Page 146 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

Nox, Lion, Tori, and I set off to Eric’s suite where we will be preparing Tori. While Tori and Nox move ahead, Lion and I fall back. “It’s because of me,” he says sadly. “I told her she was shallow, although, it’s not true.”

“I know,” I say quietly. “I don’t like that you did.”

“I’m trying to make it up to her, but it’s not easy.”

“That’s because once said, it’s hard to take back words,” I tell him. “I know you were hurt too by her reaction. I’m sure you will be able to move past it, but you need to be genuine with her and make an effort. She deserves a mate who cherishes her.”

“I do,” he exclaims. “She was always Terry’s sister for me,” he admits. “Never looked at her properly. And I never realized how beautiful and funny she is. And she has these cute dimples when she laughs.”

“Oh, so you are crushing on her?” I say with a smile.

“Yeah, but don’t tell her.”

“Why not?” I chuckle. “She would be happy.”

“You really think so?”

“Lion.” I sigh. “In general, women like it if men are honest with their affection for them. She is your mate, for Goddess’s sake. Why are you beating around the bush?”

“You are right,” he mutters. “Fuck, you are right. Maybe it’s more difficult because I knew her before—”

“No,” I interrupt him. “I don’t think it is. You would need to put effort into any relationship, no matter who you are fated to. The mate bond just pulls us towards each other, but it’s on us to make the most out of it. It’s not magically solving everything.”

“I want to be a good mate,” he says. “I know I suck at being a boyfriend, because I’m dense, but I want to try my best for Tori.”

“Then support her in what she is doing today,” I tell him, “in the way only her mate can support her. Have faith in her and show her that you will have her back.”

Chapter forty-six

Tori

*ARDEN*

I’m amazed by how Tori looks. She is a pretty girl, obviously, but Aurelia and Nox have dolled her up to make her look even more innocent and sweet.

“What do you think?” Tori asks while she twirls around in front of us.

“You look… amazing,” Lion says, completely in awe.

Nox elbows him playfully. “I didn’t know you were one for the cute look.”

“She looks great, sexy and cute,” Lion says. “No matter what she is wearing; also in sweaters and shirts. I’m just amazed she looks good like that too.”

Tori looks flustered but happy, while Nox hides a smirk and exchanges a gaze with Aurelia. I’m always amazed at his andAurelia’s people skills. They always seem to know how to push certain buttons. Nox even more so than Aurelia. He really is born to be beta.

“Did Zoé and Leila lay out the bait?” Eric asks.

“Yes,” I say. “Leila was a great help. She made sure Zoé’s request sounded urgent, sophisticated, and arrogant.”

“She put a lot of pressure on them,” Gustave agrees. “Even told them that if they can’t provide them with their order, she will look somewhere else. I thought it was risky to put that much pressure on them, but it worked.”

“Night has a huge ego,” Emilien says. “From what we know he has more than a few narcissist traits. And Leila is a princess through and through. She knows how to play these people.”

“Is Tori properly chipped?” Lion asks.

“Yes, we made sure to have two chips on her, and we’ll follow her at a safe distance,” Eric says.

“I’ve posted several social media posts from her, about how excited she is to be in Paris,” Aurelia points out. “Hashtag Blooddonation, and all that.”