Page 17 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

Everyone starts climbing in the SUV. Just before I start climbing in, Liam grabs my shoulder. “Marius.”

“Hm?”

“Is everything alright?”

I’m surprised by his obvious concern, “Why are you asking?”

“Because you looked horrible when you arrived earlier and only perked up when mom and Annalise were here. Are you sick? Do you want to stay behind?”

This is my chance—the perfect excuse. I could tell him, yes, I’m feeling sick, stay here and not have to see Celine. To my surprise, though, I find myself shaking my head. “I just didn’t sleep well,” I say in a matter-of-fact voice.

“Alright.” He nods before letting go of my shoulder. “Tell me if you start to feel off. No need to push yourself too much.”

What… First Annie with her knowing gaze and her weird questions, and now Liam catches on too? His kindness makes my stomach churn and my chest tighten. Fuck, I can’t have him on my back. I need to get my guard up again. “Would you get off my back?” I huff. “I’m alright, and I didn’t ask for your opinion on my health.”

“You’re impossible.” Liam furrows his brows, his eyes darkening. “What did I ever do to you?”

I notice how Dante gets out of the car again, looking a bit nervous. “I’m sure Marius is just tired,” he says warily.

Liam looks at me sharply. “Try to pull it together when we are at Moon Blood,” he says shortly, but doesn't reprimand me further.

“I’m here to help,” I defend myself. “Remember, that’s the whole point of me joining your pack.” I want to say more, but Dante shakes his head slightly and I decide to take the hint.

Liam doesn’t say anymore. He sits in the passenger’s seat instead and nods at his driver. “Let’s go, Emerson. Head straight to Moon Blood’s pack house first.”

Emerson nods with a smile.

“How are the girls doing?” Liam asks Emerson once we are moving.

I can see through the rear window how Emerson’s eyes light up from Liam’s interest. I don’t even know how these two became friends. I always expected Liam might be too arrogant to befriend his omega driver. “They are doing well. Daisy’s so much better since we moved to Red Claw. Fleur has gone from crawling to running around, touching everything within reach. And Emily is going to start school next year.”

“You’re kidding me?” Liam asks in shock. “Already? When did time pass so fast?”

“I don’t know, but it did,” he smiles warmly at the thought of his little family.

“When are you going school shopping?” Aryanna asks. “I promised Emily I’d buy her a big girl dream dress.”

“I’ll call you before we go, Beta Aryanna,” Emerson promises.

“So, has she finally settled in with you?” Liam asks. “I was worried that moving packs and being adopted so close together would be too much all at once.”

“She started calling me dad a few months ago,” Emerson admits proudly.

Dante perks up at his words. “That’s great, Emerson. I’m so happy for you.”

I’m feeling a bit awkward listening to their conversation. I feel like I should contribute something, but I don’t know what to say. It’s not like I don’t care at all, but I also don’t care a lot. I’m surprised though, at how easily Liam can communicate with everyone. When we were growing up, Liam was always a bit distant. He had this alpha strength radiating through him even when we were teens, so others didn’t dare to approach him. He didn’t like making small talk, preferring to keep to himself mostly.

It’s like he’s a different person now.

At Moon Blood’s pack house, we are greeted by two of Celine’s top warriors. One of them looks quite young, with brown hair and sharp blue eyes. I know he’s their lead tracker, but I don’t remember his name.

“Alpha Liam,” he steps forward to greet my brother. “Thank you for coming today.”

“Elias,” Liam returns, shaking his hand before acknowledging the next guy. He is just as tall but bulkier. “Garret.” He points toward us. “You know my betas, Aryanna and Dante already. And this is my brother, Marius.”

Elias nods and smiles. “We have seen each other on a few occasions.” He motions towards the pack house. “Please follow me. Alpha Celine and Beta Harmony are waiting for you in her office.”

I wait for the others to go first before following them inside. I try to focus and keep my mind off Celine, but the whole place smells like her. Fuck. The intoxicatingly sweet scent of roses, a touch of lemon, fresh brushwood, and just the hint of an ocean breeze. It’s so intense it takes my breath away.