Page 129 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

“Half an hour ago, you called her Rapunzel,” Harmony teases.

“My mate can be any princess she wants,” he exclaims. “She will still own my heart.” He looks at my parents adoringly. “Thank you for bringing such a wonderful person into the world.”

I don’t know if I should cringe at his words or find him hilarious. I’m not sure how he does it, but Eric can get away with saying just about anything. Anyone else would sound way too cheesy or embarrassing, but Eric… apparently, can’t help but be charming and alluring. It’s a talent.

In my mind, I can feel that Ailia is head over heels for his wolf already. His wolf’s name is Caius, and it seems they are constantly linking each other already.

He’s a good man, Valerie,Ailia chirps. I have never heard her so happy and carefree.Strong and sincere, and funny. He will make us laugh every day.

I’m relieved she’s so enamored. My wolf’s approval means more to me than anyone else’s. We both need to like our mate.

Dad is left speechless, but my mom recovered fast. She smiles brightly and winks at me. “It seems like your life won’t be boring anymore.”

I can’t help but return her smile, grinning like an idiot. She’s right. I can’t believe how drastically everything has changed for me. I should feel traumatized by everything that’s happened, and maybe it will all come crashing down on me eventually, but… I’m here now, free and healthy… well, aside from some minor injuries… and I have my friends, my family, and now my mate. And I have these awesome gifts. I’m truly blessed.

I’m so blessed. And so thankful for everything. I’ll make sure to cherish it all.

Eric’s beta approaches us. I’ve only seen him briefly up until now, but we haven’t been introduced to each other yet. “This is my beta, Emilien,” Eric announces to the room, but looks at me in particular.

Emilien smiles warmly at me. “Lady Valerie, I’m overjoyed to make your acquaintance.”

Did he really just lady me? “Likewise, Beta Emilien,” I stutter.

He turns to Eric. “Prince Eric…” his voice trails off, but he smiles warmly. He seems to mind-link him.

Eric squeezes his shoulder. “Thank you, my friend.”

Mom and Dad exchange a look. “Prince?” Dad mutters.

To my relief, Celine steps in to explain. “Valerie’s mate is Eric Félin, a prince of the Royal Council.”

Mom looks at me in surprise. “The Council? An actual prince… and a lycan.”

“He’s Alpha Elden’s nephew and Alpha Liam’s cousin,” Celine explains further.

Now I’m also surprised.I didn’t know that. Well, technically, I’ve only known Eric for… an hour or something. But still… “Emilien, the twins Elodie and Elise, and I are not part of a pack,” Eric explains. “We belong to the Council. You could call it the royal pack, but it’s not quite the same as a pack. Emilien is my beta because it’s easier to grasp his position then and to know his high rank, but in reality, he’s actually my first advisor in political issues.”

“It makes sense that you and Valerie were mated to each other,” Harmony muses.

“Yes, Val’s gifts are strong, almost too strong to belong to one pack. And the Council is a very important measure of protection for you, Val,” Celine nods.

“Now, now,” Eric intervenes, “This is a discussion best left for another time and place. For now, I’d really like to take my beautiful mate to the infirmary for a full check-up, as she so blatantly refused earlier.” He bows to me and reaches out his hand. “May I, darling?”

I’m not sure how to react, mainly because being the center of attention always embarrasses me. To save myself from more teasing comments I grasp Eric’s hand and let him lead me outside. He looks me over with a worried glance. “Your arm, Princess; why are you hiding it?”

I’m surprised he caught on. I have been careful to hide my hurt arm, wanting to avoid any more drama and worry. The plan was to talk to my parents and then go to the infirmary… secretly.

“Show me, please,” he says softly.

I lift my sweater, revealing my arm to him. During the last couple of days, it’s managed to heal a little, especially with the herbs Luca used to reduce the swelling and with his skill at bandaging it over and over again. There is a flash of anger in Eric’s eyes as he carefully examines my arm. “Who did this?”

“Luca’s brother,” I explain. “He’s dead, Eric.”

Eric sighs. “Come, let’s get you checked over.” He puts his arm around me and pulls me closer. “I’m sorry you went through all of this,” he whispers into my hair.

I can feel my eyes filling with tears. Great, five minutes ago, I was boasting about how I don’t feel traumatized, and now…

The whole time I was abducted, I clung to every ounce of strength I had, not wanting to show any weakness, but now it’s beginning to hit me. The fear, the anger, the horror of what I saw there.