The white-haired raised his brows at the prince's silent signal as he received the message. It was not long before the white-haired left the group of young Betas and started toward the prince of Crimson Night. Jae cleared his throat when the upcoming Beta of Eternal Dawn arrived at the table signaling to Sina that he was about to be occupied in discussion with the white-haired beta. The princess of Black Moon released an annoyed sigh when the beta slipped between her and Crimson Night's prince and gave her a sly side smile.
"Getting to business early, are you, Jae?" Sina said through her teeth before lifting her glass of champagne. "Well, don't let me stop you." Jae silently inclined his head in goodbye to the princess as she took a step back. "Talk to you soon, Jae."
The white-haired watched Black Moon's prince strut away before turning to the true blood. "That was a desperate signal if I've ever seen one."
"Indeed," Jae responded after releasing a sigh. "Thank you."
"Of course."
"How have you been, Aki?" Jae inquired of the beta to spark conversation; he needed his cover to appear legit.
The beta bobbed his head and answered, "Swell. It's approaching the day, so the mood has been solemn. But other than that, I've been well."
"Ah." Jae recalled that Aki's family had lost their youngest son when he was an infant, and the date of his disappearance was quickly approaching.
"Mother is out looking for him, so she could not make it to the conference. I apologize for her absence." Aki bowed his head to Crimson Night's prince in apology.
"Not at all." Jae was quick to shake his head. "She is doing what she feels she needs to do. A mother could never bring herself to stop searching for her child."
"I appreciate your understanding, Prince."
"What kind of prince would I be if I could not understand?"
"True, true," Aki nodded his head in agreement. "Crimson Night is lucky to have such a good prince. You will be a good Alpha, Prince."
Jae's heart swelled with Aki's words. "Thank you."
A few moments passed before Aki excused himself. "I believe I have served my purpose. If you will excuse me, there is someone I must search for."
"Of course, thank you for coming to my rescue," Jae responded with a slight chuckle.
"Anytime. I wish you luck in avoiding her for the entirety of the night. She's like a hound. Be careful, Prince," the white-haired bid before retreating from the table and slipping out of the hall. Jae's brows scrunched as he watched the beta disappear down the corridor outside the hall. 'I wonder who he is looking for...' The prince's thought was interrupted by the appearance of Crimson Night's Gamma.
"Where is Kace? You said you would make him come." The Gamma's voice was low as he addressed his prince while scanning the room to make sure no one was focusing on his and the prince's conversation.
Jae's jaw clenched at the man's words. "Kace is here. You saw him yourself. Don't you dare cause him trouble." A growl accompanied the prince's warning to the Gamma and caused the man to cower before him. "Am I understood?"
"Ae," the Gamma returned quite quickly; he was not the fondest of an angry true blood standing right in front of him with a grave expression. "Thank you for bringing him. You have held up your end of the agreement. Now, if you will excuse me." The Gamma was swift to rush away from the true blood's table, much to Jae's amusement and relief. The prince did not want anything to happen to Kace, and he would gladly threaten the wimpy Gamma to protect his friend.
The prince's short conversation with the Gamma reminded Jae that Kace had raced out of the hall and caused the true blood's thoughts to trail to the blue-eyed. 'Where are you, Kace?'
<<<<<>>>>>
Den slowed his pace as he made his way through the garden. The trail was growing stronger, indicating the prince was nearing the one he was pursuing. The true blood was quiet as he walked along the stone path that wound through the flowers, trees, and shrubbery; he did not want to startle the source of the rainy scent that fills the air just after a storm. The prince held his breath when the path led to a clearing in the garden.
The clearing opened up to a small lake surrounded by flowers and a mixture of cherry blossom and pear trees. The true blood entered the clearing only to stop in his tracks. A man stood beneath a cherry blossom at the edge of the lake, his face turned toward the dark water. Pale white flowers surrounded the man, creating a beautiful scene. The moonlight fell on the man, covering him in a silver glow.
Den's breath hitched as he observed the sight in front of him. The man was absolutely stunning; he was easily the most beautiful werewolf Den had ever set eyes on. A gentle breeze rustled the man's dark blue hair and caused Den's heart to race. He had found the one who had rushed out of the hall at first glance. He had found the one he had been searching for. He had found his mate.