Page 109 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince

“What!?” my father and I exclaim in unison. I can see my father’s eyes darkening, mirroring my own. “Did you just seriously suspect Marius?”

Calvin raises his hands in defense and bares his neck to him. “I don’t mean any insults, Alpha.”

“It’s not unusual for Marius not to join us for breakfast,” I snap. “Seriously, do you have actual proof for what you are claiming?” I growl.

“I’m just speculating,” he tells me. “But it’s not a secret that Marius is not happy in this pack and that he lashes out against most pack members that are higher in rank.” He pauses. “Including you, his brother, Alpha Liam.”

A wave of nausea hits me. I hate that he just pulled one of my brothers into this. I hate it more that he is doing it so successfully, planting these seeds of doubt inside all of us. Marius is my brother, and I know we are not on the best terms right now. I know he was mean towards Annalise. I know of all his shortcomings and strengths, and he has a cunning side to him. But this here!? Would he really go that far just because he has some grudge against me? Would he endanger fellow pack members?

Liam,Dante’s voice comes through the mind link.I have never met someone with a better sense of judgment and gut feelings than you. Don’t let him cloud your mind. Calvin can be like venom, poisoning you and your relationships. He is an ass, but he is right: This is his job. It’s his job to suspect everyone and find the smallest of issues. It’s one of his gifts to have all the possibilities lie out in front of him. Do you really think Marius orchestrated an attack on our pack?

I take a deep breath. Dante is right. Calvin is a jerk, and I will never understand how my father can work with him, but he is good at what he does.Thank you,I say solemnly.Besides, in case of an emergency, I can always use my gift to make sure if someone lies to me or not. Marius loves Aurelia dearly. And today, when Marius came to the infirmary to check on Aurelia, he was shocked and worried, but it was not the guilt-ridden kind of shock. It was the same reaction Mom and Finn had. Thank you, Beta Dante.

Dante nods at me, hiding his smile.Anytime, Alpha Liam.

Still bad enough that Marius' current behavior raises suspicions, I think. Something is definitely going on with him, but I don’t believe he is planning an attack on Silverlake. I will need to get down to the bottom of his issues later.

Vincent still looks extremely conflicted, not happy with Calvin but not ready to go against him either. “Calv,” he tries with humor. “Your gift is camouflage. It allows you to wipe away all kinds of traces, diffuse scents, set traps, and almost turn invisible. Doesn’t that make you suspicious too, buddy?”

“Absolutely,” Calvin says. “I’m no exception.”

“You are so weird, Calv,” Vincent rolls his eyes. “If you ever suspect me, I will punch you. Just saying.”

“There is nothing suspicious about you,” Calvin says. “You are an open book.”

“Now that's wrong too,” Vincent grumbles.

I’ve had enough of this talk. We already wasted enough precious time with this shit. I know there is always the possibility of having someone betray me. And yes, worst-case scenario, it could be one of my siblings. But I don’t like having assumptions thrown around like they are nothing. It’s not right! Besides, we are getting nowhere by clinging to these conspiracy theories.

My father seems to be having similar conflicting thoughts.

Gladly Finn saves the day by approaching us swiftly. “Anything new!?” he asks nervously.

“No,” I furrow my brows. “But we wasted time suspecting half of the pack.”

Finn looks confused but doesn’t inquire further.

My father growls at Calvin. “Next time try to have actual proof,” he commands.

Calvin nods. “Of course.”

“Can we get back on topic now?” I huff.

“Yes, Annalise is our top priority now,” my father agrees, nodding. “So instead of going crazy targeting pack members with our assumptions, let’s focus on why. Why her?”

I tilt my head. Why Annalise? What did they want from her?

“Does she have any enemies?” Dante asks Finn and me.

Finn shakes her head. “You mean aside from the dimwit who harassed me before Annie befriended me? No, everyone likes her. She is super nice and kind.”

“Who is the dimwit?” my father inquires, raising his eyebrows.

“Lauren, a girl from Moon Blood pack,” I explain.

“Wasn’t she also the one behind the first attack?” Dante asks.

I turn to look at him, frowning my brows. “You mean she would try something like that again?”