Page 176 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

“Thanks for telling me, Annie.” I beam at her. “Best sister-in-law ever!”

She smiles brightly. “Do you know what you want to get her?”

I tilt my head, thinking about it for a bit. “I want it to be special,” I admit. “Like…” I pause, suddenly remembering what she told me at her mother’s grave. “I just might have an idea,” I admit. “But I think I’ll need help.”

“Awesome,” she nods. “I can help if you want me to. I have been so bored lately. Liam and I don’t want to take any risks, so I am mostly already on maternity leave, you could say.”

“I would really appreciate your help. I need to research something about Moon Blood,” I muse.

“That I can definitely do! It’s my old pack. I can ask my parents for help too,” she promises.

“Who do you think would be good at getting something that’s rather difficult to obtain… maybe someone with really good contacts in the business world, but they also need contacts on the shadier side?” I ask her.

“Eric,” she says thoughtfully. “And his Beta Emilien.”

I raise my eyebrows at the revelation. She is right. Eric has tons of contacts all around the world, and I know that Emilien has a few shady connections too. Just what I need!

Goddess, please, let this work!

Boys Will be Boys

*MARIUS*

“Tellmeagain,whyI agreed to join you guys for this poker night?” Finn mutters, exchanging some poker chips with me.

Neither of us are winning much tonight. Good thing we play for a good cause. The money gambled tonight will go directly to our charity projects.

“I’m only here because Celine is going out with her Beta and Gamma,” I mutter, annoyed when I check my cards. “Otherwise, I would have had better plans.”

“He’s right,” Liam groans as he grabs a glass of whisky Dad offers him. “I could have spent my night with Annalise instead.”

Dad has invited Liam, Finn, and me to join his poker evening. I didn’t even know he had these… it seems however, that he finally thinks we’re old enough to join him. Apparently, he holds them once a month together with Annie’s dad Brian, retired Alpha Cedric, and his old friend Jace.

We all know Jace well since we grew up around him and his family. He also helped Liam in his battle for Red Claw. It’s a bit weird hanging out with Celine’s dad though… Cedric isn’t my biggest fan. Surprisingly, he hasn’t said or done anything to me regarding my situation with Celine. Apparently, he has decided to give me a chance too.

Brian smiles brightly at Liam. “You’re such a dedicated mate to my daughter,” he beams with pride. “I can’t wait to be a grandfather.”

“I agree,” Dad smiles. “And it’s two grandchildren on top of that.”

“Yes,” Liam smiles warmly. “I’m truly blessed. So, let’s get this game going because I want to be home early tonight.”

“Look at your boys,” Jace grins and elbows my father. “All of your children are doing so well. Look at Marius finding such a strong mate in our Celine and suddenly being so responsible. And Liam. He is successful in everything he does.” He turns to Finn. “What about you, Finn?” he asks curiously. “I’ve heard you have some great plans?”

Finn chuckles. “I’m not sure if it’s great, but I finish college in a few weeks, then I will take on more responsibilities within the pack.”

Dad smiles proudly. “I’m very proud of my sons. And of Aurelia too, of course.”

“Ahh, the little war machine,” Jace grins. “I saw her fighting in one of the tournaments two weeks ago. Shit. Your girl whooped everyone’s ass! It didn’t matter their rank or gender; she just wiped the floor with them.”

“Aurelia is extremely gifted,” I say proudly. Her skills are lethal. Most of her gifts are useful in battle, and she even has one gift that can bend reality. She’s far more blessed with her gifts than Finn and me. I don’t know how Finn felt as a kid, but back in the day, I was jealous of her sometimes. Now I’m just proud of how strong she has become.

Whenever I think about my own gift, I feel guilt stabbing my chest. I never trained it much… at one point, I just gave up, and although Dad tried to push me into training it, forced me even, I only did the bare minimum. I should be able to connect with other people’s minds and get a glimpse of their thoughts and feelings… but it’s tricky and hard to control.

Frankly, I suck at it.

You look troubled,Liam links me.

Just the old story,I admit.Should have trained more growing up.