Page 5 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

His smile grows a bit. “Then come on Harmony, grab the guys, and lead the way.”

“What about you, Alpha?” Harmony turns to look at me.

I close the folder in front of me. “I will come in around half an hour. I would like to take a look at the surveillance cameras.” I look up at the group and notice for the first time that Garret seems a little distracted. He hasn’t said much up until now. He is normally quite chatty and lightens up any situation with his jokes. Now, he seems to be brooding over something. “Garret, if you could please join me?” I ask him.

He looks a bit surprised, like I just pulled him out of his thoughts. “Of course, Alpha,” he nods.

I send the others off with my father, promising that Garret and I will grab a few sandwiches from the kitchen staff on our way back. Then both of us take off to check on the cameras surrounding the pack house and the more inhabited areas. The ones further away were serviced a few days ago. I make sure to check them regularly.

“What’s going on?” I ask Garret bluntly. I’m not one for a pep talk or beating around the bush, which is typical for alphas, as Harmony tends to remind me. She is far better at showing a sensitive approach. But Garret is one of my closest friends, I knew him when I was just a child. He is a bit older than me and always watched out for me like a big brother.

“You noticed, huh?” he mutters.

“It’s hard not to,” I admit.

He pauses. “The usual,” he finally says.

I nod tentatively, I thought as much. “Garret,” I say quietly. “Elias comes from a rough pack. No one has ever shown him love or kindness before he came here. Such treatment cannot be undone easily. You need to give him time.”

“I know,” he groans. “That’s why I’m not complaining… much. And well, he’s already softened a bit.”

“See, he is making progress.” Elias has difficulties reading between the lines or showing compassion or sensitivity, but I know he is empathetic. He is just used to hiding everything behind a calm and emotionless surface. Sometimes when he is with Garret… I can see him loosening up a bit. “Last time I saw him laughing with you.”

“Yeah, progress… at a snail’s pace,” he deadpans, and I’m glad to hear some sarcasm in his voice. Garret is patient, more so than any other person I have ever met. He doesn’t tease Elias; he doesn’t try to make him jealous to get a reaction out of him. He would never do anything petty to hurt him, which is why Elias is slowly coming around.

“No one ever said love is easy,” I say quietly, not sure if I’m saying it to Garret, myself, or both of us.

“Whoever came up with that saying… I’m going to buy them a drink,” he snorts.

I nudge him slightly. “Come on, let’s go back and grab some food, and head back to the others.”

He grins, finally back to being himself again. “Wolves,” he jokes. “They can eat anytime.”

*VALERIE*

“I just don’t understand,” Jazz groans. “I hate math!”

I smile slightly. “It’s not going to be a problem, Jazz. You are smart,” I say shyly. “You will easily pass the next test.”

“Just thanks to you,” she blurts out. “You are my lifesaver, Val! I don’t know where my brother found you, but I’m eternally grateful he did.”

I giggle. “Well, he asked Alpha Celine for someone to tutor you.”

“Best day of my life! I could have been stuck with a boring granny, but you are so fun and such a good teacher, Val.” Jazz beams. She always says what she thinks. She is so confident and happy-go-lucky—the complete opposite of me. Jazz has the wildest locks ever, wearing them confidently in a natural afro.

We are both betas, though honestly I’m only beta because I have a gift. Otherwise, most omegas are stronger than I am. My wolf is still very weak too, we can’t even shift, but I love her, nevertheless. She is such a huge mental support for me and always encourages me.

Of course, I do.My wolf Ailia stirs slightly in my mind.You are my sweet human after all.

I suppress a giggle.It sounds like I’m your pet.

Ailia chuckles.I’m just thankful to share the soul of such a kind human.

I’m sorry for being weak,I say.I know you are only weak because of me.

Don’t worry,she soothes me.We will get stronger. Just give it time.

“Hey Val, come back to me,” Jazz interrupts us.