Page 78 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

“I apologize,” Jade smirks. “An old habit.”

“Say, Jade, do you know about the witch who stepped on our pack grounds and got awfully close to Marcel’s family?” When Val mentioned she had silver eyes, I thought it might be a hybrid, but now, after talking to Jade, she could also be a full-fledged witch.

She nods. “I have heard from my own spies.” When I stare at her in surprise, she just shrugs. “I have witches all over the country. Don’t worry, we respect the laws of other species and would never interfere or step too close, but we have good ears and eyes. It’s important for me to know what’s going on around the country.”

“Do you know who it is?” I ask.

“Unfortunately not.” She sighs.

“And what are they after?”

She tilts her head. “I have a vague idea,” she admits. “I’m just not certain enough to share it.”

“They are not after me, are they?” I want to know. I would hate to endanger my own pack.

“No, no witch would be as stupid as to attack a hybrid who happens to be an alpha wolf.” She shakes her head.

“Jazz?” I ask.

“That’s a possibility, of course,” she admits. “However, personally, I think they are after the other girl.”

Marcel and I exchange a surprised glance. “Valerie?”

“But why? She’s not a witch, is she?” I inquire.

Again, Jade shakes her head. “No, this kid is a normal wolf. However, if my suspicion is correct, it’s her gift that’s really special.”

“Alpha Elden of Silverlake said something similar,” I point out thoughtfully. “About her gift being special.”

“Alpha Liam believes the same,” Aryanna points out.

“Elden, the Lycan Crown Prince, is a wise person,” Jade says with a nod. “He always has been. And his son inherited quite a lot of his wisdom.”

“Crown Prince?” Marcel asks.

“Technically, Elden is one of the direct successors to the throne,” she explains. “The lycan throne is currently vacant. The Council rules and watches over the throne until they find a worthy successor. Elden’s chances are very high… well, unless he doesn’t want to take over, which is most likely the main problem at the moment.”

Aryanna stares at her. “Prince Eric is here,” she says quietly. “I thought it was just to see his family and maybe find his mate… I completely forgot that he is a Prince of the Council and a very important Council member. He is not just here for a simple visit…”

“The juvenile prince might appear silly sometimes, but he’s not an idiot,” Jade points out. “He’s smarter and more cunning than the other council members. And he wants to see his uncle on the throne. Eric is here to see his family and look for his mate, but also to talk to Elden.”

“Wow,” Marcel mutters toward me. “Politics.”

“Yeah, good thing we aren’t directly involved,” I whisper back. “Jade,” I turn towards my great-grandmother again. “About Val’s gift…”

“Yes,” she nods and takes my hand. “I want to talk to you in private about it. It’s just a suspicion, but if you or Elden could prove that it’s true… You need to keep it a secret, no one can know about it, for now.”

I nod. “You can trust me.”

Family Dinner

*MARIUS*

Themaindoorofthe pack house flies open, and Eric waltzes in with the biggest grin on his face. “Good morning, family,” he cheers before looking up at the sky. “Good morning, sunshine.” He kneels to be on eye-level with Annie’s stomach. “Good morning, baby.”

Annie giggles and pats Eric’s head while he’s kneeling. She hasn’t smiled a lot lately, and it’s really affected the rest of us. I’ve never noticed before how much it influences the pack when the luna isn’t feeling well, nor how important it actually is to have a Luna who is warm and caring, who mingles with the pack and reassures them by being there for them.

I feel like a stupid asshole for all the attitude I was giving her when she was obviously tired and unwell just because she tried to be nice to me. Ever since news of her pregnancy broke, the pack’s gone baby crazy. Even the warriors are training extra hard, especially Ella and Jun, preparing to protect the Luna and her unborn child against any danger.