Page 50 of An Enigma for the Lycan Crown Prince

“I just have a very well-nourished wild side to me,” he says. “I bet you have that, too.”

“I’m trying not to,” I say. “My lycan is very dominant already. I have enough work with keeping him in check. I don’t need my very own wild side on top of that.”

“What about your mate?” he asks. “Flora seems to be…” he tilts his head thoughtfully. “How should I put it? She looks so innocent and sweet, but there is a certain strength about her.”

I’m shocked he noticed. Most people easily fall for Flora’s innocent, youthful looks and the way she smiles at everyone. In reality, she is incredibly smart and cunning; they just don’t know. She weaponized it perfectly. She’s truly amazing.

“She is fantastic,” I say, my heart warming at the thought of my mate. “I got really lucky to have her as my mate. Which is why I am trying hard to be the best mate possible, and the best boyfriend and future alpha.”

“Man,” Vincent says. “That sounds exhausting. And something tells me that your little mate wouldn’t mind you being yourself. Actually, I bet she can easily look through you when you aren’t.”

“That might be true,” I admit.

Vincent and I order a second round of fries and some milkshakes, ignoring the shocked gazes of the waitress at the amount of food we’ve eaten. Somehow, it’s easy to be with Vincent. I never had someone like him around me. Jace and Flora are my friends from childhood; I trust them with my life, but with Vincent it’s different. I can share things with him, despite not knowing him well. I don’t talk much usually, and thisis the first time, ever, that I’ve sat with someone and had a deep talk about my feelings.

He is not scared, either. Usually, when someone spots Regis for the first time, they are terrified, or when they hear the prophecy, they put me on a pedestal and look up to me but wouldn’t dare to openly approach me.

Vincent just treats me like any guy.

It’s almost like fate put him in my way.

“Be my beta,” I hear myself say.

Vincent stops eating, staring at me. “What?” he asks, his expression almost comical as he tries to grasp what I’ve said.

I see it so clearly, though. Just like I knew Flora was my mate, I know he is supposed to be my beta. I’ve just known him for a couple of days, yet I know he is the friend I need at my side to help me lead this pack.

“You feel a connection too, don’t you?” I ask. “I want you to become my beta.”

sixteen

The New Beta

*ELDEN*

Ihave never truly fought for something I wanted, because I never wanted anything. I wanted my mom to be alive, but that’s a wish no one could fulfill for me. Even as a child, I knew that.

I stopped wishing for my father to care about me—or even like me—and, now, I don’t even want to be in his vicinity. I have Flora, Jace and I live comfortably… there is nothing else I’ve asked for since Tobias left.

This changes today. Thoughaskingis probably the wrong word.

Right after training I make my way to my father’s office. For once, he is gracing the pack with his presence for more than acouple of days. I personally wouldn’t mind if he returned to one of his travels, but for now, it’s good that he is here so that we can settle this once and for all.

“Good morning,” I say shortly, when I enter his office.

He raises his head, clearly surprised to see me. “A rare visitor,” he says, as usual sounding cold and distant. “How can I help?”

“I’ve made a decision and would like to inform you about it,” I say. “You have been in my ear about choosing a beta, and I decided to finally do it.”

I can see his eyebrow ticking slightly at my dismissive tone. I can’t help it though. I’m trying to keep the peace, mainly for the pack’s sake, but also for Geneva, who has been really supportive of me and of my relationship with Flora… and maybe even for Emilia. I don’t want her to suffer because I put my father in a bad mood.

“So,” he says, “tell me your decision.”

“Vincent Gray,” I say shortly.

My father looks up, staring at me, and I can almost see the wheels in his head turning as he keeps searching for the person I picked. His eyes darken once he reached the right conclusion. “No,” he says shortly. “He is not made to be beta.”

“Why? He is courageous, a great sparring partner and blessed with useful gifts.”