The White Wolf Chapter 92: Do Tell Mother

Edmund slung his duffle over his shoulder when he finished packing. After exiting his chambers, he made his way to the entrance of the palace. Dressed casually, he wore jeans, a white t-shirt, boots, and a leather jacket.

It was midday, he would be able to reach the pack he was journeying to before nightfall. The likelihood of another attack on him was slim but he would be vigilant.

The pack he was heading to was Gemstone Pack. Its Alpha Henry Emerald seemed to favor the crown or be neutral on the matter. However, Edmund would remain alert because many alphas would smile to the royal family's face and then curse them in private.

He would investigate, or actually help Luca in his investigation, by either acting as a diversion to take the pressure off of his friend or cozy up to the head members of the pack.

The task was not one he was looking forward to as his cheeks were sure to become stiff from fake smiles. A sigh escaped his lips as he walked through the halls of the castle. Passing old paintings and tapestries he gave them a good glance as he did not know when he would return. It could be before the blood moon or after.

In the kingdom were many packs, their names seemed to run together and be forgotten in Edmund's mind but he would need to make every pack think he knew all about them. He would fake it as it was his favored method of survival and seemed to work well for him. However, some light studying would be needed. Gabe had given him a report on the pack. A report that promptly was sat to the side and forgotten. Edmund had tucked it into his bag and would read it on the drive.

He was supposed to see his brother before he left but as he approached the king’s study, the faint smell of sex was in the air and thought better of it and decided to send him a text instead.

His brother was the king but to him, he would also just be Caspian, the older brother who would pick on him but if anyone tried to harm him, he would be the first to defend his little brother whom he teased so adamantly.

Arms crossed, Gabe stood at the doors as if he were ready to be done with this task. Since it was unlikely the beta had slept, the prince sympathized with him.

“Did you stop by the king’s study on your way?” Gabe's voice was void of emotion as the sleep deprivation caught up to him.

Edmund shook his head. “I did not feel the need to interrupt him but you are more than welcome to if you feel it is that important.”

Gabe huffed a laugh. “I’m afraid I must pass on the opportunity as I prefer my head firmly placed on my shoulders and not up my ass. Did you go over the report I gave you?”

"Of course, I memorized every word."

Gabe rolled his eyes as he watched the prince grow up and knew he had not touched it.

The warriors that would be accompanied loaded the last of the supplies they would need. It was not certain how long they would be gone but they were prepared. Gabe and Edmund stood back watching the quiet ceremony of movement from the threshold.

As the final preparation were concluded, Edmund said “Out with it”

Gabe looked at him confused. “What do you mean?”

“The lecture you’re here to give me. Let’s get it over with so I can be on my way.” He was the pretense, he was heading into a den of wordplay and backstabbing and he had no interest in starting it early.

A sigh from Gabe. “I wouldn’t call it a lecture but a reminder.”

Edmund crossed his arms and waited.

His words were tired. “A reminder that you are a representative of the royal family.”

“Thank you I would have forgotten that information without your help.” His annoyance dripped into his words.

However, Gabe was undeterred and pushed further. “As a representative of the royal family, your behavior must reflect your station accordingly.”

Over the conversation, Edmund replied sarcastically while feigning worth “I hope I do not make a fool of myself then.” He put his hand on his chest dramatically, as if he could faint from the thought.

Gabe’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the prince. “Be Serious. You must behave in a respectable manner because your actions will reflect t badly on all of us. It would be best if you would behave in the appropriate manner but if you do not please for the love of the goddess do not get caught.”

The beta’s nagging caused the young prince to grow bored. “Great. Anything else?”

“You should have received a list of people you are supposed to meet with while you are gone."

"Yes. I know." Edmund's words were curt.

"One more thing." Gabe's voice became as quiet as a whisper as he leaned in closer. "If you are compromised, handle it."

Gabe's words took a minute for their meaning to sink in then figured out that the beta if he were caught doing something handle the situation by whatever means necessary. Even taking a life.

Switching topics Gabe placed a smile on his face. "Who knows, maybe you'll find your mate?" The enthusiasm was faked and it annoyed Edmund.

Edmund rolled his eyes and walked passed him, through the doors, and out to the waiting SUV’s. The entourage would be small but effective. He threw his bag into the door he was about to climb into before he gave his farewell to the beta who had been ordered to see him off. “I leave the palace in your hands and my duties as well. Try not to tarnish my name.”

“How generous of you.” Any enthusiasm from before was gone.

Gabe turned to walk back into the palace but just as he took a step, Edmund rolled down his window. “Oh, by the way, do tell Mother I am leaving. I told her you needed to speak with her.” He said followed by his malicious laugh.

Gabe stood frozen staring at the car as it disappeared from his sight with his mouth hanging wide open. When he finally moved he groaned and spoke to himself. “Could this day get any worse?”