Royal Blood and One Commitment : Book One Read online

  I nodded my head down to guests that arrived, all here to celebrate Nick’s birthday. Tonight was Nick’s eighteen birthday, well to be correct, tomorrow was his birthday. But tomorrow my chance to say goodbye to him would be lost. I couldn’t be more pleased that his parents organized his party for tonight.

  Tonight was it, I only had tonight. The last night with my best friend and boyfriend and just like Cinderella I only had to midnight, because after midnight Nick could mate; and my father feared that I was his mate and sadly so did I.

  Not that I could be sure if we were or not. Nobody knows until they are eighteen years of age. But when you find them you are supposed to feel complete, as if your life had no meaning without them. These were the feelings I had with Nick. My love for him was blinding and the mere thought of us being apart sent sharp pains across my chest.

  But I had no choice. The country came first; the throne came first and the pack came first. So I had only one choice, and that was to ensure that Nick and I had no contact when he came of age. I couldn’t be near him till I was mated with Prince Connor, even if it was against nature's plan. Sadness wrapped its firm grasp around my heart again.

  My thoughts were suddenly interrupted as two hands wrapped around my eyes.

  “Guess who?” Asked a sweet husky voice from behind me.

  It sent shivers down my spine as the sadness I was feeling seconds before disappeared. My heart beat increased and happiness trickled through me.

  “What reward will I receive if I guess correctly?”

  “Depends on the answer, my highness,”

  “Well I would answer my boyfriend. . .But seeing as he has disappeared. . .I am only left with one reaction. . . and that is to run,” Pulling my elbow out and connecting it with his chest, easy enough to cause pain. Just enough to drop his hands from eyes.

  I automatically ran down the bluestone steps, with my dress whipping around my ankles. Before I could take the last step and then be free to run to the gardens, I felt myself being lifted off the ground by two muscular arms and being carried.

  “Didn’t your boyfriend tell you to never run from your attackers?” I heard the smugness in his voice.

  “No, perhaps I should get a new one?”

  We twirled around the corner of the large bluestones steps, breaking away from all the guests. He spun my body around and before I could say another word, my back landed softly on the green fresh grass.

  Nick hovered over me, his arm firmly around my waist and the other next to my head, holding himself above me. My eyes locked with his dashing crystal blue ones and like always a feeling of completeness ran through my veins.

  “Perhaps,” he softly said before his lips landed on mine.

  Just like all the kisses before, it was gentle and filling. His mouth on mine made my blood rush, my heartbeat increase and my body crave for his. He pulled apart and rested his forehead on mine.

  “I’ve missed you Is,”

  “I’ve missed you.” I replied.

  The three words however did not successfully describe the feeling I had when he was away though.

  My hand intertwined with his hand as we walked up the large bluestone steps.

  “So how have you been Isabella?”

  A small smile appeared on my lips. “I have been well, working on my paintings.” I did not mention the fact I had been dealing with the complete chaos of the monarchy. “Did you learn from the defence run?” I asked as we reached the top of the stairs. Instantly the large group of guests parted.

  “Your highness,” the enormous crowd said clearly.

  Nick straightened up, and I nodded my head in acknowledgement to the crowd. Walking through the large, opened gates into the castle. Guests continued to part. I pulled my eyes away from the crowds and glanced up at the dashing Nick.

  He took my breath away. His trade mark smirk appeared on his lips as if he knew the effect he had on me.

  He leaned down and whispered in my ear, “Your breathtaking Isabella.”

  I blushed and pulled my eyes from him, now staring in front of us as we entered the courtyard.

  The trees framing the pathway had blue fairy lights intertwined with the branches. The beds of flowers had tiny white lights lying around them. The waterfall in the middle of the court yard had multiple colours flashing through it.

  One could easily state that no expense had been spared.

  “The committee has done an amazing job.” I stated while breaking mine and Nick’s hands, so I could thread my arm through his.

  “NICK!” A squeal came from across the courtyard.

  A darting figure approached at light speed.

  “OH NICK! I have missed you so much!” A lightheaded, Lucy said.

  Nick and I broke apart as Nick embraced Lucy in a loving way.

  Lucy was Nick’s cousin, she was a charming person; though she has never addressed to me. This was a common problem among our pack. My royal status interfered with how our people spoke to me.

  Lucy’s eyes opened and she suddenly realized I was here. Her chocolate eyes widened in fright. I smiled sweetly from behind Nick. Her mouth , but I quietly spoke to hopefully brush over her embarrassment.

  “Nick, I will meet you in the ballroom. Lovely to see you again, Lucy.” I smiled and turned my back quickly and walked gracefully to the end of the courtyard and entering through the halls, heading towards the ballroom.

  The music drifted through the hall and with each step I took, the music got louder. The ballroom doors were wide open. Just like the courtyard; they decorated the ballroom with the aim to take one's breath away.

  I glanced over the large tables of people talking and drinking, then across the dance floor, which was filled with smiling faces. My eyes made their way up to the balcony which had one very large table, occupied by my parents, the elders and of course the Griffins.

  I nodded my head to my father. He tipped his slowly down. We had a very clear understanding that Nick and I would break up on my own terms tonight. He was at no point to interfere.

  Placing Nick’s present among the many on the table, I knew as soon as he opened it, he would know it was from me. This brought a smile to my lips as a hand gently placed itself in mine.

  I turned my head to the side and my eyes reconnected with Nick’s. He once again made my heart skip a beat.

  “Dance with me?” Nick asked while pulling my hand towards the dance floor.

  I followed in step. A smile played on my lips as Nick wrapped his arm around my waist and the other held my hand tight in his. I placed my hand on his shoulder and left no room in between us.

  His crystal blue eyes stared down into mine and I felt complete with his touch.

  His trademark smirk made an appearance.

  “Missed me Is?” He asked softly.

  I pulled my eyes away from his and leaned my head onto his chest, I felt his grip around my waist tighten.

  “You could say that.” I mumbled. But I knew that I would miss him a lot more, and I soon would know just how much it would hurt.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, why wouldn’t it be? You’re back.” I replied, but I was beginning to think my front, that everything was okay, was falling.

  “Got that right, babe. Nothing happened here while I’ve been gone?” He asked with an underlying motive in his tone. As our bodies swayed to the music, I pulled away from his chest and met his stare.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Just making sure everything is okay. Plus, that dick Griffin keeps giving me dirty looks and is glaring at you.” He turned his head to the side to glance up at the balcony.

  I glanced up towards the balcony also, as my eyes connected with Prince Connor’s a look of pure hate covered his features and his eyes were cold and black as always.

  I broke my stare and let my eyes drift back to Nick. I could not understand Connor’s anger, nor did I want to waste time thinking about it. I wanted every second that I could have to be focus
ed on Nick.

  “No one can understand a twisted mind like his, much less justify his actions.” Turning my full attention back to Nick.

  “True sweetie.. . The real question is though, what did I get for my birthday.” He asked, trying to end any serious conversation.

  A full smiled spread across my face, “Well, I am sure you will know when you come across it.”

  “What you hid it?”

  “No.”

  “You’re lying.”

  “I am not.”

  “You are, your heart is racing, it’s giving you away.”

  “My heart doesn’t race when I lie.” I stopped myself from stumping my foot.

  “It does Isabella.”

  “No, it doesn’t Nick.”

  “Does.”

  “I am not lying, I placed your present on the table.” I felt my heartbeat race.

  “I know you well enough to know you wouldn’t let me off that easy.”

  “Well, I guess you will have to wait and see then,” I teased.

  He spun me around as the music picked up in beat. I laughed sweetly as he pulled me back into his arms.

  “You’re being mean. I’m the birthday boy after all.”

  “I must have missed the memo. . .”

  His eyes narrowed playfully and a smirk spread across his lips. As he pulled his hand away from mine, he placed it gently to the left side of my face, framing it. My heart beat increased as he lowered his face down to mine.

  I closed my eyes as his lips brushed against mine. A feeling of excitement raced through my blood. He was about to pull away as I pulled both my hands away from his body and entangled them in his hair.

  I felt his lips twist up in a smile as I deepened the kiss which he didn’t try to deny. The taste of his mouth burnt a fire of desire in my whole body. I had to control myself from ripping his clothes off.

  I ignored all reason as my hands moved to the back of his neck.

  I wanted him.

  I needed him.

  Screw my royal commitment, my wolf and I wanted one thing and that was to mate with Nick. The clearing of the throat broke Nick’s lips from mine. I let out a low growl.

  Who dared to interrupt us!

  Nick and I both took in a much needed breath. Twisting my face to the side I saw my father was the one that had rudely stopped mine and Nicks kiss, my eyes narrowed.

  “May I?” My father gestured for my hand.

  No you may not, I thought to myself. Nick untangled my hands from around his neck and nodded. Snapping my head to my father’s I unhappily took his hand.

  His hand wrapped lightly around my waist and I let out an unhappy breath of air. His eyes bored into mine as we began to lightly dance.

  I knew that look, he wanted me to open my mind. Though I choose to ignore his request. But when he let out a deep growl. I reluctantly let my shield down.

  “You are being childish, Isabella, your making this harder than needed.” His voice boomed in my mind.

  “You promised you would stay out of this.”

  “You were to break it off Isabella, not make a passionate scene on the dance floor for everyone to see. You forced my hand.” Flinching at his tone as he continued. “Do I need to remind you of your obligations? Your duty to your country, the pack and your family?”

  We had stopped pretending to dance now and I glued my eyes to the marble floor, not having enough strength to meet his eyes.

  “End it, Isabella.”

  With that said, his hand left my waist and I felt him brush across my shoulder as he left me standing on the floor.

  I made my way through the dance floor in the opposite direction. Sadness once again took a firm grip around my heart.

  “There you are!” Nick announced with relief clear in his tone, as he walked towards me.

  I leaned across the pillar behind me, I had been hiding in the shadows of the courtyard. I had avoided him completely all night, to try and make what was to come next easier. But do you know what I realized about ten minutes ago?

  It would not shield me nor ease the pain, so I wanted to kick myself for letting my father influence my last night with Nick. There were only ten minutes left before midnight struck. I forced a small smile on my face, as Nick was within reaching distance.

  “Sorry.”

  Nick’s hands were on the sides of my face before I could even protest. His touch had a magically calming effect on me and I felt my body relax under his touch. I closed my eyes and inhaled his amazing scent.

  “Is, what’s wrong?” He pleaded.

  My eyes fluttered open and focused on his pure crystal blue ones. I could not hide from. I opened my mouth but slowly closed it, our eyes holding on to each other’s. I watched the concern flash through his eyes and yet I remained mute.

  “I love you Is. . .”

  Then I felt his lips crash onto mine and I met his with just as much force. My hand gripped the back of his neck. His hands left my face only to wrap tightly around my waist, pulling me closer into his chest.

  “Isabella!” A deep husky voice boomed.

  As a reaction Nick took a step away from me, breaking all contact.

  Connor stepped out from the shadows with a murderous look on his face.

  “What do you want?” Nick snarled.

  Connor returned a glare at Nick, but didn’t respond. The sound of two sets of footsteps approaching focused my attention. As the couple began to come out of the shadows, I recognized them instantly. It was Sophia and Liam, and they ceased walking as they approached.

  Before they could exchange words the sound of the bells marking midnight rang throughout the night air. My eyes widened in fright; I had left it too late. It was now midnight — how could time slip away so quickly. As the last bell chime echoed within the courtyard, I watched in complete terror as Nick’s face changed.

  He looked as if his life was now complete. He had found his own sunlight and love flicked through his facial expressions. My breathing slowed as I watched in terror.

  He had found his mate.

  I turned on my heels and ran. I ran through the courtyard, pushing through the crowds in the halls. I ran up the stairs and I didn’t stop running until I slammed my bedroom door locking it firmly behind me.

  As I slid down the back of the door, my hands wrapped around my stomach trying to hold myself together. My mind trying to process what I had just witnessed. I kept running the scene through my head, over and over.

  My Nick.

  My childhood friend.

  My best friend.

  My boyfriend.

  And now a new term to describe mine and Nick’s relationship flashed across my mind.

  My future brother-in-law!

  And with that, I let the tears stream down my face in the darkness of my room.

  Sophia was Nick’s mate. . .

  Chapter Three

  Isabella

  Nick was the love of my life.

  This was the thought that crossed my mind as I approached my father’s study door. Needing a distraction. I knocked on the door softly and entered quickly, not waiting for permission.

  Sitting across from my father at our double-sided desk. I ran my fingers over the pile of contracts that would aide as a distraction. My father and I shared a glance with each other, and a small smile of pity appeared on his lips as he brought his attention back to the open file he was reading. We always worked in silence and tonight I was ever so grateful that I knew no questions would be asked and no answers had to be given.

  Bringing my attention back to the royal contracts in front of me, it was time to get distracted from my own sadness.

  A firm knock on the study door surprised my father and me. We gave each other a questioning glance as neither of us should expect company. I glanced at the clock on the far wall if was half-past three in the morning. No one should be disturbing us.

  Wonder began to build up in me, who would dare come to the Kings study this late. My father cleared
his voice, “Enter.”

  The door slowly opened and King Griffin entered, followed by Princess Sophia, Prince Connor and. . .my breathing increased.

  Nick.

  I know he could hear my heart beat increase.

  Snapping my eyes back to the contracts in front of me, trying to ignore the fact Nick had his hand wrapped around Sophia’s.

  “King Griffin,” my father stated as he straightened himself in his seat.

  I heard King Griffin move closer to my father’s desk.

  “I apologize for the lateness of our visit.” King Griffin spoke.

  Glancing up from my work and noticing the closeness of Nick and Sophia once again, heartache began to squeeze at my heart.

  Why must they be here, couldn’t they leave?

  “It would indeed need to be important.” My father warned, letting my eyes glance at King Griffin as he narrowed his eyes at my father.

  “My daughter has mated.”

  My father glanced at me, then eyed Nick and Sophia behind me.

  “So I see.” Father didn’t drop his eye line from Nick and Sophia.

  “Nick is in line to be beta.” King Griffin voiced. My father crossed his hands in his lap before answering.

  “Correct.”

  “Well you can see what situation we are faced with then.” King Griffin stated, sharing unvoiced words through eye contact with my father as he let out a low sigh, turning his glance to me. What situation?

  I noticed out of the corner of my eye Nick wrap his arm around Sophia’s back protectively. Αs if he was scared she would suddenly be taken away from him, my heartache tightened.

  I see no situation or reason for them to be in my father’s and my study at this time of night; letting my shield down, I needed to connect with my father. “Please father, make them leave?” I pleaded telepathically.

  My father brought his eyes back to mine and again a smile of pity appeared.

  “Princess Sophia has mated with a Beta.” My father’s voice echoed in my mind. And I noticed how he did not use Nick’s name out of respect for me, nodding my head to continue. Not caring that our unwanted visitors would notice our private conversation.