Page 42 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince

Steve blinks. “Annalise, why’s that? Are you hiding something?”

I frown. “You two act like I never work out,” I’m not quite able to hide my slightly upset tone. “And stop calling me by my full name, Steve. I always found it unfitting.”

Steve raises his hands, eyeing me with puppy eyes. “I didn’t mean it as an insult. Working out regularly in the gym is just… new.”

I sigh. I’m really getting too sensitive recently. I blame the last few sleepless nights. My trail of thoughts leads me back to the awful messages I receive. No, not now, Annie. You are here with your family, in the safety of your pack! Stop it! “Sorry,” I sigh. “You are right. It’s a bit of a change to how I handled working out before.”

I don’t tell them my reason for it though, but I want to become fitter after meeting Liam. Not to slim down for him – hell no, I love food way too much – but because being his mate might, at times, put me in dangerous situations. I should at least be able to run if danger occurs.

“We can train together,” Steve beams.

“No way,” I grin. “I could never keep up with you.”

“Say, Annie,” Harmony interrupts us with a smirk. “What is that about your name? You said it’s unfitting? That’s new too.”

“Well, Annalise sounds too graceful for me, too sweet and lovely,” I explain.

“That’s the reason?” Harmony pulls an eyebrow up. “It’s the perfect name! Bitch, I am called Harmony. That’s the worst name ever. Who in their right mind calls their child Harmony?”

We both look at each other for a moment before we burst into laughter. “That’s why we are Annie and Harmy,” I giggle.

Harmony grins. “Only we can understand.”

“I think both your names are wonderful,” Steve points out. “I’m the one who should complain!”

I blink at him. “What’s wrong with Steve? The name’s pretty normal.”

“Exactly, normal!” Steve complains. “Steve, brother of Annalise and Harmony? How does that sound to you? Do I sound like the hero of a story?”

For a moment, Harmony and I look at him flabbergasted before we start laughing again. Steve pouts and grumbles but soon joins us by laughing too.

Once we're calmed down, Harmony looks at me thoughtfully. “So, Annie, Steve’s right. What’s that change about? It’s not only the training. You look different.” She checks me from head to toe. “The last time I saw you, you were still my Annie. But now…” she pauses. “You are still my Annie, but it feels like you grew more confident, bolder.” She sounds thoughtful now. “There is just something about you. Something changed.”

“Yeah,” Steve grumbles. “I swear a few of the guys were watching her when she arrived.”

I shake my head. “Stop joking with me.”

Steve rolls his eyes dramatically. “We’re not.”

Harmony leans closer. “So, did something happen? Did you have fun? Are you dating?”

“What do you mean?” Steve complains, his eyes widening in horror. “Fun at college does not sound like something Annie should go for! No, no, no!”

“I- “I lick my lips nervously. I’m surprised by how close to the truth Harmony got, still… it’s a bit difficult to tell them. “I met someone.” I pause, noting how both my siblings look at me curiously. “I… my mate.”

“WHAT!?” Steve cries.

Harmony claps her hands in excitement. “Yes, Annie, that’s fantastic!”

Steve looks at me with a mixture of panic and reluctant joy. “Please tell us everything.”

“That's why I’m here today,” I admit quietly.

“When?” Harmony wants to know. “When did you meet?”

“The Welcome party at college,” I tell her honestly.

This surprises Harmony because… “That was a few weeks ago,” she blinks. “Why did you keep it a secret? It’s not like you not to tell me. Who is the guy?”