Page 155 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

“She’s right,” Eric chimes in. “Everyone, please drop the titles.”

Everyone agrees to drop the formalities just as Betty calls us to the dinner table. Dinner is pleasant and informal, and it’s nice to see Dan and my father look so relaxed and happy. As beta and alpha, they both went through some tough times together. Betty is mostly smiling too, but occasionally I can see her smile waver as she looks over at her daughter. She’s not sad per se, but I assume it’s not easy letting go of a child.

As the meal draws to an end, Eric’s posture changes slightly in his seat, drawing our attention to him. He puts his arm around Valerie’s shoulder and looks directly at me. “Celine, Valerie and I have something to tell you.”

Eric turns his attention to Val, who nods and throws him a loving gaze. They are both so obviously smitten with each other. I’m surprised when Val starts speaking instead of Eric. “I wanted to tell you myself. Dad and Mom already know. I… I’ll be going to Paris with Eric.”

I nod and smile. “I had a feeling you would say that.”

“Really?” She looks relieved.

“Yes, Eric is a prince of the Council. The Council will be a wonderful opportunity for you to grow and strengthen your gift,” I say.

Harmony nods in agreement. “That’s fantastic news, Valerie!”

“I’ll also be studying medicine,” she explains, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Eric and I already looked at some universities. There is an international one that teaches in English, but I’ll obviously want to learn French too.”

Eric takes her hand into his, and beams at her. “And Valerie will be training with some of the mentors of the Council. Uncle Elden already spoke with a few of his most trusted friends, and they will make sure to take Valerie under their wings.”

“It feels a bit weird,” Val admits. “I’m so sad to be leaving this place behind, but I’m also looking forward to all the new challenges.”

“Honey,” Betty pulls her daughter into her arms. “We will visit you as often as possible, and we expect you to visit us too. We just want you to be happy. And as hard as it is to let you go, your father and I are so happy you are going to spread your wings.”

Dan nods. “You’ve always been a light in our life. Even though you were often sick as a child, you always had a kind word for everyone, and always gave us your smile. After what happened with Lauren, you were our pillar of support. We are so very proud of the person you have become.”

Eric smiles warmly at their words. “Please do visit us regularly. You know that my mother died long ago, and I’m grateful to finally have a family again.”

Dan and Betty nod at him. “You will treat her well, won’t you?” Dan asks.

“Of course,” Eric beams. “She’s my princess, after all.”

“How long until you leave?” I ask.

“Three weeks,” Eric explains. “I’ve extended my stay a bit longer for Valerie to say her goodbyes. Then we will travel to Spain for a few days. I have a meeting there, and Val’s agreed to accompany me. In the future, I’m hoping Val would not only join me on these trips as my mate, but I want her to become an active participant in my meetings too.”

Val flushes a bit. “I’m kinda nervous about that.”

“I don’t know much about the Council,” I tell her, “But Liam and Elden mentioned that Lycans are far less patriarchal than werewolf clans. I’d think they would be very interested to have you participate, especially considering your gift.”

“I told you,” Eric nudges her playfully. “Besides, Elodie and Elise will be there too. I bet you will become fast friends.”

“Friends with the double trouble?” Harmony grins. “Annie said that’s what you and your Beta call them.”

“I can’t deny that,” Eric chuckles. “After the meeting, we will stay a few days to see Barcelona, and then it’s back to Paris and into our new reality. Also, I think Uncle Elden is slowly wrapping his head around the idea of taking over the throne. He just wants to make sure his pack has a successor first.”

“So, your trip really was successful,” Harmony grins.

Eric smirks. “I’m one lucky man, aren’t I?” he looks adoringly at his mate. “But finding Valerie was the best part.”

Later that evening, when the group moves into the living room for drinks, I catch Valerie eyeing me.Can we talk?She links me.In private?

I nod, curious about what she wants to tell me. We tell the others we’re heading out for some fresh air—they barely notice we’re stepping out anyway. Only Eric looks knowingly at us and nods to Val encouragingly. My curiosity grows. “Alpha,” Valerie starts once we’re outside. “I… there is something I want to tell you. I think you should know.”

“What do I need to know?” I ask, worried.

“Lauren wrote to me.”

I stare at her. I don’t know what I’d expected, but certainly not that. “She did?” I ask, not sure how to react. Suddenly, I wonder how it will be if Marius and I work things out… will he be the pack’s luna then? Will he know how to deal with these awkward conversations?