Page 115 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

“I actually wouldn’t mind moving to Red Claw,” Terry admits. “It’s not far away from Silverlake, and I know Auri will have a lot of support from Lion, Nox, and Tori.”

“Exactly,” Tori says, “because I won’t leave Silverlake.”

“That’s another plus on the list,” Lion tells her.

“Right,” she says. “Make sure to put it down.”

The others look confused when Lion scribbles something into his small notebook, but as someone who loves making lists with pros and cons, I totally get them. They are trying to rationalize being fated to each other. If that’s helping them, I am the last one to oppose.

“I think Liam would be happy about your support,” Aurelia tells Terry. “You are a lycan, and Red Claw is the only really mixed lycan-werewolf pack.”

Terry looks so relieved that it’s almost touching. “You wouldn’t be mad if I left to live with Marilou?” he asks, turning to Tori. “And you would be fine?”

“Of course,” she says, squeezing his arm. “You always watched out for me. It’s okay to think of yourself now. And as you said, you are basically around the corner.” She pauses. “And I’m not alone here.”

“I will watch out for her,” Lion says to Terry. “Don’t worry.”

“Somehow I do find that worrying,” Terry mutters.

“And I’m in Red Claw too,” Jazz says. “So, Terry and Marilou aren’t alone.”

“We are friends with the beta female.” Marilou laughs. “Jazz is also working with the pack witch. She is popular. Oh!” She perks up. “And I’m friends with Dave, Luna’s human friend, and his mate, Raffy.” She turns to Terry. “I bet you and Raffy will get along so well!”

Aurelia’s friends start discussing all the possible options for Terry and Marilou, but unfortunately, I have to cut it short. The break was much needed, but Meg and the other victims need us more. Aurelia seems to think the same because she looks at me.

“Gustave and Zoé will come around lunchtime, right? Which is pretty much now.”

“Yes,” I say. “Leila and Emilien also said they would be back to work in the early afternoon.”

“Well.” Aurelia smiles. “We can’t leave them waiting.”

I feel so relieved she initially made the first step. Technically, I’m not shy about cutting a meeting short to return to work, but I have never been sociable anyway, so this whole experience—having brunch with such a large group of friends—is new to me.

“I’m coming too,” Nox says.

“Aw, such a pity.” Jazz sighs. “But, I guess it can’t be helped.”

“We’ll be heading back to the States in the next couple of days,” Terry says. “But I’m glad we’ll see each other again soon.”

Val smiles sadly. “Well, as for me, it will be a longer goodbye, again.”

Jazz squeezes her instantly. “We made plans, remember? I’m returning in the summer with Ari.”

Val beams. “Promise?”

“Absolutely!”

“I will clearly stay behind with Aurelia,” Nox says. “I have already changed hers and my tickets.” He turns to Vander. “I don’t know if you made up your mind yet, but the offer stands, Vander.”

“He’s right,” Aurelia says. “We’ll be happy to have you, and Léna can visit as often as she wants to. You can also finish school here and then move to us or join us immediately. Whatever you prefer.”

“Is that really an option?” Vander asks. He looks much more relaxed and happier compared to when shit went down with Dad. “I’ve been thinking recently, and staying here at the Council until I’m done with school doesn’t sound too bad anymore. And then maybe I could come and stay in the same pack as Arden.”

I look at him thoughtfully.Are you sure?I link him.I promised you I wouldn’t just leave you behind.

I am sure,he says.And I’ve been thinking. You are mated to an alpha. You have been through so many hard times, and I don’t want you to stay back with me. You go with your mate and learn about her pack, so that you are prepared for when she takes over. You are allowed to be happy, too. I was selfish.

You weren’t selfish,I say.You were in shock. And you are my little brother and the only family I have. You are allowed to be selfish with me.