Chapter 7

• Cielo Pov
• I open my mouth to respond, but a knock on the door interrupts me. Xander's eyes widen as he slowly opens the door, revealing a prince with tight lips.
• "I am so sorry," Xander says quickly, giving me a hard stare. "I did not mean to be so rude."
• Ruben swallows and clears his throat. "That is perfectly fine. I suppose accidents happen." He plucks at a feather resting on his breast. "I was wondering if Cielo would mind if I escorted him to the dance."
• Xander turns his head to hide his laugh, while I maintain my cool. He is a lycan prince, Goddess. How do I get out of this one without causing conflict in our families? Father probably got a head start on that today.
• "I am afraid Cielo will have to decline your offer, Prince Ruben," says Xander. "It is customary for unmated she-wolves to attend the dance alone. This gives them some anonymity and allows them to speak with potential mates prior to the Claiming."
• Ruben's face sinks. "Oh well, I hope to see you tonight at the ball. Maybe you will save me a dance?"
• I mentally slap myself in the face to keep my face bright and hopeful. "That would be fantastic."
• "Can you tell me what you are going to wear so I can find you?"
• "Let us keep some mystery tonight," I say, my voice slightly seductive, while Xander silently laughs. Next time, I will need something more durable than a pillow.
• His grin softens. "I will keep an eye out for you, Princess Cielo." He nods and steps back as Xander closes the door.
• "What in the world was that?" I demand something from Xander.
• Xander grins. "Let me put it this way. It is a good thing the Lycan Prince did not enter the Claiming this year."
• "Do you think I could die an old maid if I stabbed my own mark?" I inquire, returning to my bed.
• "Not if the council has anything to do with it," Xander chuckles. He moves the loveseat so he can sit next to me. "Listen, Ciel, you are going to have to accept a mate one of these days." The council will not let you go through life without a companion. You are the daughter of the Alpha King. You are also more powerful than the Alpha King.
• Werewolves work hard to maintain strong bloodlines. That is one thing they cherish, second only to the mate bond. They will give you a chosen mate because your moon-given mate is not an option."
• "More like forced mate," I scoff. I take my place. "They can try, but I will not surrender to someone weaker than me."
• Xander shook his head. "Wonderful, so no one."
• "Exactly," I say with a smirk.
• "You know the Council will not accept this," Xander says as he slowly rises to his feet.
• "You might want to prepare. You have a fan waiting for you."
• "I will give you ten bucks to help me avoid him," I grimace.
• Xander laughs. "Not even ten grand. This is going to be a lot of fun to watch. I will bet you ten dollars you can not avoid him."
• "You are on, but do not tell him what I am wearing or help him," I glare at him.
• He gives me a sweet smile. "What about me? Never."
• While he laughs, I throw my last pillow at him and leave my room before I can find something else to throw at him.
• I groan as I flop on my bed after he has left. This irritates me. Because I murdered my companion, karmic logic dictates that I die alone. It is a curse I know I was born with.
• Since that night, every man I have even gone on a date with has met with some terrible fate. I agreed to go on a date with the last one, and he ended up in the ICU after losing control of his vehicle. The man was a werewolf. How is that even possible?
• ________
• I decided to nap because I had a few hours to kill. I need to recover from jet lag and give my body a rest. Besides, I doubt my parents would approve of me wandering the halls right now. After a kidnapping attempt and a visit home, I am now under guard. The one outside my door has made it abundantly clear that I will be watched throughout my visit. Good thing I start school in two weeks. It is my final year before I graduate and can go wherever I want.
• My phone alarm goes off. I groan as I respond, not even looking at it.
• "Hello?"
• "Cielo," a dark voice singsong to me, making me sit up immediately; the voice triggering a pit in my stomach.
• "Dean," I ask, taking a look around, "how did you get my number?"
• "Do not be concerned. I just wanted to say how excited I am to see you at The Claiming."
• "Dean, we split up. Let it go," I hiss as I rise to my feet. "It is over. Please leave me alone."
• "I made a proposal to you, Cielo. You should not even be taking part in the Claiming."
• "It is not like I have a choice," I say, already irritated. "I also rejected your proposal. I am not interested in being your chosen mate."
• "You will not have a choice after tomorrow." The line is then disconnected. I groan as someone taps the door three times quickly before opening it.
• I squeal and turn around. "Jenny!" I sob before sprinting over to the auburn-haired beauty and giving her the tightest hug I can muster. I take a step back and look at her. She has her hair twisted into a messy bun and is wearing turquoise sweatpants. Her heavenly jade-colored eyes sweep over me, inspecting me. She is an inch shorter than me and my best friend. She is the daughter of Beta Logan and my age.
• She points to the phone, which I am still clutching in my hand. "Was that you?"
• "Ugh, just Dean," I mumble as I toss the phone on the bed. "It appears that I will be getting a new phone number."
• Her brow creases. "You broke up six months ago. Should not he be over you?"