CLAIM

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I couldn't believe that my mate was living here with my mother this whole time. But being that she was so young when she came here, it's better I didn't know of her.

She may be over eighteen, but her innocence was very much still intact. The fear in Camille's eyes made me want to hold and console her.

I would never hurt her and would rip the heart out of anyone who tried. Tears fell down her beautiful face, and I wiped them from hitting the floor.

"You don't have to be afraid, Camille."

She gave me a nod. I grabbed her soft hand to guide her to the lounge chair in my room. She sat down while I pulled a chair up to sit across from her.

"Do you have family outside of here?"

"No, your majesty."

I gave her a grin. "Call me Ethan."

"I will get in trouble."

"I promise you won't."

She cleared her throat. "I came here from the children's home. I knew I would be kicked out when I turned eighteen, so I went job hunting. Thankfully, the queen's estate was hiring."

Camille was such a sweet girl, and her voice was naturally soft. She always seemed to be in good spirits, but I wondered what she truly has been through not having her parents.

"Have you ever been around werewolves?"

"Yes, your maj...I mean..Ethan. Some of the children at the home were pups."

"So you must have some knowledge of their nature."

"A little...I know a few ran away once they turned sixteen. I think that's the mating age for werewolf species. But they were also bound to their one true mate."

"What do you think about that?"

"Well, I'm not a werewolf, so it doesn't affect me. But I think that could be a wonderful thing."

"Camille, you know who my father is..."

"Yes...he is a vampire, correct?"

"Yes and a werewolf. He is a hybrid."

Her eyes widened. "Oh..so you are?"

"I have multiple DNA...but for some reason, my werewolf genes are dominant."

"That's fascinating. How do you know?"

Camille had so much curiosity in her eyes that made me smile.

"Because my father wasn't born a vampire, he was turned into one."

"Oh, that makes sense."

"And I still have all the natural instincts of a werewolf. I'm an alpha, I am fully warm blooded, and I am bound to one true mate."

She smiled. "That was the woman that came here for dinner with you. She was very beautiful."

"No, she wasn't my mate."

"My apologies...I shouldn't have assumed."

"You're fine. But I have finally found her."

"Are you sure you should be telling me this...I am not important."

I touched her hand. "You are very important."

Camille began to blush. "I am? But why?"

"Because you are my one true mate, Camille."

Her eyes widened. "B-But I'm not a werewolf."

"Neither is my mother."

She looked down in thought. The realization was slowly taking over.

"Is that why you smell so good?"

"What?"

"Your scent is very potent. But I didn't know it belonged to you because it comes and goes."

"Is it strong right now?"

She gave me quick nods, and slowly, her pretty brown eyes lightened. A low growl left my mouth, causing her to lean away.

"Ethan, are you sure I'm your mate?"

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on each knee. My eyes intensely stared into hers. Camille began to lean towards me.

Her fingers touched the ends of my hair, and then I softly kissed her lips. I've heard about the feeling werewolves experience when connecting with their fated mate, but this was more than I ever could imagine.

Camille wrapped her arms around my neck while straddling my lap. I picked her up and laid her on the bed without our lips breaking apart.

"Ah.."

Her soft moan and scent of arousal made me want to go feral.

"Camille, have you had sex before?"

"No, I haven't."

I figured that would be her answer. At that moment, I decided that we were going to take things slow.

She was so sweet and innocent. It didn't feel right to just claim and take her body right away.

I sat up while Camille gave me a sad look.

"Sorry if I disappointed you."

"You could never disappoint me, baby. I want us to get to know each other and take things slow. I want to make sure I do this relationship right...are you cool with that?"

The sweetest smile formed on her face.

"Yes. Thank you, Ethan."

***

Ethan and Camille talked for a little longer while vowing to keep the knowledge of them being mates a secret for now.

KNOCK KNOCK!

Heavy hits on his bedroom door broke them out of their conversation. Ethan opened the door to one of the maids in panic.

"Sir Ethan, Sir Amadi needs your presence...Something is wrong with our little princess!"

With no words, he followed the maid with Camille close behind. He went into Imani's bedroom as Amadi, and the others looked up at the ceiling.

"What the fuck happened?"

"She's possessed..."

"A demon?...I'll get.."

He was interrupted.

"No, by a witch."

"How do you know that?"

The familiar wretched voice came from Imani's mouth. It sent chills down their spines.

"I told you all that you would see me again..."

"Celeste, let go of my baby sister," Ethan tried to remain calm.

"No...she belongs to me now."

Ethan took two steps then leaped towards the ceiling, grabbing Imani. She went completely limp as held her.

Soon, she began to convulse. He hurried and laid her on the bed...instantly she stopped.

"If any of you touch her, it will only cause her pain."

Amadi's eyes watered. "Why are you doing this to her? Take me instead."

"No, thank you. I don't have any desire to live as a man."

"Wait...are you.."

"Yes...I am going to have a fresh start in life. Your sweet little sister is the do over that I deserve."

Like a flash, Imani dropped through the bed, and everyone panicked, looking underneath. They rubbed their hands over the mattress, but there was no opening.

Amadi fell to his knees.

"Sh-She's gone..."

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