Page 15 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

My father hasn’t officially announced an heir yet, but the Council thinks it will be me as his firstborn. They don’t care that I have a hearing impairment; they believe my other traits make up for it and that my mind will bring the additional strength I need to lead the pack.

But Dad doesn’t think that. He thinks I’m useless, even if I find my mate. In his mind, no she-wolf could be good enough to be a leader. I’ve already made peace with his rejection of my abilities, and if he announces Vander as his heir, I will make sure to have my brother’s back, but there is no way Dad can just do that behind the Council’s back… not without any explanation.

I don’t want my pack to come into a crossfire because of me.

Cato disagrees. I can feel his emotions and that he believes we are strong, but I think Vander would be a great leader, too.

Well, it’s nothing that can be solved in a day.

“Are you two bringing dates tomorrow?” Eric asks us.

I, for one, am glad he is changing the topic, but a bit confused by his sudden question. “A date?”

“Yes, you can’t fool me!” He grins. “I know you are not always messaging your lil bro.”

“Of course, Arden has girls interested in him. He is cool!” Vander tries to back me up instantly. I groan inwardly. I hate being the center of a talk, especially, such a talk.

“I know that,” Eric says. “That’s why I am asking.”

“I am sure you can bring someone, too,” I tell Vander.

“Can I?” he asks.

Eric smiles. “Of course you can.”

“Then I want to invite one of my classmates. She is from my pack,” he explains.

“You haven’t told me that you like someone,” I say with a smile.

“You haven’t either,” he argues.

He isn’t wrong. “It’s… just really new,” I admit. “We are actually only hanging out and spending time with each other. Nothing serious, because we aren’t mates.”

“Who is it?” he wants to know.

“Coralie,” I say.

“Really?” Vander looks surprised, and for a split second, it hurts me.

“We were schoolmates and coincidentally met each other a few weeks ago and reconnected,” I explain. “What about you?”

“I like Léna.”

Now it’s my turn to be surprised. Léna is a very nice girl, very smart. I am actually happy my brother likes her.

“Did you think she wouldn’t be my type?” Vander mutters. “I think she is pretty, you know? And I can talk to her!”

“I agree. She is a great girl. I am happy for you.”

“Then why are you surprised?” he pushes.

“Why were you?” I ask. “You thought Coralie would never ask me out because she is cute.”

Vander looks flustered. “It’s not like I think a hot girl wouldn’t like you,” he hurries to explain. “It’s just… I always thought of her as shallow.”

“You know,” Eric intervenes. “How about you two leave it at that? From experience, I can tell you this talk isn’t leading any of you anywhere and will just ruin your evening. Coralie and Léna are welcome to join you tomorrow, and I am sure they are both lovely young women.”

The tension around us gets lighter, and my annoyance subsides slightly. I know it’s due to Eric’s gifts, but I’m glad he stopped me from arguing with my brother.