Page 86 of A Silent Prodigy for the Lycan Princess

“You think your white-ass face can pull that off?” he teases. At that, even Lion has to grin.

“Hey, I might have married a hot Moroccan guy!” I say with a grin. “Also, the real Dr. Alami looks similar to me. That’s why I chose her.”

“So, you two are going on an adventure tomorrow?” he asks.

“Breaking into a hospital,” Nox says.

“Oh Goddess,” Terry groans. “Forget that I asked.” He beams. “By the way, I wanted to show you something. Be honest, all of you.”

“Sure,” I reassure him. “Go ahead.”

He pulls out a small blue box. “I bought this before Christmas. You know… for Marilou’s birthday.”

“Right, she is turning eighteen on New Year’s Eve,” Nox says, eyeing the box curiously.

Terry opens it, revealing a beautiful bracelet. It’s very delicate, with little leaves attached to it. “Do you think she will like it?”

“Silver?” Nox asks.

“White gold,” Terry says. “I… I took a few extra shifts before Christmas, and the Luna helped me earn some extra bucks while helping around the pack.”

We are silent for a while. It’s a beautiful item and probably pretty expensive too.

“Oh shoot, you are quiet. It’s the wrong pick,” Terry mutters.

“No, I’m just stunned,” I say. “It’s beautiful and will suit her skin tone and red hair.”

“Terry, it’s stunning,” Lion says quietly. “She will love it.”

Terry looks into my eyes. “It doesn’t matter what anyone says about Marilou and me. Even if we aren’t going to be mates, no one can tell me that what we have isn’t real.” He looks at the bracelet. “It is real. That’s for certain.”

“We are not judging you,” I say. “I know you are in love with her.”

“Itisreal,” Lion says all of a sudden. “Listen, she loves you. Even if she isn’t your mate, she loves you. Isn’t that better than a mate who might not want you?”

That’s not wrong, and at the same time it’s a bit sad, no matter how I look at it. I just hope that Terry and Marilou won’t be disappointed.

We spend the next hour chatting about more random stuff and eating our steaks. Then, I return to Arden’s room, taking a shower and dressing in something more comfortable before going for a walk. I roam the Council building for a while, taking my time to look at everything, as I wonder when Arden is going to come back today.

I don’t need to wonder for long, though, because my phone signals an incoming message.

I’m back. Are you free? If yes, let’s meet at the main entrance in half an hour.

I smile, typing back swiftly.I’m free. What are you planning?

Surprise.

I tilt my head curiously, put my phone into my pocket, and walk towards the main entrance. I’m early, but fortunately, I don’t need to wait for too long because Arden arrives early also. His skin looks slightly wet from the shower he probably just took. “Hi,” I say.

“Hello.” He smiles before he pulls me into a kiss.

“What a nice greeting,” I whisper against his lips. “And will my handsome mate tell me what he is planning?”

“No.” He smiles, taking my hand to lead me along.

“Were you successful today?” I ask him.

“Yes,” he says. “The body shows similar signs to Claire’s. So, we can definitely see it as a pattern now. And you?”