Whenever there is a chapter in Kendall's POV, ALWAYS expect the exact same chapter again, but in Snowflake's POV after it.

Chapter Five

Kendall's POV

Tamer shifted, clearly uncomfortable in my office. I assumed it was because he was too used to the dark, isolated room he occupied to train the wolves, never going outside to soak in the sun, judging by his pale skin.

"Do you think that is acceptable?" I asked him with a raised eyebrow. I had just ran a proposition by him and wanted his opinion. If he was smart, he would say what I wanted him to say.

He shifted yet again and I sighed impatiently. "Prince, I'm afraid I don't think that's a good idea," he mumbled, looking down at the floor. Tension slowly seeped into the room, circling itself around Tamer.

"And why is that not a good idea?" I asked, a poorly concealed warning in my voice. I had mostly asked for his opinion for my amusement and to show courtesy. But I was caring less and less about courtesy and irritation was filling my body, not amusement. Tamer might have kept to himself in his room with no one to talk to but the wolves, but even he knew not to go against me.

Our little conflict was about his wolves. Usually, I could not bring myself to care about them as they were for the guards. But when I had felt nothing but disappointment at the sight of the last batch of wolves, I had taken a sudden interest.

Since I had come into power, I had been what they called "unprotected." I had not felt the need, the craving, for one like the rest of the royal families. They were a display of power and wealth which I showed by having wolves assigned to all of my guards. It seemed to work because others were following in my footsteps, assigning wolves to their most elite guards. But when my life was threatened, I had decided that it was time to start a search for a wolf to call my own.

But there was a slight problem: I was not satisfied by just any wolf. A wolf born with indefinite fight would be preferable over a wolf taught to fight. The wolf taught to fight might instinctively take it and cower, while a wolf born with fight would not back down.

I also did not want the "standard" wolf all royalties were known for. For guards, the common wolf to own was the one covered in dusty gray fur, while for "Masters," like I would soon be, it was common to own the distinguishable black-furred wolf. Particularly a male, for having a female wolf labeled you weak. But I had my own opinions on that subject.

I agreed with black showing power, but halted behind the crowd when they talked of it showing wealth. How were Masters showing their wealth by capturing a wolf that was a mere replica of other wolves owned by Masters? You were only showing your eager willingness to follow.

I also did not believe male protectors were necessarily the strongest. I believed males had the power to be more aggressive, but in a given situation, would they? Would they stay and guard their master, or would they escape at their first opportunity? Most would choose the latter, feeling no emotional connection or loyalty towards their Master. But a female, she could be taught loyalty.

I believed if I took the time and patience to tame her myself that she would grow fond of me, despite her being captive, that she would become loyal to none but me. The situation would not matter to her. In her mind, I would be hers to protect.

It would not be "appropriate" at first in the eyes of others. People might doubt me, but I think with enough convincing they would realize just how powerful I was.

"The wolves, they aren't stable," Tamer tried, finally racking up a pitiful excuse. I just waved him off.

"Take me there now while I still have nothing on my schedule. I want a look at the wolves," I instructed, and his mouth opened to produce another excuse, but nothing spewed out. So I followed Tamer, who tried several weak attempts at convincing me not to go.

We were now in front of the room used for training the guards' wolves. Tamer started digging in his pocket before his shaky hand finally produced a key.

"Move aside," I said, growing tired of his reluctance. I snatched the key from his hand before hearing a click as I unlocked the steel door.

The first thing I noticed was the horrid stench. I stood there, almost backing out because of it. But the sudden, eerie wails cause me to take a step forward.

"It's the only way to break them, Prince. If I let them be, they'll tear apart the guards!" Tamer exclaimed right before my eyes found the wolves.

"That-" I started lowly as my voice trembled with rage and disgust. I pointed to the small cages that housed too many wolves "-isn't the way to do it."

Tamer just looked down, not saying anything for once, not defending himself. I nodded my head slightly and two guards came forward, dragging Tamer and his empty excuses off.

"I assume he has an apprentice, yes?" I asked, looking towards a guard who nodded. "Inform him of his new position as the Head Trainer." I finished before stepping closer and kneeling down for a better look at the wolves.

The showing of their ribs and malnutrition could be fixed with regular meals and great care. But what could not be fixed, what I was afraid of, was the look in their eyes.

They were fearful, haunted, their eyes darting away from my own as soon as they met. All except one pair.

Those thick hazel eyes met mine head on, unyielding. They were emotionless except for the heavy weight of their tiredness hidden carefully in the irises. They kept staring back, unblinking.

"This wolf," I spoke, a guard stepping to my side right away. I pointed at the hazel-eyed wolf, continuing. "Is this wolf male or female?"

"Female, Prince," The guard remarked, and I looked up just in time to see a smile on his face. He quickly wiped it off, stammering in his rush to explain himself.

"I just remember bringing her in; that's all. She bit another guard, took his finger right off. She wouldn't let go until I almost choked the daylights out of her," he explained, bowing his head.

I glanced back at her to find her eyes holding a hint of satisfaction, making me smile briefly.

"Take her out of this cage," I commanded as I stepped back. The guards nodded, motioning to one another before five guards stepped towards the cage.

They started by restraining the other two wolves held captive in the cage, three guards remaining free. Those two wolves did not fight back; they only slumped against their cage in defeated silence.

The guards started to approach her, and she still remained unblinking. She just continued staring at them. But as one leaned into the cage, she raised her hackles and let out a low growl.

The guard hesitated at the sound, the chain leash dangling in his hand. Her eyes flickered to it before she snarled at him and jumped.

Within seconds, she had her wide jaws around his neck. The guards were yelling at each other, trying to control the chaos while a few of the caged wolves gave victorious howls.

"Enough!" I snapped, and the chaotic noise turned into obeying silence. Her hazel eyes were on me, waiting for my next move, but she had stopped growling.

"No one is going to hurt you, not anymore," I said, truth ringing in my voice. I wanted her to be mine, and if she was going to be by my side, she would never suffer through another beating again.

She did not move, but I swore her jaws tightened by the guard's yelp. She was teasing me.

I narrowed my eyes, but other than that I continued observing her, waiting for my golden chance.

She did not look like "standard" wolves. In fact, she was quite the opposite. It was common for the wolves to have dark, thick fur. Yet, her fur was light, a pure white color underneath the mangled, dirty stains. Once I cleaned her up, I was certain she would be beautiful.

We stood there, both silent until I finally broke it by sighing. "Let go of the guard, now," I said, trying firmness. Little did I know she did not react well to commands.

Her own eyes narrowed as her jaws unwrapped themselves from the guard's neck. I hid my smirk, pleased she had listened to her new Master.

That was when she decided to lunge herself at me.

*FOR NEW READERS I keep getting messages asking me where you can find the full version. There is nowhere that you can find it yet, BUT right now (8/19/16) you have the ability to read the full version! I'll be posting a chapter a day (two if it's in both Kendall and Snowflake's POV) until te full version is up. Once it's up, I'll keep it up for a while before removing it again. So enjoy while you can and thank you for reading <3