The Raven Wolf King: Wolfless novel Chapter 2

Valeria

“Where are we going?” I sit in the car with my family on the road to who knows where.

“Do you not pay attention?!” Mother shouts at me, while Father calmly explains, “Plans have changed, Valeria. One of the royal packs was attacked. Someone called for war. All of the royal packs have been called to arms.”

“Who attacked?”

“Alpha Astaroth. The king’s brother.”

I remember there was a feud between the royal family, but I never cared enough to pay it any mind.

“So we’re at war now?”

“Yes.”

Should I be concerned? I have to admit, even though I’ve experienced abuse through my family, I’ve lived a sheltered life. All I know is my pack.

Jade claps her hands together. “I can’t believe we’re going to stay in the Royal Palace!” She gasps, “Maybe the legitimate royal princes will be there too!”

Father nods. “They will. The Alpha King has called for everyone.”

Jade gasps again. “I could be mated to one of them!”

“It’s a possibility,” Mother says. “A legitimate prince would be so much better than a bastard. I’m sure they’ll love you.”

They can’t ever be satisfied. I couldn’t care less what position my mate had, as long as he loved me, cared for me, and took me away from here. My eyes water, remembering my own mate, remembering that I wasn’t wanted.

I wipe my eyes and return to the conversation. “How long will we be staying in the palace?”

“Depends on how long the war takes,” Father says.

“Who cares!” Jade says. “We’ll be living in a castle! Surrounded by princes.”

Father grunts, and so do I.

She doesn’t seem to see the gravity of this, but when does she?

“For the goddess’s sake, Valeria!” Mother shouts, pinching her nose. “You really couldn’t clean up before leaving?”

“I don’t smell anything,” I mutter.

Her eyes linger on me with warning and shock that I talked back.

I’ll admit, I do feel uncomfortable. At this point, I do want to take a shower. I’m itching in places I shouldn’t be. But now I have to wait.

“How long will it take us to get to the castle?” I ask.

“Four hours.”

Ah… crap.

***

Four hours later, we finally see the castle. Its high stone walls stand strong, with towers shining in the sunlight. The gates are open, and banners wave in the wind, making it look like something from a fairy tale. In the distance, three large manors stretch across the land. Pack houses.

When I step out of the car, I take in the surroundings. The palace sits in the heart of a vast forest. I narrow my eyes and spot dark shapes above the trees—flying demons, ravens.

They’re everywhere. Ugh!

Our family is greeted by a man with neat, slicked‑back hair, dressed in a butler’s uniform. He wears a gray waistcoat over a white shirt, with a tie tucked neatly inside. A white handkerchief bearing the royal insignia—a golden wolf howling at the moon—rests in his chest pocket. He also wears white gloves, gray pants, and polished black shoes.

The man bows. “Alpha High General Albert of the Howlite Pack, I am Nolan. I’ll be your family’s personal royal butler.”

A royal butler?

The man motions to the castle. “Please follow. I’ll show you to your quarters.”

We let Nolan lead the way as he speaks. “Aside from the royal family, only the generals will reside in the castle. Today, the royal packs and the generals’ packs will arrive. The rest will come in two days, and soon after, there will be a ball.” He moves forward, stepping through the massive ornate doors. “Tonight, we’ll hold the Grand Royal Summoning Banquet, where all guests will pay their respects to the royals.”

All this royal talk is giving me a headache, but it all fades when we behold the magnificence of the foyer. White marble floors, pearl‑colored walls, a golden veranda, and two staircases snake around the side walls leading to a podium‑like structure in the middle of the second floor.

“Just as I remember,” Mother whispers.

A man suddenly approaches us. “Alpha Albert! Good to see you.”

The man goes in for a hug, and my father embraces him. As they begin to speak, Jade elbows me. “Look.” She motions to two maids dusting expensive‑looking items. “That would be you if you weren’t part of our Alpha family.”

“And this is Jade,” Father interrupts, introducing Jade to the man he’s speaking to. Jade straightens and slips on her mask of innocence.

As they speak, I move closer to the walls, studying the details carved into the pearl‑colored stone, slowly making my way around the room.

“Who… is that?” If he hadn’t spoken, I wouldn’t have noticed the man standing beside me. He’s tall, with jet‑black hair that mirrors mine and dark, watchful eyes. Broad shoulders give him a commanding presence. His uniform is far more casual than the others—black pants, worn dress shoes, and a white shirt with the top buttons undone. He’s handsome in a quiet way, and I can tell immediately that he’s wolfless. His eyes are fixated on someone. My surprise disappears when I see that it’s Jade.

I roll my eyes. “That’s Jade. And I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but she’s to be mated to one of the princes.” I look back at the wall.

His presence lingers. When I look at him, his eyes slowly fall, then he closes them and presses them together. After a deep breath, he looks at me. “You smell.”

I narrow my eyes. “I know.”

“Then why aren’t you doing anything about it?”

“Because I just got here.” I release a quick breath. “I’m rebelling.”

“Rebelling?”

“Yep. It upsets my mother.”

He lifts a brow. “You’re no teenager. Aren’t you a little old for that?”

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