Chapter 1: Wolf in a handsome disguise...

Shortly after Karl and Rupert returned to Brightwood Angelia went to see her daughter, she alerted her medical team just to let them know she's going to the castle in case her water breaks. Logan decided to travel to Brightwall rather than using a carriage he travelled on foot using the opportunity to keep his skills sharp. As he walked through Mistpeak he defended himself against a few packs of wolves and a couple of bandits ("hardly a problem now I've got a better pistol, that shooting range needed to be more challenging"). A few weeks ago Logan, curious of his sister's travels, explored most of Albion and on his travels he came across the bandit camp. Fortunately Saker and his crew were on more approachable terms thanks to his sister and in the camp was a shooting range. With his own training and additional training from his mother and father, Logan easily obtained a high score winning a rare powerful pistol the Black Dragon.

Clearing the trees coming into the opening near the small lake, he splashed the water over his boots to remove any mud or blood. As he started his ascent up to Brightwall he spotted someone stumbling out of one of the chillbreath caves, thinking it might be a bandit Logan readied his pistol. It wasn't until he got nearer that he saw it was a young man looking a little lost and confused, he cautiously approached the man.

"Are you alright?"

"AH! Oh… you're talking to me? *sigh* yes I'm ok thank you stranger"

"Are you sure? Your clothes are covering in mud and… blood"

"Hm? Oh psh I stumbled into this cave, couldn't find a way out had to spend the night in there. A couple of wolves tried to get me but I managed"

Logan frowned at the man, he was a curious one, usually most villagers would scream and run around in the presence of danger maybe a feeble attempt at kicking the perp but nothing as survival as killing two adult wolves.

"Hmm… as long as you're sure. Do you need a guide to take you home?"

"You offering?"

"Well I'm on my way to Brightwall and-"

"Oh! That's where I'm from, sure I'll follow you"

The young man practically skipped over to Logan standing by his side with a sweet sincere smile ("I never noticed just how attractive he is, knowing my luck he probably has a wife back at Brightwall"). Besides the dirty clothes the man seemed to have some wealth judging by his outfit, he wasn't clad in some outrageous bright nobleman outfit but he wasn't in beggars clothes either. He wore dark blue trousers tucked into just below the knee brown boots, a white shirt that had frilly cuffs hidden under a darker blue knee-length jacket. As they started walking to Brightwall Logan stole a few more glances at the man admiring his thick black hair it was shorter than Logan's but not as short as his father's it's somewhere in the middle but it suited this man. He noticed when the man smiled the eye contact they shared Logan used it as an opportunity to admire the colour of his eyes, a deep sea blue.

"So what's your name stranger? Do you make a habit of finding lost souls in the woods and returning them to their homes?"

"Haha no, I was just in the neighbourhood"

"And a friendly neighbourhood it is haha"

"Yes indeed, my name is Logan Bloodstone"

The man's eyes widened in shock and realisation, he stopped dead in his tracks making Logan suddenly stop walking back over to the man.

"Your… You're Logan? The Logan, our prince?"

"I don't think anyone has ever said 'the Logan' haha but yes. Though now I'm more a business entrepreneur"

"Oh I see… I'm Alberto Valencia"

Alberto held out his hand waiting to shake Logan's, as Logan reached out and grasped Alberto's hand in a firm handshake there was a fleeting second of energy that passed between them though neither would say anything.

"So let me see if I've got this straight… You're prince Logan, your sister is our queen Hannah, your mother was the old hero queen and your father..?"

"Yeah word travels fast but obviously doesn't reach everyone. Hannah-Rose is my sister's full name, my mother is Angelia and yes she was the old hero queen, my father is Reaver"

"Reaver!?"

"Yes Cartwright, the old king, stole me and my sister when we were young"

"Sounds like there's a story there"

"Oh yes a long one"

"Well then how about when we get to Brightwall we enjoy a pint at the pub and you tell me all about it Logan"

"I'd like that Alberto"

Soon the two men made it to Brightwall as they crossed the bridge the sun was starting to set, they walked upstairs to the overlook tables in the pub. Logan ordered them two ales then told Alberto everything about him; the memory wipe, the lies from the king, his mother's welfare, his true father, his sisters revolution, the darkness. He did wonder if he is prattling on but Alberto didn't look bored or unimpressed he was thoroughly engaged in Logan's tales hanging onto his every word. After their 3rd ale Alberto told Logan about his life, it wasn't as fancy or dramatic but it was his life.

"So after I was left a handsome inheritance from my father I left Knothold Island and moved here to Brightwall about… Oh 6 yrs ago give or take"

"How do you keep the money going then, if you don't mind me asking"

"Well I'm no prince *wink* but I do work as a buy and sell. I buy rare or hard to obtain foods/drinks/objects then sell them to whomever offers the best price"

"You sound like my dad, although his style is more to threaten the person at gunpoint until they provide a better price"

"Yes, I've heard stories of Reaver. The pirate king turned businessman"

"Who fell in love"

"Come again?"

"Heh the bit that's left out of the stories, when my dad was the ruthless pirate king he met a young adventurer seeking heroes to end Lucien Fairfax and his madness"

"That was your mum and dad?"

"Precisely, she freely admits at the start when they met she hated him but after Lucien's downfall they saw each other differently going out on exotic adventures eventually falling for each other"

"Aaw that's so sweet, who knew under that suave cold ruthless exterior beats the heart of a man who just simply missed his woman"

"Precisely, err word to the wise. My dad will kill me if he found out I said that so let's keep it to ourselves"

"Whatever you say, Logan"

As Logan warned Alberto to keep this story to himself he put his hand on the table towards Alberto to emphasize his point. What he didn't expect was when Alberto responded he placed his hand over Logan's. The prince hitched his breath as his hand rested underneath Alberto's, they just looked at each other for another minute before the barmaid came upstairs asking if they want another drink. Before she saw their hands Logan went bright red doing a fake cough slipping his hand away, Alberto just smirked at the flustered prince. Alberto shook his head at the barmaid as he came to a stand, he waited for the barmaid to walk off before addressing Logan.

"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you there"

"No, no you didn't I just… I'm not-"

"You don't have to explain yourself if you're not that way inclined I understand I get the wrong end of the stick sometimes"

"No! I am… I mean *sigh* I am that way inclined but I'm not sure of my behaviour. I've not had a proper relationship in that way before"

"You asking me out? *wink*"

"I ugh… I suppose I am *smirks*"

Alberto walked around the table tilting his head to the side indicating to follow, Logan followed Alberto outside walking down the stone steps. It was nightfall now everyone is in their homes asleep except a few stray drunks still in the pub, even the guard had moved off for the night.

When they reached the bottom of the steps Alberto had a look around, please to not see anyone, he grabbed Logan by the arm dragging him around the back of the pub up the hill near the demon door. He pushed Logan against the stonewall capturing his mouth against Logan's. The sudden intrusion caught Logan off guard but it also excited him, when his back hit the wall and Alberto kissed him so feverently it made his erection spring to life pulling tightly in his trousers. They both moaned into the kiss as Logan opened his mouth allowing Alberto entry as his tongue snaked into his mouth sliding their tongues against each others. Eventually they broke the kiss as they both panted heavily feeling a little light headed from the alcohol.

"Now for someone for says he's not had a proper relationship before *kisses softly* You sure know what you're doing *wink*"

Logan didn't say a word his face was flush his breath caught in his chest as he tried to steady his rampant heartbeat, his eyes showed Alberto just how aroused he really was it made his knees go weak.

"*clears throat* Logan, if you do want to give 'this' a go then I'm for it. Court me and I'll show you a better version of yourself"

"Heh, you're that confident?"

Alberto lunged for Logan again kissing him passionately sliding his tongue against Logan's smirking into the kiss as he heard Logan moan hard, he broke the kiss giving him a peck on the cheek.

"Yes, I'm that confident. Hm how about we do our first date tomorrow?"

"Hmm ok I was going to go to the academy to study more on heroes and my family"

"We can still do that, anything's a date so long as we spend time together… and who knows…"

Alberto leaned closer to whisper in Logan's ear he nipped his earlobe to tease him.

"*whispers* Maybe we'll make our own story up against the bookshelves, I'll leave you with that thought for tonight"

Logan moved his head to kiss Alberto again relishing in the heady feeling it gives him.

"Oh I'll be thinking of you tonight, don't you worry about that"

"Splendid, I'll see you tomorrow Logan"

"See you tomorrow Alberto"

Alberto stepped back giving Logan a wink before walking off towards his house, it was the house next to the chicken races. After Alberto disappeared Logan did an uncomfortable walk to one of Hannah-Rose's houses, she didn't rent them all out in case she needed a place to stay. This one was opposite the academy. What Logan didn't see was Alberto watching him disappear into the house after he saw Logan go into the house Alberto went inside his home. He walked upstairs looking at himself in the mirror ("I need to be careful here, gods I think Logan is fantastic someone I might truly share a life with but will he accept all of me"). Stepping back opening out his arms Alberto let his other side come out, he transformed into a balverine. He walked up to the mirror snarling at his reflection closing his eyes he breathed in, by the time he breathed out he was in his human form again.

"If only you knew my curse Logan, I wish I could tell you but I'm afraid if I do then I'd lose you forever"

Alberto dimmed his lights getting dressed in his pj's curling up in bed, as he rolled over he looked out the window admiring the moon with a playful smile he went to sleep dreaming of a better life, one with Logan in it.

Chapter 2: My first date?

Logan was fast asleep in his bed in the house opposite Brightwall Academy, his dreams playing out all kinds of fantasies all including his latest crush Alberto. One particular dream stuck out more so than the rest Logan focused on the dream letting himself fully experience it.

The prince of Albion looked around seeing himself in an empty space of Mistpeak mountains, the air was not it's usual coldness it was actually warm. The water of the shallow lake was cool but it was refreshing with the warmth in the air. He didn't have any of his weapons on him but he was wearing his industrial outfit, getting too hot he took off his coat and gloves throwing them into a pile on the grass. He eventually got too hot taking off his boots and socks throwing them to the pile stepping into the water enjoying the cool water not caring that the bottom of his trousers were getting soaked.

"I wonder why there is no enemies around here?"

"That's because I killed them all…"

Logan whipped his head around to see Alberto standing by a nearby tree leaning against it with his arms folded admiring Logan smirking at the prince. The thought of Alberto killing everyone in the area didn't seem to bother Logan he merely checked out Alberto before smirking himself.

"The water's fine, why don't you join me?"

"Heh if you insist..."

As Alberto moved away from the tree he slowly undressed himself as he got closer to the lake making Logan swallow the lump in his throat. His eyes greedily eyed any naked skin Alberto exposed as he got closer. When Alberto approached the water's edge he was only in his underwear making Logan very hot under his clothes his face turning a deeper shade of red. What he didn't expect was Alberto dropping his underwear to his ankles kicking them off revealing his throbbing hard erection. A choked gasp of excitement escaped Logan's lips as he eyed the stiff member. Alberto stepped into the cool water smirking as he grabbed Logan's hand guiding it towards his erection, when Logan touched the soft skin of Alberto's erection he moaned deeply.

"You look hot my sweet prince *growls* let me fix that *wink*"

With Logan playing with his hard member Alberto undressed Logan only pulling him away briefly to take off his shirt and waistcoat tossing them to the grassy clothes pile on the shore. With only his trousers left Alberto grabbed Logan picking him up wrapping his legs around his waist, he moved to the shore lying him down on the soft warm sand and grass loosening his belt pulling his trousers off tossing them aside. Before he moved to stand again he hooked his fingers in the band of Logan's underwear biting his lip Logan nodded as Alberto yanked his underwear down tossing that aside too.

"Oh yes, Logan… you have no idea how gorgeous you are to me"

"Mmm then show me"

Alberto didn't need telling twice he scooped up Logan picking him up as he waded deeper into the lake. When it reached his waist height he threw Logan in earning a startled yelp from the prince he swam to the surface sputtering out any water wiping it away from his face.

"What was that for!?"

"Now, now let me make it up to you"

The water wasn't at its deepest that required swimming but it was up to their waists, Alberto pushed Logan back guiding him backwards until his back hit a stone cliff wall. With a wink Alberto dropped to his knees disappearing under the water Logan was about to question what he was doing but then Alberto took Logan's erection in his mouth with the cool water surrounding them it made Logan moan deeply as he threw his head back. Alberto kept sucking until he needed to come up for air, as he did he kissed his way up Logan's body relishing when the prince shivered under his cool wet lips. When they were face to face Logan wrapped his arms around Alberto's neck plunging his tongue into his mouth. Alberto rammed Logan back harder against the cliff making Logan moan into the kiss, his erection pulsating for more. Soon Alberto broke the kiss looking into Logan's begging eyes.

"Do you want me?"

"Oh gods yes!"

Smirking at his prince Alberto grabbed Logan's thighs wrapping his legs around his waist as he lined himself up. A silent look of approval passed between the two as Alberto pushed into Logan making the prince moan hard throwing his head back exposing his neck to his lover. Taking the invitation Alberto attacked Logan's neck biting and nipping down to his shoulder and back up again. Logan felt so many new things it was maddening but pleasurable, as his orgasm built up he was about to warn his love.

"Oh for fuck sake!"

Logan launched his pillow across the bedroom in frustration his dream was reaching its climax and he woke up because the sun seeped through the curtains waking him up. He laid in bed for a little longer contemplating whether or not to go back to sleep but judging from the suns position it was time to get up. Grumbling to himself Logan dragged himself out of bed rubbing his sleepy eyes opening the curtains looking out the window, he saw the town crier who announced the shops were now opening. With a huff of annoyance Logan moved to the bathroom washing himself then got dressed heading downstairs making himself a cup of tea and breakfast. Being a prince who grew up solely in the castle many would think Logan has no life skills but he was always a good listener he'd watch how the staff worked sometimes going to the kitchen as a child watching the chef work seeing how he cooked. Obviously the staff couldn't say anything as he was the prince so they let him watch.

By the time Logan finished his breakfast and tea he looked out the window again spotting Alberto heading into the academy. He smiled as he grabbed his coat heading out the door, when he turned to lock the front door he turned back to a few villagers making comments. Logan ignored them as he adjusted his lapel of his coat heading to the academy.

"Isn't that prince Logan? What's he doing here?"

"Ssh not so loud that's Reaver's son"

"He's a businessman like Reaver maybe he's thinking of building some factories here?"

Logan opened the grand wooden doors marvelling at the vast amount of books in this place, he was so proud his mother built and funded this place. He walked through the short corridor going past the clerk desk but Samuel spotted him lifting his head from a book he was reading when he heard the door.

"Oh if it isn't the prince of Albion himself, how are you prince Logan"

"Just Logan is fine Samuel. I'm fine thank you"

"How is your sister, our wonderful queen.. And of course your mother and er ahem father"

"Hannah is fine thanks just busy planning her wedding. Mum is great almost ready to burst she's on her last month of her pregnancy, and dad is fine his usual self"

"That's wonderful news Logan, now what can I do for you? A book your interested in?"

"Well yes and no. I am here to read more on the heroes but I'm also looking for someone"

"Oh? Who if they're from Brightwall I might have seen them"

"Alberto Valencia?"

"Ah yes, curious lad but anyway yes he came in not too long ago. I believe he went that way"

"Thank you Samuel"

Logan moved past the desks going to the left walking between the different library rooms looking at the desks seeing who else was here. A few people were too engrossed in their reading to notice Logan but some stopped reading to gasp, eventually Logan spotted Alberto reaching for a book on a higher shelf. He was in a room with no other people a bit out of the way, using it as an opportunity to tease Logan spotted the ladder on wheels that's attached to the book shelves on runners so you can grab books from higher shelves. Logan climbed the ladder midway then used his foot to push him along sliding the ladder across stopping nearby Alberto pulling out the book passing it to Alberto.

"Oh why thank you- wait Logan!?"

Logan smirked at Alberto looking down at him from the ladder, he took a few steps down stopping on the last step still a little higher than Alberto.

"The one and only"

"Uh huh, if you wanted to look down at me you only needed to ask *wink*"

Alberto reached out stroking one of Logan's legs giving him a wink as he walked past going to sit at a desk. Logan cleared his throat as he felt himself turned a shade of pink, hopping off the ladder he sat next to Alberto intrigued in the book he's grabbed but he moved it away from the prince.

"Hey, don't want me reading over your shoulder?"

"No, go get your own *smirks*"

"As prince of Albion I demand you share that book Alberto Valencia"

"Ooh throw of power? Now you do surprise me, what happens if I say no?"

"Do you want to find out?"

"Ooh yes…" Alberto kept the book away from Logan but leaned closer to him their faces inches apart. "...I do want to find out, Logan"

They remained dead still as Alberto flirted shamelessly with Logan, it only been a few minutes of being with each other and they just couldn't help themselves. Soon Alberto breathed in backing away from Logan rolling his eyes as he scooted further away going back to reading his book ignoring Logan.

"Did you just roll your eyes at me?"

"Did I? Tsk how bad of me- Mph!"

Logan pushed the book out of Alberto's hands as he lunged for him kissing him passionately. It was very risky as Logan's parents don't even know of his orientation and anyone could walk in but that just made it all the more exciting for Logan. It also egged him on that Alberto was practically a stranger to him, he's only known him for a day yet they both exchanged their life stories and shared a passionate embrace last night. If his dream this morning was anything to go by Logan had it bad for Alberto, like he was his guilty pleasure.

Alberto opened his mouth snaking his tongue out forcing entry into Logan's mouth shivering with arousal when Logan let him in caressing their tongues together. He soon broke the kiss giving Logan a seductive smile that made Logan feel weak his eyes begging for more. Alberto stood up yanking Logan to his feet he moved him back until his back hit a nearby bookshelf, he grabbed Logan by the thighs wrapping his legs around his waist as he nipped down his neck. Logan struggled to keep quiet his erection throbbed hard in the confines of his underwear but the friction against Alberto's crouch was helping, teasing, tempting, coaxing him on.

Alberto too was losing himself in the moment part of him was changing, the animalistic side coming out. His nails sharpened to points as his claws were coming forth, his teeth sharpened even his seductive growl it sounded deeper with more bass like an animal. Of course Logan didn't noticed too lost in the moment himself, when Alberto grabbed Logan's wrists pinning him against the bookshelf as he nibbled on his neck dragging his tongue up then back down sucking on the wet flesh it made Logan moan louder than he could contain.

"Mmm *growls* Ssh my sweet Logan, you'll alert others"

"I can't help it when you're making me feel like this"

Logan wasn't looking at Alberto his head was still thrown back as he gyrated against his lover enjoying the friction it provided. Alberto noticed his fingers turning more claw like he took a deep breath calming his animalistic lust but before he changed completely back to his human self he did bite Logan, not hard to harm him but enough to make him bleed. The metallic taste of blood awakened Alberto's blood-lust he was losing himself to his balverine self, his erection throbbed hard in his underwear desperate to be buried in his lover. When Logan felt something sharp bite him he released a startled gasp followed by a deep moan his penis twitched eagerly. Alberto felt shameful for doing that, Logan had no idea he was just bitten by a balverine but luckily contrary to what everyone thinks that's not how you are converted. Before it got out of hand Alberto calmed himself down luckily he heard footsteps he put Logan down giving him a quick kiss moving back to the desk pretending to read his book.

Logan heard the footsteps too he quickly moved to the seat next to Alberto picking up a random book on the desk. He opened the book pretending to read peering over the book seeing Samuel peer into the room seeing Logan he waved then walked off back to his desk, Logan put down the book sighing in relief leaning his head back. Alberto put down his book then spotted his bite, his eyes widened he passed a handkerchief to Logan moving his hand to his neck dabbing the blood.

"Sorry, looks like I got carried away"

"Don't be, I wasn't complaining at the time"

"Hmm so the prince likes it a little rough, I'll remember that"

Logan spotted a bit of his blood on Alberto's lip he moved the cloth to his lips carefully wiping off the blood. Alberto snatched his wrist holding it there before smirking giving him bedroom eyes then he cleared his throat going back to his book. Doing a cough Logan calmed the blush creeping over him as he handed the bloodied cloth back to Alberto but then decided to snatch the book away from Alberto.

"Hey I was reading that!"

"*pokes tongue out* Oh ssh, guide to Balverines? What's so fascinating about balverines?"

("If you only knew") "Lot's, you know they are people who were converted?"

"Yeah"

"Well there's more to it than that, some can control their transformation going back to their human forms rather than permanently being a balverine"

"You're really interested in this aren't you?"

"Yeah, why? Not interested in me if I read about balverines?"

"No, no just nice to know what you like to read"

Logan smiled sweetly at Alberto which made him blush for a change which made Logan smirk.

"So what about becoming a balverine? It's a bite from one?"

"Actually not entirely. If you are bitten or scratched you can become a balverine but only on a full moon night something activates inside a balverine making their claws and teeth have this soft feel which is a chemical that causes the transformation"

"Hm handy to know. So no hunting balverines on full moon nights"

"Hm yes indeed"

Alberto felt a pinch of sadness when Logan made a joke about hunting balverines, what if that became a factor and he was in his beast self. Would Logan know it's him? Or would he kill him without question? Alberto kept up the facade enjoying the rest of his date with Logan before a messenger told Logan about his mother giving birth to a healthy baby boy.

"Looks like I have a brother now"

"Congratulations Logan, do you want to head to Millfield's to see your mother?"

"Yeah I better do, make sure she and dad are ok. But I enjoyed our date *wink*"

"Heh me too, we'll do this again definitely. Just don't forget to cover that"

"Hm? *feels bite* oh that, hmm you raise a good point"

Logan gave Alberto a hug telling him he'll be in touch soon as he raised the lapel of his coat higher to conceal the bite. He waved goodbye as he left Brightwall heading for Millfield's to see his baby brother. Alberto remained in the academy a little longer before heading home filled with conflict.