Page 104 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

My heart picks up pace. Goddess, don’t let it be because Marius is… no, I would feel it. Our mate bond might have been weakened, and I might not feel much of his pain through our bond, but I would still feel it if he crossed over into death. Wouldn’t I?

“Anything I can do to help, Alpha?” Elias—fortunately—interrupts my thoughts.

“Yes, take Garret with you and dig through all the city archives for that photo, or rather, for the people in it. This is not an amateur photo… a professional photographer took it. I know this is a stretch, but she might be his daughter, or maybe a niece or other family member. If our assumptions are correct, and if someone close to him is sick, there might be information in local hospitals we can use. Use all our contacts. And go back ten years in time during your research!”

Elias nods, not even commenting on how much work it’s going to be to comb through so many hospital files of underage girls with diseases or fatal accidents.

I turn to my beta. “Harmony, I need you to contact a professional about this, someone who knows and deals in photography. We need to know the date and where this photograph might have been taken. Then we might be able to dig up the photographer.”

Harmony nods. I have Elias snap a picture of the pendant and the photo inside before gingerly removing the photograph for Harmony to have with her. “Make sure you don’t lose it.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

I originally planned to head back to Moon Blood and talk to Jade and Desmona in person, but Elden approaches me wearing a serious look. “Liam said that Marius’ condition is critical. He is in a coma. The silver has spread throughout his body. He has received the antidote for the wolfsbane, but his wolf is weak and is struggling to heal him.” He pauses, turning towards the rest of the group. “Aryanna, you and Dante need to go back immediately. You need to make sure the pack runs smoothly while Liam tries to save Marius.”

“How does Liam want to do that?” I ask breathlessly, my anxiety growing again. “Save Marius?”

“Liam’s wolf, Fenris, and my wolf, Regis, they are very strong. Liam is my firstborn, and ruling over a pack is his birthright. This is why he is much more powerful than his siblings. Both of us have trained to connect with our wolves and control their powers. Just like you, Liam has rare gifts.”

“He can tell if someone lies or tells the truth,” I point out.

“Yes, that’s one of his gifts. But he and I… we can also connect with pack members in a special way. We can reach out to their wolves and… guide them.”

I blink at him. “Wait… what…?”

“That’s how I helped Valerie connect with her wolf,” Elden points out. “He wants to try it with Marius now, although it’s difficult when a wolf is this weakened. He wants to guide him back into Marius’ consciousness, at least partly. Enough to get Marius through the worst.”

I feel hope rising in me. “Do you think it will work?”

“Celine.” Elden looks at me, a plea in his eyes. For the first time, he allows himself to show weakness in front of me. He takes my hand in his. “I know my son was cruel to you, and I don’t know the extent of what he has done to hurt you. I won’t ask you to forgive him, and I won’t ask you to accept him back as your mate… but…”

“What can I do?” I look at him firmly. “I will never let any of you down.”

He smiles his relief, and I notice Aurelia looking at me thankfully too. “You just need to be there with Marius, so that his wolf can feel your presence.”

“That’s all?” I blink. “Of course I can do that. I’ll go back with Aryanna now. Just the pendant…”

“I will take it to your great-grandmother,” Elden promises. “Aurelia and I will accompany Jazz back to Moon Blood and talk to the witches there. I will also ask Flora to use some of her powers to possibly find some hints.”

I smile genuinely at him. “Thank you.”

“No,” he shakes his head. “Thankyou!”

Odyssey

*VALERIE*

I’mwokenupbya throbbing pain coming from the back of my head. It’s like someone’s hit me too hard during training. Opening my eyes slowly to avoid any dizziness, I can just make out my surroundings in this dimly lit room. Unlike the last time I was abducted, I don’t feel the need to panic instantly… I feel scared, but I feel like I’m still in control of my emotions.

I’m mostly just pissed. Like… Hello, I’m Valerie. Welcome to my second kidnapping this year. Nice to meet you!

It’s not a freaking competition, Val! I’m not trying to get into The Guinness Book of Records for the most kidnappings in a six-month period.

Apparently, I never learn.

At least you’re being sarcastic,Ailia chimes in.

I can’t believe it. As soon as I’m out of here, I’m gonna up my training so no one will ever kidnap me again!I grumble.