Page 78 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

I notice how he saysonlyand look up at him. “Is that a bad thing?”

“I don’t really matter to my parents or my pack. My brother is going to inherit the beta position, and he is everything I am, just better.”

It’s weird how we all have our insecurities. I would have never thought that about Gustave. “Is he as intelligent as you are?” I ask. “Does he have your IQ?”

Gustave looks at me, stunned.

“See,” I say. “Then not everything about him is better.”

Chapter twenty-four

A Place Called Home

*AURELIA*

Arden is still at the facility when we wrap up our work for today. I’ve briefly talked to both Liam and Marius to see if there is any news. Liam will meet with his contact in the police tomorrow, and Marius is still researching. They both promised to get back to me with information as soon as they have something.

While I freshen up in Arden’s bathroom, taking in a lungful of his scent, my gaze falls on the photo on his shelf. It’s of him and Vander. Vander seems like such a sweet young guy. I’ve only met him a couple of times, just briefly. He has so much going on, and I don’t want to come off too strong.

Seeing the photo, I decide to give myself a push and go looking for him, to see how he is doing. Arden is buried in work buttries his best to have his brother’s back, and I know if roles were reversed, I’d be happy if someone looked after my brothers.

It takes me a while to find him, but fortunately I bump into Eric. “Aurelia,” he exclaims, as cheerful as always. “I see you are on your own. I knew you wouldn’t stick to the deal and, instead, work all the time.”

“I can’t help it.” I chuckle. “I promised Tori and the others that I would be fully with them for New Year’s Eve, though.”

“My princess told me about your plans,” he says. “It will be a huge party here. I hope you came prepared.”

“Of course, I packed a skimpy outfit.”

Eric’s grin broadens. “Don’t say that out too loud. Uncle Elden will think I’m a bad influence.”

I laugh. “I thinkUncle Eldenknows his daughter too well to believe that. Also, I went shopping with Mom for it, so he can’t complain.”

“I bet Aunt Flora bought a skimpy outfit too, just for the fun of it.” He chuckles.

“You bet correctly.” I snort. “Okay, I think we are crossing into creepy and awkward territory now. Please tell me where I can find Vander, before we start discussing Dad’s skimpy outfits too.”

“He is in the park,” Eric answers promptly. “The one next to the training areas. And now I want to go shopping… for skimpy outfits. I wonder what Valerie would say.”

I bet Valerie would either find it hilarious or cute, but I don’t tell him. He doesn’t need my encouragement, as he just nods at me, winks, and marches off, and I continue to look for Vander. True to Eric’s words, I find him in the park. The Council has a huge indoor training hall but also quite a large outdoor area. To the human eye, the whole complex looks like a small building, but it’s enchanted to keep everyone hidden from prying eyes.

Vander is currently sitting under one of the trees, reading a book.

“Hey, Vander,” I say once I’m in hearing range.

Vander looks surprised when he sees me, but not unpleasantly so. He puts his book aside. “Hi, Aurelia.” He almost looks shy eye to eye with me. “Arden isn’t here,” he tells me. “I think he headed out for work.”

“He did,” I say. “I was actually looking for you.”

“Oh.” He blinks. “What for?”

“Just to chat,” I say.

He still looks anxious but now also somewhat relieved. “I was getting bored,” he admits, making room for me to sit down next to him.

“Right, you have Christmas holidays.”

“Yes, normally I’d do something in the pack,” he says, before he pauses. “Sorry.”