Freya’s POV

I had to stay away from him. Controlling Pi was hard enough—she wanted to leap at him, and that would only get us in trouble. He’s the Lycan prince. Even if he were my mate, it’d be disrespectful to attack him, especially since he can’t smell me yet. If he rejected us, it would hurt badly.

Clay and Alec stayed close, supportive and alert. I don’t know what I’d do without them. I turned my back on my mate and didn’t look back. I wished it were that easy to just go up to him and claim him as mine. I sighed, feeling hopeless.

The pack run started, and since the prince had apologized earlier, everyone gathered again. Clay and Alec shifted behind me, never letting me out of their sight. I glanced back at them when I heard their growls and smiled. “Let’s go.”

We ran together, keeping pace. I was enjoying myself, and I could tell they were too. Some wolves stared at me, probably laughing at how I was still running in human form, but I didn’t care. I was happy with my friends.

Then I smelled him again. Why does he keep following me? Did I do something to draw his attention? I looked around casually, trying to make it seem like I was just checking on everyone. I kept my head down. I felt him searching for me too, and I didn’t want him coming over again. That female Lycan from earlier had already made me angry—Pi wouldn’t let me act like that.

We ran on, unaware that Joric and Britney were behind us. Britney growled, catching all our attention, then lunged at me. I dodged fast, and I knew she was shocked—along with that useless Alpha Daniel’s son.

“What do you think you’re doing, Britney?” I snapped. She growled back. She’s the Beta’s daughter—if I were just a normal wolf, I’d be in trouble.

She lunged again. “Are you crazy?” I asked. She’d never been this aggressive in front of other pack members. Something was off.

Clay and Alec jumped between us. Britney couldn’t land a hit, no matter how hard she tried. I kept dodging, not caring if I looked scared.

Joric growled when my friends protected me. “What’s going on here?” My mate’s voice rang out, commanding, and everyone froze. I was the only one who could answer, still in human form.

“My friends and I were running when we felt them behind us. Britney jumped at me as I turned,” I explained.

“Shift!” Matteo’s voice was sharp, more a command than a request. “Joric and the others, shift!” His anger was clear. I didn’t dare look at him.

Without warning, Joric, Britney, Clay, and Alec shifted. “Shit!” I yelled when I realized they were all naked. I covered my eyes and turned away.

After a moment, I felt my mate’s presence in front of me. I peeked between my fingers and saw his shoes, still looking down.

“Give her clothes,” Matteo ordered. Rustling behind me told me someone obeyed.

“Why did you do that?” he asked Britney.

“I didn’t, Your Highness,” she lied. I wanted to strangle her.

“Quit lying, Britney. Freya’s right,” Clay said.

“They’re still naked,” Matteo said, reading my mind. I just nodded, head still down. My neck was killing me—I wanted to look up, see his face. Argh, so frustrating.

“Your Highness,” Alpha Daniel said. “I apologize for the trouble my son caused.”

“You’d better teach your heir responsibility, or I’ll choose someone else for the title,” Matteo said. Gasps echoed.

“It’s just kids having fun,” Daniel defended.

“Don’t excuse his behavior, Daniel,” Matteo said, his voice icy.

“I’ll make sure he understands his mistakes, Your Highness,” Daniel said.

“This ends the pack run. No unnecessary fighting tomorrow or during the tournament. This is friendly competition, not a chance to vent anger. Clear?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” everyone replied.

“Go home. Tomorrow is the first day of matches. I expect everyone at their best.”

I didn’t move, unsure what to do.

“Come, Frey,” Clay said. Relief washed over me. I turned to see that both Clay and Alec had their shorts on. I started walking with them, but Matteo stopped us.

“I’ll walk her home. I need to ask her something,” he said. The boys looked at each other; I was confused.

“Your Highness, we can take her home. We don’t want to bother you,” Clay said.

“She’s not a bother. Why the hesitation? Are you hiding something from me?” Matteo asked.

“No, Your Highness, we just didn’t want to bother you,” Clay repeated.

“Fine. You two can go,” Matteo said, authoritative. Clay and Alec looked apologetic. I smiled. “It’s okay. You can go home.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Alec said. First time he spoke since Matteo arrived—maybe intimidated. I understood.

They left, and my heart raced.

“Why are you nervous, Freya?” Matteo asked. My eyes widened, thankful my back was to him, and my head was down.

“I was just surprised you wanted to talk to me, Your Highness,” I said.

“Talking to me with your back turned? That’s disrespectful.”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” I said, turning slowly. He can’t smell me, but Pi’s full attention was on him. I knew she might do something stupid.

Then I felt his finger lift my chin. My wolf would go wild if we got this close face-to-face.

Time slowed. My heart raced. Soon, we’d be eye to eye. “Pi, don’t do anything stupid,” I begged silently. She stayed quiet.