Page 130 of An Enigma for the Lycan Crown Prince

“Well, I am learning,” Calvin says smoothly.

He really is. I have to give credit where credit is due. He is quite the chameleon, just like we were promised he’d be. The guys are busy with preparing everything for my birthday lunch,while Janice’s task seems to be to stop me from lifting a finger. Eventually though, we join Vincent and Calvin with decorating.

“Have you heard anything from your old pack, Vince?” I ask him when he climbs down the ladder. “Is everyone alright?”

“Yes, they are fine,” he says. “Some left, some stayed to rebuild it. I liked it there, but since I didn’t spend my whole childhood in that pack, I don’t feel the biggest connection,” he pauses. “I really love Silverlake. First time in a while, I feel at home somewhere.”

Through my bond to Elden, I can feel his joy and relief. His beta truly feeling at home here means a lot.

“What about you, Calvin? Don’t you miss your family? I am sure your parents must miss you.”

“Ah-” He makes a dismissive gesture with his hand. “We are not really close,” he admits. “I am sure you noticed, Flora, but I am a bit of a black sheep. My parents barely call or write.”

“But you are still their son,” I say sadly.

“I wasn’t an easy child,” he explains. “I had a lot of mental issues that weren’t treated correctly. My parents just wanted the perfect child. Only once I pretended to be exactly that, were they content.”

Jace and Elden exchange a quick look. “Feels familiar,” Jace mutters.

“It’s not like they really cared though,” Calvin adds.

“Don’t worry, man,” Vincent says. “Silverlake is your home now! We will return it back to its former glory.”

“Not just its former glory,” Calvin corrects him. “We will make it even better.”

“Deal!” Vincent grins. “We are like the Power Rangers.”

Calvin shakes his head. “I am not going to wear a costume.”

“Ah, come on! How about the Ninja Turtles then! Elden is Leonardo, clearly, he is the leader,” Vincent says. “Donatello willbe you, Calv, you are the smart one. I am obviously Raphael, the tough one!”

Janice and I can’t help but laugh at Calvin’s slightly disgruntled expression and Vincent’s broad grin. Samuel and Geneva have only quietly listened to our conversation, but even they look amused.

“Come on, what’s wrong with my idea?” Vincent asks.

“Raphael is nothing like you,” Elden says, peeking into the living room. “He is supposed to be short-tempered and cynical.”

“Sounds like it would fit me better,” Calvin says. “I don’t mind being the tough one. You can be Michelangelo, the party turtle.”

“Wait a moment, you know the ninja turtles?” Vincent asks.

Calvin shrugs. “I was a kid too, once.”

“Suddenly, you turned way cooler,” Vincent says, making us laugh again.

“At least you two know how to amuse the audience,” Samuel mutters, shaking his head slightly.

“It means they will be able to make the pack members laugh and relax around them,” I say. “That’s not bad. The mood hasn’t been too good the last couple of years.”

“You raise a good point,” Samuel agrees.

“Okay, we are done!” Jace yells into the living room. “Everyone sit down, now! Before something goes wrong and we burn the food.”

Elden and Jace made my grandma’s infamous meatloaf recipe with mashed potatoes and princess beans. There is tomato soup as the first dish, something I love. Elden must have remembered.

“I am impressed,” Geneva says. “You two did pretty well.”

“With Emilia’s help though,” Samuel points out.