Page 68 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince

“Not an excuse, though,” Ella squeezes my hand. “They crossed a line.”

“Yes,” I admit. “Their behavior raises some red flags. Pretty sure it’s thanks to their friendship with Marc. Good thing we know about everything now. But still…”

“Yeah, Annie is right. They are kids,” Finn sighs. “It’s always more difficult to handle such issues. What did Alpha Cedric do?”

“Father didn’t whip them, they are too young, but they are all on kitchen duty for the next few months, including the other two. Also, one of the younger one’s fathers is a pack warrior and one of Brian’s… Annie’s dad’s friends. He was not particularly amused by his son's actions.” Celine says evenly. “He is a very kind guy, but he was really pissed this time. I’m sure that kid will definitely not step out of line anytime soon.”

“Celine,” Finn tilts his head. “I know my brother takes all of this really personally. I bet he would have liked to kill that Marc guy at least, but I have to commend you and your father. That’s how a pack leader deals with bullying.”

“I wish all packs would do it like that,” Ella agrees quietly.

I can hear the edge in her voice, the slight pain. She always hides it so well, but it’s there. Red Claw has never treated her well. I squeeze her hand now, entwining our fingers. She is my most trustworthy ally and my closest friend. I need to find a way to help her.

Chapter twenty-one

Chapter 21 Princess of the Council

*ANNALISE*

MytalkwithLiamis inevitable. He allowed me to rest the past few days because he wanted to ensure I was well, but I know we can’t postpone it any further.

Liam has made bruschetta for us, and earlier that day, I prepared a lemon tart together with Ella and Celine in the dorm kitchen to surprise him. We created a mess, but at least we had fun.

After dinner, Liam and I have a glass of wine and eat the dessert together. It’s then that I finally decide we can’t avoid it any longer. I deliberately pick this moment because we are sitting opposite of each other, instead of a time when we are cuddling with each other. It puts a bit more distance between us, and we need it.

“And now?” I ask him over my glass of wine.

His sharp eyes gaze over me. “Tell me what you want. How do you want to proceed from here on?”

I take a deep breath. “I want to continue my studies, preferably at college, because it makes things easier for me, but I can also take a few online classes. I just really want to finish my degree.”

“I will absolutely support this,” he says instantly. “Education is important.”

I smile, noticing how the tension slowly leaves me. We started on a good note here. No need to freak out. Even if we disagree, I am sure we can find common ground. “As for my living situation,” I pause. Goddess, this is embarrassing. “Actually, I don’t want to stay in the dorm.” I blush a bit. “I would like to stay with you.”

A beautiful smile lightens his face. “I was scared you would never ask,” he chuckles. “I wouldn’t have let you stay in your dorm anyway.” He smirks. “I’m still waiting for your ‘but’ though.”

I chuckle a bit. He knows me well by now. “It’s just… before I move to your pack, I would like to organize a few things. I would need a few weeks for it, a month maximum. Leah calls for you every night, and honestly, I want you too.” I pause. “I was never prepared to have a high-ranking mate. No one expected it. Being your mate comes with responsibilities, and I’m ready to accept them. However, once you present me to your pack, there will be no more time for me to prepare for anything. I don’t think I could do it without your help, though…”

He looks at me with a warm smile, reaching out his hand to take mine. He rubs his thumb over the back of my hand. “Tell me what’s on your mind. I’ll try to help as much as I can.”

“I have a list,” I mutter, blushing a bit. He will think I’m so weird.

He blinks. “A list?”

“Yes,” I search for it in my bag before handing it to him.

Learning self-defense, finding someone to take over the dorm room, meeting the family, learning about the Council and Lycans, learning about the pack, getting a fitting wardrobe for potential official events and a few more points.

He scans through it and then looks at me. “I’m impressed!”

“It’s not weird?” I ask, relieved.

“Not at all. I didn’t expect you to be so…aware,” he smiles. “But I like it. All my feelings for you aside, I think you are far better suited for becoming a Luna and Princess than you think you are.”

His praise makes me blush a bit. I didn’t expect it. “So, what do you think? How should we go about everything?” I want to know.

He seems pleased by my question. He probably thought I was just stalling. But no, I really mean it. I’m way too analytical and rational to think that our relationship and love will be enough to lead his people. I just don’t want to stumble into his pack full of powerful werewolves and Lycans and not know a thing. “I have an idea.”