Page 169 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

“As representatives of the Council, I would like to send the twins, Elise and Elodie,” Eric says, adding to the conversation. I didn’t expect him to take this so seriously. But it seems I have always underestimated him. When it’s about work, he is deadly serious. “I will ask them beforehand if they are up for it, but I think they will be.”

My dad nods, leaning back. “I wonder who else we should send?”

“How about Finn?” I ask. Liam and my father look at me. I shrug. “Finn is desperately searching for his mate right now, and he needs to take a break. Why not send him? It might take his mind off not finding her yet, and at the same time, take him to a part of a country he’s never been to before.”

Dad nods. “That’s not a bad idea. I was actually wondering whether to send Aurelia or Finn. But Aurelia loves it here at Silverlake. She enjoys being involved in pack business and training with the elite warriors. Plus, she’s about to start college soon and I would like to step up her training and involve her more in pack matters while she’s at college. As for Finn, I think this might be a challenge he would really enjoy. It’s a difficult mission to lead, but he’s ready. If Celine is okay with it, I’d have him lead the team.”

“Let’s ask Finn,” Liam agrees, happy with Dad’s decision. “He is loyal and strong; he will be a great support to this team.”

I smile. Liam has always had a soft spot for Finn and appreciates his strengths.

“Then it’s settled,” Eric nods. “We will start preparing them for this mission. They need a good cover.”

“Let’s also have a backup plan in case they need help,” Liam points out.

“Absolutely.” Dad nods. “But the first step is done for today.” He smiles. “Now, I would like to take my son before he chickens out and go for dinner with him and my Luna.”

I look at Liam with wide, puppy eyes. “Don’t you want to join us?”

Liam smirks. “No way.”

He waves me off as I follow Dad to his car. Big brothers. They’re only nice when people are watching!

For all the rejection and drama I feared receiving beforehand, having dinner with my parents is surprisingly pleasant. Neither of them asks questions I don’t want to answer. We just talk about everything in general, and I am so glad they are giving me this time with them, no pressure. I was so stupid for thinking they would judge me.

I feel like this is exactly what we all needed. When I return home, I actually feel relaxed for once. No matter what Calvin said in the past, no matter what he did to me… my family still loves me the same way.

For a moment, my thoughts almost return to a dark place, but I manage to shoo them away this time. I have a date to look forward to, after all, as Celine and I are meeting up tomorrow. We don’t call it a date, of course, at least, Celine doesn’t. Cyrus and I obviously view this as a date, which means another chance to spend quality time with our beautiful mate.

We have agreed to go shopping for Liam and Annie’s soon-to-be-born twins. It’s the first time I am becoming an uncle, it’s very special.

Fortunately, Celine didn’t have a present yet either and agreed to join me on a shopping date, which is clearly not a date, in case anyone asks her.

It absolutely is!

*CELINE*

Marius is already at our meeting spot when I arrive, and as much as I want to deny it, my heart skips a beat at the sight of him. He’s leaning against the wall of my favorite coffee shop, wearing a pair of light blue jeans and a white turtleneck shirt, and they look so freaking good on him. From what he’s wearing, it’s hard to believe it’s summer right now, but we have annoyingly cold weather at the moment.

Marius has a similar build as all of Elden’s sons. Tall and somewhat imposing. But he’s leaner than either Liam or Finn, and his beautiful face is like a sculpture.

As he turns around, his eyes catch mine, and he beams happily, waving at me. How did he go from growling and frowning whenever he saw me to being so happy? His emotions are a mystery.

I walk over, surprised when he pulls me into a hug. I’m a little shocked by the contact, and he lets go almost immediately. “Sorry,” he blurts out. “I got carried away. I was just happy to see you.”

“It’s okay.” It’s kinda sweet and endearing how he acts like an inexperienced teen. “If you overstep any boundaries, I will let you know.”

He smiles. “That’s a relief to hear.”

“So, what shall we do first?” I ask curiously. “Do we have a plan?”

“How about we grab some coffee and then go to a place with baby stuff,” he suggests. “I want to buy a few toys too.”

I smile at his eagerness. “Already spoiling them, huh?”

“They will be my nephews… or nieces. Of course, I want to spoil them,” he beams.

That’s kinda cute of him to say. This is a completely new side to him. “Maybe we could also get something for Annie?” I suggest.