Page 59 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

“Now you sound like Marilou and Tori,” I tease.

“They aren’t wrong, though.”

I nod while gazing at the dance floor, watching Tori and Marilou dance with each other. Tori gazes into the crowd like she is searching for something but soon focuses back on Marilou. Both of them look incredible tonight. Tori, who usually wears rather cute designs, is wearing a tight black top, and Marilou went for something a tad bit revealing, too.

“I wonder if Arden knows how amazing it was that he stood against his father’s alpha command,” I say, as my thoughts take me back to my mate. “It was incredible.”

“I doubt he sees it that way,” Val chuckles. “I hope you will kick some modesty out of him. He is so humble, it’s enraging sometimes.”

“It adds to his charm,” I say, thinking of the way Arden treats those around him. He never makes anyone look stupid, although, he easily is the smartest one in the room, probably in any room.

“So… his dadreallycommanded him?”

“Yes.” I nod. “And he broke out of the command. I know how difficult that is. Dad practiced it with Liam when he trained him to become alpha, and he also started to practice it with me. And you know, I have a loving family and lots of support. It’s easier to put up mental blockades against a command if you are content and happy in your life. But, Arden managed to do it despite his difficult upbringing.”

“Make sure to tell him that.” Val giggles. “He will be so embarrassed, but he needs to hear it.”

“Count on me.” I chuckle.

Tori chooses this moment to approach us and tug us onto the dance floor. “What are you two doing?” she asks. “Chatting and watching us youngsters like two old ladies.”

“She is right. You are only young once.” Jazz laughs. She stepped out for a few minutes to call her mate and chat with her but is now back with full force.

Tori is clinging to me, and I make sure to dance with her. Eventually, the guys return with the drinks. Nox makes sure the drinks keep coming. I know him; he is just relieved he has something to do. Partying was never something he enjoyed. It’s more Tori, Jazz, and my thing, though this time Tori seems a bittoo eager to party. Maybe it’s because we are in Europe and away from home and our parents, but she is celebrating hard.

At one point, Jazz and I take it upon ourselves to gently tug her drink out of her hands, making sure that Nox stops providing us with more alcohol. Fortunately, the others are too distracted to notice anything.

“I’m not feeling well,” Tori slurs into my ear. She has her head buried in my neck and is swaying slightly, but not to the music.

“Let’s take a step outside,” I tell her, carefully taking her arm. On the other side, Jazz supports her.

“Everything alright?” Nox whispers towards us.

“We are just going to get some fresh air,” I say.

He glances at Tori and nods. His question seems to have alerted Lion, as well. “Did something happen?” he asks in worry.

I can feel Tori’s hands clenching around me, and I’m scared she is starting to feel sick for real. I don’t want her to be embarrassed by anyone noticing, so I shake my head. “Nothing,” I say. “Just a circulatory problem.”

With that, Jazz and I manage to find our way outside. Lion follows us for a couple of steps, but when he meets my gaze, he sighs slightly and falls back. Nox doesn’t follow us, but one of the bodyguards not so subtly steps outside.

It’s freezing cold which helps Tori to sober up slightly. Another good thing about our wolf genes: getting so drunk that we pass out is hard.

“Don’t worry about me,” Tori breathes out while taking short breaths. “I’m okay. Just a bit sick.”

“You don’t look okay,” Jazz says, helping her sit down. “I’m gonna go get some water for you, or better, some cold Coke.”

“Shit,” Tori curses when Jazz has dashed off. “When was the last time that happened?”

“When we were sixteen and snuck out to party,” I tell her. “I climbed through my window.”

Tori snorts. “We got so busted.”

“I had the hangover of the century.” I laugh. “Dad was so pissed. Luckily for me, Marius and Finn chose that night to fuck up even worse. That’s the good thing about having so many siblings. Someone is always in more trouble than you are.”

Tori chuckles, her laugh turning into a cough, though. “Don’t make me laugh, or I will throw up.”

I want to ask her why she was drinking so much tonight, but I don’t want to humiliate her or ask something she is uncomfortable with. When Jazz returns with some cold Coke, we make sure Tori takes a few sips.