Page 9 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

Again, Aryanna doesn’t take my words to heart, she just rolls her eyes and chuckles. She never really takes me seriously.

“Ari, we need to go through the schedule of the patrols today. One of our warriors got injured yesterday, so we need to reschedule.” Liam’s other beta, Dante, muses. He entwines his fingers with Ella’s. He is a serious guy and a bit older than most of us.

“We can get to it straight after breakfast,” Ari reassures him. “Are we covered for the morning?”

Dante nods. “Yes, we just need to go through the afternoon and evening shifts.” He shifts his gaze to Liam and Annie. “The pack wants to celebrate next week,” he smiles slightly at them, his gaze warm. “It’s the anniversary of you taking over the pack officially.”

“Oh, right. You mean that pompous, overly long, and boring ceremony with all the officials?” I say before I can stop myself.

“Hey, it wasn’t that bad,” Aryanna snorts. “It was long, but it meant a lot to the pack.”

Annie looks worried. “I didn’t know they wanted to celebrate. I would have planned something had I known.”

Typical Luna Annalise. She’s always thinking of everyone else’s feelings. It’s ridiculous. Not everyone deserves such kindness, just look at me.

“I don’t think you have to go out of your way, Annie,” Ella says.

Liam puts his large hand on Annie’s shoulder. She might not be the most stunning at first glance, but once you look two or three times, there is something about her. I wouldn’t have said no to her had she not been my brother’s mate. “Ella’s right,” Liam smiles at her brightly. He always smiles when he is with her. Is this how we are with our mates? Ugh. “Let’s just throw a huge party for everyone. Outdoors maybe. It’s spring and the weather is great.”

Goddess! Another freaking party? Seriously? Why?

She beams, taking his hand in hers and entwining their fingers. “Barbecue,” she muses. “Let’s make it a summer festival.” She leans forward, nuzzling her nose into his neck, smiling when he bends down to kiss her.

My goddess, I’m getting cavities.

She moves away with a bright smile and turns to Jun. “Jun?”

“Yes, Luna?”

“I will probably need your help,” Annie tells Jun. “We don’t have much time. I’ll get together with the kitchen staff and see what we can pull off food-wise. I know food is the most important here. Don’t want to starve any wolves.”

The others laugh slightly. Even I have to smile at her reference to Liam’s one and only joke last year.

“I could gather a few guys to help clear a space around the lake,” Jun offers. “Have them bring chairs and tables, parasols, and the like.”

“Fantastic,” she nods. “Ella, I need you to help me with the planning.” She looks at Ella through her warm eyes. “Unless you prefer to help the guys. I know that’s more up your alley.”

Ella makes a dismissive gesture with her hand. “I can do both, Luna. Anything you want, really.”

“So, we are set. Dante, Ari, and I are going to reschedule the patrol shifts and then head out for a meeting, but if you need any of us later, don’t be scared to ask.” Liam offers.

Dante nods, sneaking his arm around Ella’s shoulder and winking at her.

Liam nods contently before looking at me. “Marius, you help Jun and Ella.”

Even I know better than to go directly against the order of my alpha, brother or not. Ella, however, looks like she rather prefers me to change continents. And Jun just stares at me for a moment, like he wants to tell me where to shove something unpleasant. As I said, they are not my biggest fans. I’ve probably insulted their luna one time too often.

The next few hours pass by in a blur. I help Annie, Ella, and Jun with the preparations. I hate to admit that I got kinda swept along with it. Annie’s motivation and her joy pulled me in. She has that effect on people. She really is the perfect luna, not that I would ever tell her or anyone else.

Ella is all smiles too. Normally she only ever smiles at Dante, or maybe her small special circle of friends. “What about the guest list?” she wants to know.

“We really shouldn’t go overboard,” Annie muses. “It’s mostly a pack celebration. But I want to invite Liam and Marius’ parents and their siblings.”

“Your parents too, Luna?” Jun asks with a smile.

“Yes, of course,” she nods. “I’m thinking about inviting Celine too. She is an ally and a very good friend.”

Fuck, Celine.