Page 100 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

“Are you going to help us?” I ask.

He nods. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not doing this for you.”

“We know,” Aurelia says shortly. “And we don’t care who you are doing it for.”

“Then, we are set,” Alexander says. “I will contact you the moment I know more.”

“Don’t take too long,” I say. “Seeing how the kidnappers are operating, they are getting more and more desperate.”

“Of course, they are, because their customers, some of my fellow vampires, are getting more and more addicted.” Alexander stands up and grabs the folder. “I will go to work immediately. Please stay here and finish your brunch. It’s on me.”

“It’s clearly croissant,” Aurelia says.

“No, baguette with cheese,” I argue.

“Croissant, without any filling, but with fresh butter.” She hums. “That was the best. That and the coffee.”

“Okay, let’s settle for a middle ground,” I say. “Pain au chocolat.”

She links her hand with mine, laughing. “How is that a middle ground?”

“How about everything tasted great.”

“I can live with that,” she agrees, the end of her lips curling into a smile.

I park my car at the underground garage below the Council building and grab the leftovers from our brunch before following Aurelia to the elevator. The plan is to have a calm and quiet afternoon and just relax.

Cato projects an image of me and Aurelia in a very obvious position in bed.

That too,I admit.

I made that bet without thinking of her friends, though, because the moment we step out of the elevator, Jazz and Toridash forward and grab her hands. “Whatever you planned for the afternoon, forget about it,” Jazz exclaims.

“We are abducting you,” Tori agrees.

Val steps closer. “We want to prepare and plan for the party, and gossip.”

“It’s hours until the party,” I point out, confused. Are they truly going to change and dress for hours?

Tori and Jazz grin while Aurelia smiles at me. “That’s another point I really like about you.”

I’m confused by what she means, but when Marilou joins them too, she laughs suddenly and agrees to spend the afternoon with them. Simultaneously, Nox, Lion, and Terry arrive, and to my surprise and joy, my brother is with them. “The four of us thought we could hang out while the girls do their thing.”

Lion grimaces. “I don’t want to imagine what they talk about.”

“Are you kidding?” Terry snorts. “I would love to know!” When Lion just shrugs, Terry looks at him confused. “Well, I guess you were serious, huh?”

“We met Vander on our way to fetch you,” Nox says. “And forced him to come along.”

“So, what’s the plan?” I ask.

“Hang out and play some video games,” Terry offers. “Oh, or we could throw some hoops!”

“I’m in,” I say.

“I’m pretty bad at basketball,” Vander says. “But I wouldn’t mind.”

“Yeah, you are such a loser,” Terry jokes.