Ana's Pov

His voice was soft. His eyes twinkled mischievously. He was hiding something, I knew and I desperately wanted to know what he knew. I could bet that he has been outside the walls even if for a night.


"Amos, tell me more than just your skills." This was the moment, if he said something, anything to prove he knew more, I would ride away with him into the sunset.

"I don't trust his eyes." Xoxo began. She wasn't buying the charming, playboy vibes. I was into it wholeheartedly for one reason.

"Why don't you trust his eyes?" I asked, taking a moment to zone out of Amos' speech. "I mean, they are beautiful."


Xoxo shook her head. "I don't just think they are mischievous, I see malice in them."

I narrowed my eyes on him immediately. Xoxo was a paranoid wolf, I'll give that to her. I mean, we were both weak, so it wasn't unnatural for her to decide how distrustful he was at first sight. It was the fear father placed in us since the day we were born. I didn't like that, but I was a princess, delicate and fragile, anything could break me. To me, there wasn't an ounce of malice in Amos' eyes.


All I could see was freedom. "In three words, describe the vast lands and what to expect. I don't want my father to be in danger and frankly, you wouldn't want that, would you?" I smirked, trying to hide my excitement.

"Beautiful, tough and green, my princess. Just like you." Amos began and I could swear I saw his teeth twinkle.

"Enough!" The Alpha thundered, causing me to freeze. His hard gaze settled on my face.

I gulped. Could he have figured out what I was doing?

Though the Alpha was my father, he wasn't one to be messed with. He quickly circled me, probably trying to read my mind. With every hard step of his, I inhaled.

"I take it as you are choosing Amos?" The Alpha stopped in front of me. He was doing that again.

"Oh no. Father is going to figure out what you were doing. Couldn't you have been more subtle?" Xoxo childed while trembling.

"He will not. Relax and stop making my heart beat so fast!" I snapped at my wolf. Then to my father, I smiled, wrapping my hands around his waist. He immediately melted into my touch.

Yeah, I knew how to control him that way. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. After all, I was his only heir and princess. There was nothing he wouldn't do for me.

But then he tensed. I knew something was wrong. "Princess, I need you to ask him questions as a princess and not as a girl desperate for a man's attention. Daryl didn't do a good job."

I gasped, my hands loose on his waist. My gaze settled on the ground. My father always managed to use my maid against me. He just threatened to punish her without saying so. I casted an apologetic look at my maid who immediately understood.

I straightened up, clearing my throat. He moved to my side like he didn't just say anything to hurt my feelings. I could bring them up later during dinner, but now, I have to do what he said without making him lose his reputation.

My reputation for being a tough princess, when I was in fact, the opposite. I raised my chin, all playfulness and trust disappearing to the back of my eyes. If there was one thing, I knew not how to mess this up. This wouldn't be the first time. I watched as Amos' smile also slipped from his face.

His eyes were really hard as if he knew what was coming to him. I wasn't in the mood to explain what he was going to expect from me today.

In one word, it will be humiliation. "Although the Alpha has entrusted this in my hands, it doesn't mean I'll pick just anyone to stand by his side." I avoided Amos' eyes, choosing to stand beside the one called Tyree. "I need efficacy, efficiency, eloquence and bravery. Trust me I can figure that out in just one good look at you."

I smirked triumphantly when Tyree dropped his gaze. Good, he was afraid of me. Sometimes, I forget I have got Alpha genes. Perhaps the genes of my omega mother were more dominant? Who knew?

"Amos, I have considered you to be the best out of the five. I asked you to tell me more than your skills and to describe the lands beyond." I took a sharp intake of breath. I wasn't really looking at him, because I will never forgive myself for the look of anger in his eyes.

What has gotten him so angry?

"I need you to tell me more. Tell me something to prove that you are capable of protecting my father. He must have seen your skills to have you stand in the yard alone. Proof to me that you can be more than a Beta to him."

Audible gasps could be heard from the people around me. I knew I had taken a dangerous step further to compare them with the pack's Beta. He was one of the busiest and formidable members of the pack.

From the corner of my eyes, I eyed my father.

He seemed pleased with what I was doing.

I eventually summoned the courage to glare at Amos. If I choose him, I will have to apologize to him for doing this. Amos cleared his throat, eyeing the Alpha cautiously. The same way I was.

"Aloha Lucas, the vast lands beyond our walls are indeed beautiful, just like the princess. I assure you, your safety is my utmost priority."

Knowing my father, his words didn't impress him one bit. He rather regarded Amos with a stern expression.

I took it from there. "In my opinion, words can be as deceiving as a calm sea before a storm. This isn't enough, Amos. I need you to prove your loyalty. What can you offer to ensure my father's safety in those lands?"

Please, help me Goddess.

Amos straightened, his eyes meeting mine with a rather confident gleam. He was trying to hide his anger for some reason I couldn't pinpoint. I mean he was no Alpha to feel offended at my words. My genes should be enough to make him drop his gaze, instead, he seemed unfazed by my hard glares and words.

"Your Majesty, I am a skilled tracker, proficient in combat, and well-versed in understanding challenging territories. I pledge to protect you and the princess with my life."

I scoffed. He just had to add me to the big picture, right? I shook my head at him. He was smart, I'd give it to him. I knew part of my father's plan was to ask him to protect me too. My father doesn't need someone to protect him…

"Aha!" Xoxo exclaimed in my head, causing me to wince. "That was why he asked you to do this, right?"

I sighed. Feeling tired all of a sudden. If I thought I had gotten out of my father's clutches, I was even more entangled in his plans. "Tell me, Amos, how would you handle a situation where danger lurks unseen?" This was more like an interview with my soon to be bodyguard.

Amos, with a cocky smile, responded, "My instincts are sharp, Princess. I trust my senses to detect any threat, and my reflexes are quick. I assure you, no harm will befall your father or you under my watch."

More like no harm will befall me. I turned to my father to see if he was still pleased with the turn of events. Of course, his gaze remained fixed on Amos, and his silence was demanding more than just words.

I decided to press further. "Amos, share an instance from your past where you successfully protected someone from imminent danger."

I care about my father, I really do, but this was more tiring than choosing a ball gown with a stiff looking Daryl. He was more than capable of protecting himself. He was Alpha!

I watched Amos hesitate for a moment. His eyes flickered with sadness. "There was a time when I guided a group, my family, through those lands. There were rogues… we were ten, but we lost three. But the rest of us got here, thanks to my sharp instincts. Everyone reached their destination safely..." He trailed off suspiciously.

My father's eyes narrowed, a hint of skepticism lingering. "Rogues? When was this?"

I interrupted, "Details matter, Amos. Paint us a vivid picture." I couldn't let the sadness get to me.

"I-I- was twenty at the time.." Amos stumbled a bit but quickly recovered.

I tilted my head. Twenty? Matured rogues would never let their meal for the day go uneaten, especially with a twenty year old boy and a group. Only Alpha males and trained Beta's would be able to fend them off.

He must be really strong.

Xoxo, not convinced, whispered, "He's avoiding something, Ana."

I raised an eyebrow, signaling Amos to elaborate on the specifics.

Amos sighed, "There were also bandits, cunning and well-armed. But I managed to outsmart them, protecting the group."

I glanced at my father. This response was more than enough for me. But My father leaned in, his voice so low and dangerous.

"Avoiding rogues and outsmarting bandits is one thing, but Princess Ana needs more than just tales. She needs certainty. Can you provide that?"

I was right. This interview was for me. Jeez, could my father be more subtle? I wasn't weak.

Amos almost faltered to my displeasure. But he quickly recovered. "Alpha, I understand your concern. Actions speak louder than words. I'm willing to prove my capabilities through a demonstration or any test you deem fit."

My father, still unyielding, whispered to me, "Ana, don't let this be a game. We are talking about our safety."

Or my safety. I hardened my heart, turning to Amos. "That won't be necessary. I am okay with his response. I chose him, Alpha." I concluded.

Without waiting for my father's reply, I walked off. It was daring I know, but he has to know how upset I am.

"Did you notice something strange in his eyes?" Xoxo asked again as we climbed the stairs to my room.

I stopped, closing my eyes. "Xoxo, please, I need to rest."

"I have to say this… Amos has been looking into the Alpha's eyes and has never faltered. That's weird. Even Betas don't do that for a long period of time."

My eyes snapped open.

Only Alphas do.