Page 137 of An Enigma for the Lycan Crown Prince

Samuel takes something out of his pocket, handing it to me. “I wasn’t sure if you would want to see it, but Geneva said she is sure you will.”

I look at the item, a picture of a boy. “Wait a moment, is that!?”

“Yes, your half-brother.”

“He is cute,” I chuckle. Not as cute as my half-sister, but still cute. “I hope you are going to help him and his mother?”

“Yes, we will. Rest reassured.”

“Samuel, I want to learn more about the other royal families. I know we don’t have a lot of contact with each other, aside from those who work for the Council, but is there a chance to learn more about them?”

“They live much more secluded than your family does,” Samuel explains. “Aside from occasional meetings with the Council and the delegates who work for the Council, we don’t see them a lot.”

“But it’s not impossible to meet them?”

“No, I will try to get you into contact with them. I agree, it might be a good idea to know each other better, even when continents are between you.”

“Well then,” I get up. “I think I have a lot to prepare for and work to do now.” I can’t help but sound joyful, my heart is filled with relief. I thought my father would be much more of an issue, but it seems not even he is stupid enough to take it up with a Council Elder. Soon, Flora and I will be put into our positions, and he can’t do anything more then.

“And I have a ceremony to plan,” Samuel says. “Geneva is already waiting for my okay to start.”

“Please tell her to involve Flora as much as possible, as my equal. I want her to shine!”

“Of course,” he reassures me, “that was the plan all along.”

forty-three

Unforeseen Incidents

*JANICE*

Have fun today, my love. I can’t wait to meet you later.

I smile when I read the little note Jace left me. We only converse via these little notes, never leave our real names on them and immediately get rid of them afterwards, in case his parents start snooping one day. It’s a risk; everything about our relationship is a risk, and I am not sure if I would have truly taken it if it weren’t for what happened on my birthday.

Flora and Elden are so busy with planning their inauguration ceremony that I decided to celebrate my birthday at a later point. I want them all to be there, and I certainly don’t want to add to the stress, but it didn’t stop the date itself from approaching. A couple days after Flora I turned eighteen. Then I knew.

I liked Jace for a while already. He came off a bit arrogant when I first met him, but soon it was evident how loyal, fun and kind he is. It didn’t take much for me to fall for him. I think what did me in was seeing him defend the omegas who were harassed and assaulted during the party he invited me to. He didn’t hesitate to stand up for them. But I also know his parents and their reputation, and I am not sure the realistic side of me would have agreed on taking this major risk, which could cost my life, and maybe even his.

I have no doubts his mother would get rid of me if she knew that we were together.

On my birthday, only a couple days after Flora’s, everything changed. I didn’t want to celebrate. To me it doesn’t really matter, it’s just a date, but Flora convinced me to at least consider having a party later in summer, and Jace organized a small birthday dinner in my favorite restaurant.

During this night, our wolves connected.

I had hoped for it to happen, although I was terrified. I still am. But now there is no going back anymore. I won’t give up on my mate just like that. Jace and I didn’t tell anyone what we are to each other. The only people who know of our plans are Elden and Flora, my grandmother and Deacon, the future beta. The only four people we trust with our lives and didn’t want to lie to. But even they don’t know the whole truth.

It feels safer that way.

We didn’t mark each other, to make sure that no one will find out until Jace is alpha.

“Janice!” Flora calls out to me. “Sorry, I let you wait too long.”

“Don’t worry,” I reassure her, gesturing at the bags in her hand. “Did you get everything for your Luna Ceremony?”

“Not all of it. The shop has to order some parts, but I got everything I need for Emilia to alter my dress,” she says.

“She really is so capable.”