Page 195 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

He chuckles. “Honestly, I’m surprised you even agreed to come with me without knowing any details. I know how hard it is for you alphas to give up control.”

“Believe me, it took some convincing from Harmony’s side,” I admit.

He laughs. “I knew it.”

Harmony convinced me to go with him and get away for a weekend. She wants me to pursue him properly, as it’s obvious I’m not going to reject him anymore. She’s right, of course. Marius has proven that he’s serious about me. He has repeatedly shown me he has changed and has become a better man… for me. The only reason I’m still hesitating is because of my pride. I’ve always had a hard time letting go of a grudge.

We chat for a while, before I have to head back to the pack. The hour spent with him has really made me feel more relaxed about this whole birthday craze, and it touches my heart that he’s making such an effort to meet with me as often as possible. Before we part, he grabs my arms and pulls me into a surprise kiss. It’s a short one, and it’s over fast, but I love how daring he just was. I grab his face between my hands and peck his lips once more.

“So, it was okay?” he asks nervously.

I nod, smiling, watching relief come over his face. “What made you change your mind?” I suddenly hear myself say.

“Hm?”

“I mean, why did you decide to pursue me in the end?” I look at him curiously. I didn’t dare to ask the question before, too scared that I might not like the answer.

He looks at me before looking down at his feet nervously. “I had a vision,” he admits.

His answer surprises me. “A vision?”

“When I was about to die, I had a vision of the future I could have had with you, had I not been such an insecure ass.” He looks back up at me, and there is only sincerity in his eyes. “It was like a wake-up call. I think the Moon Goddess was showing me what I was missing in my life. What I could have if I work hard toward that possible future. The vision showed me that a mate wouldn’t be my downfall and that I could be happy if I just gave us a chance. At that moment, I swore to myself that if I ever got another chance with you, I would do everything in my power to make it right. I promised myself to fight for you, and not let go again.”

I didn’t expect that answer at all, and something in my heart swells in the knowledge that it isn’t just because he feels indebted to me. “So, it’s not because I saved your life?” I whisper.

“You, saving my life, twice if I may add, just solidified my decision, but it’s definitely not the main reason.” He looks at me warily. “Bad answer?”

I pull him into a swift hug. “Not at all,” I say before letting go again.

“I will never understand women,” he mutters. “I thought you’d hit me.”

“I can if you want me to. I didn’t realize you were into that,” I state dryly.

He laughs. “Didn’t knowyouwere into that,” he retorts.

We both chuckle a bit, before we return to staring at each other in silence. Marius recovers first, taking a little box out of his bag. He looks a little flustered. “Um, Celine… I… I have another present for you for when we’re on our short trip, but there is something I wanted to give you now.” He hands me the box. “I wanted you to have it on your birthday. But please promise me to open it later, not now. Please.”

I nod, confused.

“Just so you know, it wasn’t just me… I had some help… and… well, you’ll see,” he squeezes my hand before hurrying away.

What was that all about?

I’m curious beyond belief but I promised to open it later. I’ll stick to my promise since it seemed important to him. I watch Marius leave, turning back only to wave at me briefly with a happy smile on his lips. My heartbeat jumps rapidly in my chest. I think I really like him, and not just because of the mate bond.

I think I’ve punished him enough,I mutter to myself and Danica.

Yes,Danica agrees.At some point, you need to be careful you’re not just punishing yourself by keeping him at a distance, Celine.

The whole evening goes by smoothly. I was worried about this party at first, but Harmony made sure the festivity would be to my liking. The whole pack has been having fun, and honestly, that’s the most important thing for me. Now the party is winding down; I’m finally able to sit down with my family and closest friends.

Garret approaches with a tray full of cocktails. “Strawberry Daiquiris for the beautiful ladies and myself,” he says, placing the cocktails down in front of Harmony, Jade, Mona, and me.

“Thank you,” I smile.

Jade takes a sip from her cocktail and nods approvingly. “Strong enough.”

“Only the best for my favorite girls,” Garret says while winking at us.