Page 91 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince

“Dante,” I hurry after my brother’s beta. He stops in his tracks, turning to look at me. I flinch slightly at his gaze. I can almost taste his disappointment, it’s so strong. I can deal with anger, but this… “I’ve noticed that I don’t have any patrol duties or security tasks involving Luna Annalise.”

“Yes,” Dante says shortly. “Alpha Liam doesn’t want to take the risk.”

“Risk?” Something inside me clenches. Does he believe I would harm her?

“She’s with child, Marius,” he says evenly.

“Does my brother honestly believe I would hurt his mate and my Luna?” I ask in disbelief, unable to keep the hurt from my voice. I realize I suck as a brother, I suck as a pack member, and definitely as a mate. I tend to alienate everyone around me, especially those I like. But surely not even Liam, despite our recent clashes, would believe I could harm his pregnant mate, would he?

Dante looks at me for a long while, then he sighs, his gaze softening. “No, he doesn’t think you would willingly hurt her, but he doesn’t trust you not to stress her unnecessarily and put a strain on her nerves.” He looks at me insistently. “Annie is not feeling well recently. Marius, can you honestly guarantee us that you won’t say anything to stress her?”

I swallow thickly. “No,” I admit quietly, deciding to be honest for once.

“Then I would advise you to accept his decision.” He looks at me with a hint of sympathy, but doesn’t say anything more.

I sigh as I watch him walk away. I know he’s right. I didn’t do anything to earn a spot in the Luna’s closest security team aside from being the Alpha’s brother. I have stressed her more than any other pack member, and Liam has finally had enough. Protecting his unborn children and his mate is his top priority.

I know all that, but it doesn’t mean I like it.

On my way back to the pack house, I bump into Aryanna. She must have just got home since she is climbing out of her car. “Oh, sunnyboy,” she chuckles when she sees me. “Are you sulking because your brother is angry with you, and people for once, are actually pissed?” she deadpans.

“Something like that,” I admit. I look at her. She looks so happy. “I heard you found your mate.”

“I did,” she beams. “It’s Jazz, Marcel’s sister. She’s so fun and cute and fantastic.”

“I’m happy for you,” I say, and mean it for once.

She looks at me surprised. Apparently, words of empathy are not usual for me. “Thank you,” she smiles.

“Celine saved my life,” I hear myself say.

“I know,” she says quietly.

“I’ve hurt Liam and Annalise over and over again, and I’ve insulted Ella even though I knew she was Dante’s second chance at happiness.”

“I know that, too.”

“I’m not good with people.” I point out. “I don’t know how to make things right again.”

She looks at me. “Is that what you want to do?”

I shrug. “I don’t even know how to start.”

“Then for once, do what you’re supposed to do,” she says. “Do your job. You might not be guarding the Luna right now, but Liam is not an idiot. He knows you’re a capable warrior, which is why you’re still on important patrols. Don’t mess it up.”

I tilt my head a bit, allowing her words to sink in. “And then?”

“Come,” she says. “Let’s have breakfast together. A good cup of coffee and some food do miracles sometimes. And then your life coach, Aryanna, will make sure to help you get your shit together.”

I smile back at her and nod. Just take one step at a time.

A Family United

*CELINE*

I find my father in the kitchen of his suite, trying to prepare dinner. He has made it a habit to sometimes cook for himself, saying he wants to learn something new and be less dependent on the kitchen staff. I don’t quite buy his excuse; I have another idea as to why he wants to learn how to cook.

“Might be better if you put salt into the water for the noodles,” I grin when I approach him. “Haven’t I taught you anything?”