to control yourself you’re scent overwhelming every male in this hallway” his whispered quietly.

I looked around and noticed all the guys had dropped what they had, or stopped their conversations and were looking at me like I was cool drink of water in a desert storm.

“hmmmm little miss princess is in heat, now that is interesting” Ant said in a husky whisper.  I looked up expecting him to be staring at me also, however he was looking directly at Christian with a obnoxious grin.

“Looks like your cousin is defending your virtue like any good cousin should” Ant said knowing it was pissing Christian off.

“If you need someone to help you cope with everything that’s going on, you know my shoulder is always available for you to lean on...especially with the pressure of being in heat...” he said the last bit in a whisper so that only Christian and I could hear. Throwing a wink my way.

Rolling my eyes I grabbed Christian’s arm and pulled him along the hall before he was able to throw a punch towards Ant.

“You’re hurting my feelings princess” he yelled.  I glanced back and saw the grin on his lips; however I could see the fire flickering behind his eyes.  

“The second I have a chance I'm gonna punch that little d*cks head right off his neck” Christian said with a furious growl.   Sensing he was overly pissed off I grabbed his hand and dragged him into Cassie’s room. 

“Oh hey guys” Cassie said with a surprised smile.  “one sec Cass, are we alone in your room?” I asked.  She nodded with a questioning look. 

Recieving the answer I was waiting for I reached up and crashed my lips to Christian’s.   He instantly responded kissing me, he spun me around and pushed me up against the back of the door, pressing his body firmly against mine. 

I let my wolf out as she was purring with delight at being in Christian’s arms.   I inhaled Christians warm spicy scent.  He smelled like freshly baked cookies with a hint of cinnamon.   Christians tongue was seductively teasing mine as we heard a small cough from behind us. 

I reluctantly pulled my lips away from his.  He rested his head against mine as he caught his breath.  I could see his eyes glowing meaning his wolf had taken over completely.  “Please tell me you told her I wasn’t your real cousin” he said quickly looking at me with a sexy grin.

“She knows who you really are.....and what’s going on between me and you.......and Dante” I said the last bit quickly giving him a please forgive me look.

He nodded and spun me around so that we were both now facing Cassie. 

“Now I really wish Emma had of been here to see that because she has been annoying the hell out of us saying she’s gonna bag and tag this one here” she said pointing towards Christian.

I raised my eyebrow at this and looked at Christian.  “Looks like I'm not the only one with my eye on you” I said with a cheeky smile.  “I better step up my game” I laughed. 

“So what got you two all hot and heavy in my room” Cassie asked as she grabbed a packet of maltezers like she was getting ready to watch a movie.

I just laughed and joined her on the couch reaching out for the little balls of heaven.  Hey I love Maltezers I couldnt help it.  “This one was getting all worked up because my high and might Prince Ant was trying to get into my knickers” I said with a smile as I popped 2 balls in my mouth.

“and I'm guessing that little display just now was you trying to calm him down”  she said shaking her head.   “See this girl knows me inside out already, this is why you are officially my new 2nd best friend”.  I said with a laugh. 

“Biartchhhhh I thought I was your number 1 best friend” Cassie jumped up with a mock disgusted look on her face and threw a malteze at me. 

“OHHH no you did not just waste a malteze to throw at me” I faked scream and laughed snatching the bag from her hands before she was able to waste anymore. 

Before Cassie was able to react Christian jumped in the middle of us both putting his arms around mine and Cassies shoulders.  “Nope her number 1 best friend would be my lovely cousin Stazey but she's barefoot and pregnant in her mates kitchen” he said with a goofy grin as he snatched the bag of chocolates out of my hand and downed the last of the chocolates before Cassie or myself were able to do anything.

We both looked at him with wide eyes........ “Stupid guys, they always eat everything in 2 seconds flat” I complained as I looked for a cushion to hit him over the head with. 

“So what brought you to my humble abode” Cassie asked looking at me past Christian’s firm chest. 

“I just wanted to apologise for standing you up earlier, I got caught up with some stuff and lost track of time” I said looking at her with hopeful eyes.  I was hoping she wouldn’t press it to hard. 

She just smiled a genuine grin.  “No worries hun, I know you must have some secret princess stuff to do while you’re here so don’t stress about it.  You can make it up to me by helping me” she said looking at me with a hopeful smile.

“Helping you do what exactly” I asked looking at her with a questioning glance.

“Ive been asked to come to a welcome breakfast for the students that are coming from the rival school for the competition, and I was told I could pick one other to come with me...... and I'm picking you!” she said with a big smile. 

“I figured with your history and experience you would be used to meeting and greeting, so I could really use the help” she asked leaning across Christian to grab one of my hands looking at me pleadingly. 

“Duhhh of course I will help you” I giggled grasping her hand. 

“Awesome because the Head mistress just told me that they are all arriving early.... as in tomorrow morning, so you better get your beauty sleep tonight because I need you to help me charm the pants off them”. Cassie said.

“Not literally if I can help it” Christian growled as he tucked me up under his arm.

I looked at Cassie and cracked up laughing.   “Jealous much” Cassie said in-between laughs.

“Yayy this is gonna be so much fun” Cassie squealed. 

“Greattttt” Christian moaned rolling his eyes.

“Oh Cass, Christian has to come being he’s one of my guards and all” I said.

“Of course, Professor D will be coming too since he’s one of the co-ordinators of the event” Cass said.

Before I was able to reply I felt my phone vibrate. 

Levi - 5.45pm: Today

Hey Claude, looks like I'm one of the candidates from my school so I will be seeing you tomorrow... Tia says Hi and hopes things are working out for you and the guys.  Tell my dear uncle to roll out the welcome mat!

“Oh awesome another protective male to add to my drama” I said as I read the message out loud.

“At least he’s already mated” Christian muttered under his breath. 

Christian’s phone went off as he stood up to answer it privately in the kitchen.  Cassie and I started talking about what we were gonna wear to the breakfast when a pissed off looking Christian returned.

“That was Dante, he needs to see us both now” he said as he reached out for my hand.

Saying a quick goodbye to Cassie we made our way to the cells at the back of the school.  “What’s wrong” I asked quickly looking at a angry looking Christian.

“The rouge won’t talk.... Dante thinks’ your alpha command will force him to tell us who sent him”

“That’s fine I can try, but why are you so pissed off about it all” I asked looking at him. 

“I’m pissed off because it’s someone we know” Christian growled.

“Who?” I asked looking at him quickly.

“Nick..” was all he said.

“Nick? As in Stazey’s foster brother”

“Yea the same one that tried to rape her when she was a kid, I'm going to kill that bastard” he growled as he kept his strides long and strong.

*****

Thanks so much guys!! Please comment and tell me what you think!!!

And VOTE VOTE VOTE!!