We took an hour to arrive. The estate was deep in the countryside so as to not arouse human suspicion. An hour ago, I had revealed myself to my wolves and the reaction pleased me greatly. Jaws dropped, eyes popped, and words couldn’t escape. I didn’t think I was drop-dead gorgeous but EXO sure did make me seem like I was.

I could tell that we were late. Infinite had entered before us, leaving us behind. They had a right to be late because they were powerful. Damn, status. But for me and my mates…usually tardiness would be excused if I had arrived alone, with my family, or Infinite, however I was late with twelve wolves. Not a good impression.

I sighed, glancing at the tall mansion. This is residence of the East Emperor. Well, one of them but it was still his property. There were at least about twenty steps towards the entrance which were huge mahogany doors with two servants standing guard by each side. I sighed and glanced behind me at my wolves.

Yes, my wolves…

They eyed me expectantly, awaiting my next actions. I blinked and smiled encouragingly (though I think I needed it more). I took my small step and then slowly ascended the marble steps towards the entrance. My wolves followed me in a clump and I grew worried and anxious as I approached the doors. The two guards saw me and acknowledged me with a slight nod. They weren’t fazed by the huge party behind and I had a feeling that my brother had something to do with that. I halted just before the doors and the two guards simultaneously gave me a stiff bow. I bowed back to them in respect with a stiff smile and they pulled open the doors.

This is it.

I heaved a shaky sigh, my shoulders stiffening and posture straightening. My hands shook and I felt like fainting from the anxiety. My chest tightened and loosened in worry and I gulped down a load of saliva down my dry throat. I tried to appear passive and nonchalant but my fearful feelings were revealed instead by my trembling lips and nervous eyes.

I want to run away. I want to go home. I want to forget.

I was this close to giving up when a warm hand landed on my shoulder and I jolted back to reality, taking note of my sweaty palms. I spun around and was met with twelve equally encouraging nods and smiles. My expression softened and my heart beat faster.

“Don’t worry, Eun Mi, we’ll be by your side.” Lu Han smiled at me charmingly and hesitated. Somehow, I felt like there was an underlying meaning to his words.

“Not just now?” I whispered out in a daze. Lu Han chuckled and he faced his twelve brothers.

“No, forever.” Xiu Min answered sincerely and I felt the burden on my shoulders and the tightening of my chest loosened just a tad bit. I felt better already with the assurance that they would never leave me.

Believe it or not, I’ve grown used to them. Not just used to them and their presence but I’ve grown to depend on them and love them. I entered this whole mating fiasco as a stranger. I knew none of them by heart and personality. But many months later and I find myself conscious of their presence and their little qualities. I’ve seen them at their worst and with just their underwear on. I’ve also seen them at their best. It’s like I’ve known them for years. But we weren’t just friends. We were mates. We were lovers.

I love them. I do. I know they do too. They’re obliged to. But…I never expected to love them back as well. How could I be so clueless? I felt it from the moment we met yet I denied it with all my heart. I tried to keep our boundaries but slowly and willingly they’ve been breaking apart.

“Princess, you are the last guest to arrive. His majesty has been awaiting your arrival.” One of the guards broke me out of my reverie. I nodded in understanding and hastily stepped through the wide doors.

It was bright and the air smelled of flowers especially roses. The ballroom was designed to match the spring theme. Flowers hung from pots and draped across the railings of the steps. White podiums held vases of different bouquets. The lights were cylindrical and bright white, illuminating the gigantic ballroom in a clean, pristine light. Not only did the interior of the room match the theme of the ball, everyone’s attire did as well.

As soon as we stepped into the ballroom, everyone’s eyes to us and my anxiety returned. The guard at the side of the door announced our presence with a loud bellow.

“Princess Han Eun Mi of the Rose Royal Family and her mates, the twelve EXO werewolf princes have arrived!”

It was deadly silent. I gulped nervously as I took a shaky step down the marble stairs. My heels clacked loudly against the shiny marble and it took a lot of encouragement for me to manage a smile. My wolves trailed behind me equally stiff and nervous. By the last step, no one had spoken a word and I grew worried.

Oh no…

I knew this was horrible. At the word werewolf, every single hateful glare was directed to me and my wolves. It was typical of a vampire to hate the werewolves considering their deep history. Thankfully, out of my peripheral vision, I caught sight of my generation members. Of course, Myung Soo oppa had told EXO about them and I was happy that at least they were tossing obvious malicious glares at them. Some were curious, some were cautious, and some were fascinated.

That’s my generation, right there.

Nobody had spoken and I was wondering what I should do. Should I-

“Eun Mi, dear, get away from those steps and join your great-great-grandfather up in the library.” I turned to my great-great-grandfather, who was the Emperor of the East Coven. The emperor, unlike other emperors, was a cheerful and free-spirited man who ruled justly and happily. He was my favorite person in the whole world and I had a feeling he preferred me over my cousins. Nevertheless, he was very open and humble, teaching me when I was younger not to judge to easily.

“Yes, my majesty.” I bowed lowly due to great respect and turned to my wolves.

“Guys, don’t stay here alright? I’ll be right back. Now, go and find Infinite. They’ll help you.” I instructed them quietly and swiftly, not wanting to keep the emperor waiting. They nodded in understanding and shuffled away towards Infinite. I stared after them, making sure they were safe before approaching the emperor. He sat at a table with the rest of his family members. My great-great-grandmother smiled warmly at me while the rest tossed me a look of distaste. My great-great grandfather stood slowly and grinned at me, leading me to the library.

The library held a special memory towards me as that was where my great-great-grandfather and I would always sit together and read books. Nothing changed ever since the last time I was in here. The room still smelled like books and tea and the shelves were stacked high and low with books and papers.

“Come, Eun Mi, sit with me.” He directed me towards the fireplace where the same two leather chairs faced the burning firewood. He sat down slowly and I followed him, glancing around with a nostalgic smile. I turned my attention to my great-great-grandfather next whose gaze was directed towards the flickering fire. He’s features never changed at all. His hair was full of grey hairs and a long beard grew from his chin. His wrinkled eyes were curved into crescent moons and his skin sagged from the age. But those did not deteriorate his naturally cheerful disposition.

“So, Eun Mi, care to tell me the whole story?” He turned to me suddenly with comforting eyes and I jumped in shock. His encouraging smile pushed me to tell him everything and I did. I narrated the whole story from the beginning to the end. I felt like I was rambling but he said nothing and listened on in attentive keenness. I felt like a kid again when I was telling him about my endeavors in school and life while he would listen with an amused smile.

“-And so, that’s why I brought them here today.” I finished with a soft sigh and averted my gaze to the fiery fire. It was silent for a while until my great-great-grandfather spoke up.

“You did the right thing, my Euntokki.” My eyes widened at the familiar endearment he always used to call me with. My heart warmed with nostalgia and familial love.

“You did the right thing by not avoiding it. It’s a stressful thing to do and it does provide much anxiety to the individual but it was brave and wise. If you had chosen to hide them away, you would have been hurting