Page 37 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

“Whatever,” Dave shrugs with a grin. “Finny thinks he isn’t suited to become alpha.”

“That’s not what I said,” Finn argues. “I said I wasn’t sure if I have the drive and Aurelia might be better suited.”

“I think you would both be good leaders,” Annie says. “Aurelia is one of the toughest fighters I know. And you are definitely a fantastic strategist.”

“Hm,” he hums. “I’m nothing compared to Liam.”

“No one can compare to Liam,” Annie points out. “And I don’t say that because he’s my mate. I say it because everything about Liam screams alpha. He was literally destined to be an alpha, and there is no parallel universe that I can imagine where he would not be a leader of some kind.”

“You’re right.” I tilt my head, allowing her words to settle in. No one can compare with Liam. He’s one of a kind. He was destined to be an alpha, just like Annie was destined to be a luna. Things like this don’t usually happen… normally, young alphas grow into their roles and have to learn a lot. The same goes for lunas, who often don’t even have time to prepare, but are thrown into their roles blind. Liam and Annie are naturals; they were born to rule.

“However,” Annie continues. “It doesn’t mean that you or Aurelia aren’t suited to be leaders of your pack. I think you just don’t see yourself in that role yet. That’s the problem. You could do it though. You are a lycan of alpha blood. So is Aurelia. You could both absolutely do it. The question is not if you can. It’s do you want to?”

Finn looks at her thoughtfully. “You’re right,” he says. “I need to think about that for a bit longer.”

Hearing them talk about Finn’s issues, I wish I could tell them about Marius. But I can’t, it’s impossible. I don’t want to put anyone in a difficult position. Finn and Annie, in particular, wouldn’t be able to hide this from Liam, and I don’t want any more drama in my life or in theirs.

“Marius would be the second oldest though, right?” Dave asks as if he just caught my thoughts.

I wince slightly at hearing his name but manage to keep a relaxed posture. Years of practice at holding back my emotions come in handy. “The firstborn child to a lycan alpha is said to be born blessed by the Moon Goddess,” I explain. “It’s said they are basically made to rule with a lot of strength, a powerful beast, and outstanding gifts.”

Annie nods. “After Liam became alpha of a different pack, it raised some difficulties for his parents.”

“Right,” Finn agrees. “My parents now need to find the most suitable alpha within us remaining siblings. Order of birth doesn’t matter anymore.”

“So Marius is out of the running?” Dave wants to know.

“I think so,” Ella says in a matter-of-fact tone. She’s always pretty direct in her opinion. “The way he is now, he isn’t suited to be alpha.”

“Why?” Dave asks.

“Oh, where do I start?” Ella deadpans. She must be fed up with him, I think. Marius is part of their pack after all, officially to help Liam, but I think his parents rather had hopes that Liam and Annie would be able to help him with whatever he’s battling. “He’s rude, careless, disrespectful, has zero focus, and he’s a blatant womanizer. Well, at least he was until a few months ago. Haven’t seen him with a girl in months.” She pauses. “I don’t mean to be rude, and I don’t want to go too hard on him, but I had a horrible alpha once, which is why I think an alpha needs to have certain qualities. I wish werewolf packs would choose their heirs as carefully as lycans do.”

When she called him a womanizer, it hurt more than I expected it to. I know it. I know he hasn’t saved himself for his mate, neither did I, but I’ve been very careful with my sexual encounters. I just hope he did the same. The fact he hasn’t met anyone recently does set my mind at ease a bit.

Danica, however, is more hung up on the other things Ella mentioned.Wow,shegrumbles.We got ourselves a real catch!

I’m sorry, Danica.

What for?

I know you like Cyrus.I say carefully.I know Cyrus and you aren’t the problem. Marius and I are.

Listen, we share a soul, Celine. And a man who doesn’t want you can’t have me either,she says in a matter-of-fact tone.I’m strong. And so are you. We will get through this together.

Annie sighs. “Marius has some issues we don’t know about. Maybe we shouldn’t judge too harshly,” she points out. “True, maybe he could try more, but…” When Finn and Ella look at her with raised brows, she shrugs. “Okay, he could try a lot more, but for a split moment, when he agreed to join Red Claw, there was something in his eyes. Something determined and good. He is just battling something, but unfortunately, he won’t open up to us.”

“He had a five-second moment?” Dave takes her hand and squeezes it. “You are so sweet, baby.”

Ella doesn’t say anything for a while, but I can easily notice her furrowed brows. She loves Annie dearly, like a sister, and since Annie became her luna, she’s even more protective of her. I don’t even want to know how much she argues with Marius for being a jerk to their luna. “You think, he really is battling something?”

“I’m certain,” Annie smiles. “It’s the reason Liam is so patient with him.”

Ella sighs and turns to Finn now. “In all seriousness, Finn, does Marius not want to become alpha?”

Finn shrugs. “He claims he isn’t interested, said it’s too much responsibility. But Annie is right, it’s hard to say what he really feels, you know?”

Ella sighs. “I know.”