The queen had been so understanding and warm. Claire had expected her to be distant with a sense of being too above her. Yet she'd been warmer than either of her grandmothers. There was to her a sense of power, a decisive nature that warned her not to go against her but she was sure the queen understood her situation.

After all, she hadn't done anything but follow her Alpha's orders. He'd required her to mate with his grandson instead of Cari. Claire had always known she was destined to be greater than her sister. She was the elder, more beautiful and outgoing. Everyone in the pack had told her she was meant to be their luna from as far back as she could recall. She couldn't understand why they were all of a sudden being unreasonable. Looking at her with judgmental eyes.

Could they really have preferred her sister? As much as she loved Cari she knew her sister was weak, not luna material. Claire had known her sister would be lucky to have a beta for a mate. After all she had no wolf and would never be strong enough to lead.

Even though paranormals didn't inherit human gifts, their grandmother had done something to ensure her descendants would have them. Even there Cari's gift was weak, an ability to soothe people where Claire could hide her emotions and influence people. It made sense then that as twins something had gone wrong in pairing her with Andre.

Oh she remembered him.

Ten years back she'd come across him while hiking with some of her friends. She'd cut away from them for no reason, maybe a call of destiny - if you believed that kind of thing. Anyway she'd hid her scent, wrapped it in her gift and followed him for a while.

Once she'd asserted that he was nothing more than a royal guard she'd left and hustled her friends off the mountain. She'd gone and vented to her paternal grandmother without telling her which pack Andre belonged to.

She hadn't known that Xander and Cari had recognized each other and he'd hesitated since like everyone he'd assumed she'd be his mate. He'd actually wanted to accept Cari, Claire was still a bit annoyed by that, but his grandfather had refused to allow it.

Her own grandparents had not been willing to have an untitled as part of their family so her grandfather and the Alpha had come up with the plan and she'd gone along. She'd thought Andre would search for her but he hadn't even. What kind of a weak male felt his mate with someone else and didn't do anything but run away?

Though she felt a bit guilty that her sister had felt some pain whenever she and Xander made love, it wasn't her fault that her father had refused the matches her grandfather had had for her. She'd told all that to the queen, leaving out the part where she'd met Andre.

The queen had been understanding of her predicament, with both her grandparents and the Alpha pressing her to think of the future of the pack. Claire had even explained that the pain of having Andre be with other females hadn't been that bad so she'd assumed it was the same for Cari. How was she supposed to know that proximity played a role?

This past week had been the worst she'd ever had. The pain of feeling Andre's hands on Cari had been like having a poker stabbing her and being dragged down. She'd wanted to ask the queen to have them stop from the first day but Xander had stopped her. Last night though had been unbearable and she'd nearly lost her unborn child.

Now she sat with the rest of her pack with the Nightwolves and other visiting packs in attendance. This was the the biggest gathering she'd ever attended and as heirs to the alpha positions of the hosting pack she and Xander sat right in front. She loved that everyone was aware of her importance.

The queen took center stage, her ethereal beauty entrancing her audience that they held reverent silence. Her power was like a cloak, benevolent but with underling steel that could pulverize anyone daring to be insolent. She was the epitome of regal, all the power entrusted to her line clear.

"Thank you for attending me Darkpaws," she acknowledged and the pack relished in it. "And to our various guests, I extend that welcome." She went on to welcome them individually leaving Claire impressed that so many Alphas she'd never have met were here. More than half of the kingdom's Alphas were present and Claire could see cameramen filming. Quite a number of those were trailed on her and she knew she looked radiant.

"I wish I was coming here for a better reason but that is not the case." She paused and the unease of the crowd could be felt like a dark overhanging cloud. Claire didn't allow herself to feel apprehensive, after all the queen had been understanding. Xander on the other hand seemed apprehensive, she ignored him.

The queen went on to outline what she knew had happened, after which she called the Alpha and her grandparents to defend themselves. Claire listened as they tried, even she could see they had little to stand on. The queen tore apart their arguments until her grandfather exploded.

"She has no wolf! What kind of a luna would she have been being such a defective werewolf?"

While the crowd lapsed into shocked silence the queen remained serene in the face of such disrespect to her. "Did anyone ask us about why she didn't show any sign of a wolf?" She asked. "We are, after all, the keepers of the our people's lore and knowledge."

"No, my queen." The Beta replied a bit subdued.

"If you had, you'd have learned that your granddaughter's wolf is hidden." Claire frowned at that, she'd never heard of a hidden wolf. From the reactions of most of the crowd neither had they. "Her wolf will only show itself after her mating is finished. She'll take on the strength of her mate and double it."

Claire recognized the gasp that rang through the room as her sister. Besides her Xander froze. She felt the stab of regret and pain that pierced through him before he ruthlessly took hold of it. She herself was honest enough to realize the cold jealousy that chilled over her heart. Lucky she'd perfected the art of hiding her reaction.

The queen continued. "Had that happened, this pack would've been elevated from a county to a duchy."

Everyone was looking at her and Xander as they listened to the queen, the cameras were on her. She held her head high and took control of her heartbeat. The pallor that took over her skin was all the reaction she'd need. It wasn't her fault the pack had been denied the chance to rise in their world.

Most Alphas were counts with some being earls and a few being dukes according to their strengths. Betas were viscounts and Gammas were barons which made her a lady by birth and mating. There was no way she could've held up her head as the mate of a mere guard. At least with Cari doubling his power he could be something more.

The only thing she had to contend with was that somehow Cari had the better wolf. How was that possible? She'd been told she was the greater sister. Had the oracle lied to her? That couldn't be right since they spoke with the voice of their vision.

"Considering that Andreas is my grandson, this pack would've become a royal duchy" the queen finished.

The world lost its axis at that. It stopped for Claire. She couldn't find the air to breath. Nothing made sense. Her grandson? He was her grandson? Why....how...? It made no sense.

Was there a way to fix this? Could she reverse the mess her Alpha and grandparents had made of her life? How could her sister have her mate? How could this be her life? The worst was that this humiliation was public, being broadcasted live. She had to keep control.

Her eyes darted about, finding people looking at her like she was a circus attraction. All she wanted was to leave to hide but she was too prominently placed. The front row she'd loved a minute ago was now a trap. Then her eyes met those of the king.

Her heart squeezed its fear, there was no holding that back at the disdain the sovereign looked at her with. It was a living thing that threatened to hold her under, to snuff her existence. Had the queen felt the same? How was this her life? And the world was watching her.

She lowered her eyes, as if being demure. Inside she seethed. How could she have been denied her rightful place? Only Andre and her sister were not yet fully mated. At least she'd put an end to that. If she could manage to have Andre as hers before the two weeks were over their bond would replace the ones with Cari and Xander.

If there was one thing she knew well, it was making people love her. After all, she had the gift of love. If that didn't work, there was always the alternative.

He couldn't face them.

Xander knew everyone was looking at him, pitying him, judging him. He kept his face stony, his eyes down as he listened to the queen pass sentence on his grandfather and the Beta pair. He hadn't thought the queen would do something like this. What would she do to him for causing so much pain to her grandson? Xander hadn't known it'd be that painful. Had he known...

Why had he listened to them?

Yes Claire was beautiful and outgoing, everyone had told him she was the one for him and he'd listened. That was his fault. What kind of an alpha let people lead him? As much as he wanted to blame his grandfather he'd made the final decision. He'd agreed to all this and now he'd be paying for it. As he'd made Cari pay when she hadn't done anything.

If he was honest with himself Xander had found himself, over the years, wondering how life would've been like with her. Cari might not have Claire's showy looks but she was still stunning. Not that Claire would ever admit or believe that. And Xander had wanted her when he'd first realized she was his.

Why hadn't he taken her home and started claiming her?

Afterwards it seemed her very presence had brought out the worst in him. He couldn't seem to control his darker side when she was near where before he'd never suspected he had a darker side. Had a part of him regretted not being with her so much that he'd taken it out on her?

"An Alpha's duty is to ensure the health of his people and you failed to do that." The queen said to his grandfather. "As such, you're no longer an Alpha. I hereby strip you of your power, you'll now be just another pack member."

Xander's jaw clenched, his throat aching as he fought the tears that threatened to fall. Why had things gone so wrong? The Beta pair was also stripped of their titles and power. All the while Xander kept his head down, trying to still the fear that wrapped itself around him. He was aware of his mate holding her head up and wondered how she could.

Was she unaware of how bad things were for them? Did she think they'd come out of this unscathed? As the queen excused them on account of just following their Alpha's command Xander knew enough about politics to realize the queen had a political reason for it. Even for telling them about Andre being her grandson. Given that Claire had interrupted Cari and Xander's mating he had a sneaking suspicion he and Claire were going to become pariahs. And the queen was setting them up.

Yet his mate seemed oblivious. Could she believe being Cari's sister would save her after all they'd done? She even smiled with tears balanced between sad and happy in her eyes. Why hadn't he ever realized Claire had no brains for politics?

Once the meeting was over, Xander took the first opportunity to leave. He couldn't stand the smug contempt the alpha bloods seemed to direct his way. They sought him out whilst his father couldn't seem to stand the sight of him. As he slipped through the back door he came face to face with the first beta, Claire's father. Though in this case he appeared to be Cari's father.

Anger flared in his eyes as their eyes met. Xander sighed, whatever the beta had to say to him he knew he deserved. "Beta." he greeted him.

"Is that all you can say?" the man questioned in icy anger. "After ruining the lives of both my daughters, that's all you can say?"

"Sir, I..."

"You're unworthy of your bloodline, even more than that grandfather of yours. The queen should've taken your power instead." His hands tightened into fists. "More than that, I wish I could kill you."

"Sir..." his voice cracked. What could he say?

The beta pushed past him, his body stiff with the restraint he held himself under. Xander was left more gutted than he thought possible. His life was falling apart and there was no soft landing he could see. There was nothing he could do, no one he could turn to.

As he drew away from the shadowed door, his eyes landed on Andre and Cari. They stood in the shadows of an alcove with his hands braced against the wall she leaned against. His body sheltered her from sight but Xander would always know her.

They looked so cozy, good together that it hurt. Was this how Cari had felt every time she saw him and Claire together? And would all his questions ever find answers? He wondered if he and Cari would've looked as good together.

Andre caressed her cheek, his head lowering to take her lips. Xander felt the sting from that and his mind tried to imagine how many times Cari had felt that sting and more. Was it fair that she couldn't even spend her mating period alone with her mate?

As if feeling his eyes on them Andre lifted and turned his head, his eyes finding him. He straightened to his greater height, eyes eerily similar to his own but more forceful snaring him. For the first time Xander knew what it felt like to be a deer before a predator. Helpless and knowing his life was what the predator wanted.

The prince growled, his anger vibrating the distance between them. His mind stalled, fear holding him frozen as those golden eyes held him hostage. Had the delusion that he could stand up to the prince ever entered his mind it would've been dashed without finding its backbone.

Tucking Cari besides him he led her over to Xander. He stood straighter as they approached, wondering how he was going to get out of doing this. Andre would be within his rights to beat the hell out of him.

"Was there something you wanted?" The prince demanded in a tight voice.

Xander swallowed hard. "No your highness." He bowed his submission to the alpha prince who seemed annoyed at it.

"Are you going to be a problem alpha."

"No."

He knew it could get him into more trouble with the prince. If their roles were replaced he knew he'd respond with flying fists but he couldn't help himself. His eyes dropped to Cari. Their eyes met.

For the first time he realized her eyes had specks of grey in them, like stars in the midst of the darkest night. They were deep and serene despite the apprehension they held. Something in them made him feel like she was seeing into the depth of his soul. She really was beautiful, maybe it was the influence of his wolf rising up to take note or the human need to get what he knew was beyond him.

Her skin was clear, with a healthy glow and tan. Fragile features belied the strength he knew she had. Inevitably, his gaze landed on her lips as her pink tongue peeked out to moisten them. He knew it was nerves that had her doing it but he couldn't help being drawn to them.

Pain exploded through his head and the next thing he realized was that he was on the ground. His eye throbbed, a dizzy spell overtaking him as a headache split through him. He looked up to see the prince standing over him like an avenging angel. His eyes were two blazing points that sought to pierce him.

"Andre please don't." Cari's voice sounded so sweet to his ears. What was happening to him? Why did he suddenly find her so irresistible?

She was trying to hold back her prince with her hand to his chest and he was letting her. "Don't ever look at her like that. Ever!"

Xander tilted his head in submission, closing his eyes. The prince growled his threat and he felt his wolf roll over and bare its stomach, the most submissive a were could be. The prince's wolf would be able to see that and he hoped it'd be enough to appease him.

With a sound of disgust, the prince moved away, taking Cari with him. Left alone, Xander was washed in shame. While there was no way he could've survived a fight with the more powerful male, he couldn't deny how weak he'd come across. Yet he couldn't find the strength to fight.

He'd been set to bring more power and prestige to his pack and he'd thrown it away. He'd had a beautiful mate and she was now forever out of reach. If he could still feel an attraction to Cari what did that say about his mating to Claire? Would the prince feel the same for Claire? would she?

Xander was sure there had been no such emotion for him in Cari's eyes but what could he have expected? She had a more powerful male by her side, one who'd never looked at her with hate, said hurtful words to her. The worst was he couldn't explain why he'd done those things to her.

Getting to his feet, he trudged away from the meeting hall and into the mountains. Even though it was dark, the last thing he wanted was to endure the hatred that was coming his way. Would he ever be able to repair his reputation?

Caught up in his recriminations he didn't sense the other male and was startled when he spoke. "Alpha." The acknowledgment was flat, without any anger, respect or even the contempt that laced most people's voices as they addressed him.

He recovered his composure as he met the blue eyes he knew so well. "You were not at the meeting?" The other male shrugged before taking a sip from a beer bottle. "Your sister is now mated to the archduke." he informed.

Trip raised a brow, "Really?" Xander nodded. "So her mate is the second prince?" he raised his beer to wards the pack hall. "Good for her. Can't think of anyone who deserves it more."

Xander frowned at that. "Not even Claire?" Maybe a part of him wanted things to go back to how they were supposed to have been. "He was supposed to be her mate after all."

Trip gave him a bitter laugh. "Your mate is a viper," he stated with bitterness. "What humans would call a wolf in sheep's clothing. But then we're wolves. Did you know she had me under the spell of her gift?" He laughed again, the bitterness more pronounced. "The queen had to free me from it and even then I couldn't tell her who'd done it."

"What're you talking about?" he demanded, his heart sinking at a dreadful suspicion.

"Claire has the gift of love, she can manipulate people with it, enslave them to her will."

"Weres don't inherit human gifts." he stated.

"Right. Unless they have a grandmother with a gift of knowing who can manipulate whatever genetic flaw that stops that inheritance."

His heart bled as he stood in shock, his eyes glued to Trip with horror. Claire wouldn't have done that to him, she couldn't have ruined both their lives. For what? Had she loved him enough to manipulate him like that?

Trip laughed his bitter laugh again, this time with a self mocking tone to it. "You had to feel something for her for it to work. Just a hint of love." His voice became subdued. "That's all it takes. Didn't you wonder why you couldn't stand Cari?"