Page 216 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince
Chapter sixty-two
Chapter 62 An Omega?
*LIAM*
Myfatherarriveswiththree elders sent by the Council - two older men and one woman. I haven’t met them before, but I remember their faces and names from the time my father had me learn about the Council. Back then, I hated how he made me study outside of school. Now I’m so thankful because it makes me look less like an idiot.
I approach the little group. “Elder Geneva, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” I greet the woman first before turning to the men. “Elder Samuel and Elder Bernard, allow me to welcome you to Red Claw.”
Geneva smiles at me. “Finally, we meet, Lord Liam.”
“Your father speaks of you all the time,” Bernard grins. He’s a loud and fun person and appears less earnest than Samuel. And it’s obvious that after he stopped his physical training, he enjoyed his food quite a bit. He’s endearing, though, and I like him instantly.
“Your cousin Eric also holds you in high regard,” Samuel tells me calmly. He’s more guarded and watches me thoughtfully.
“Please come in,” I tell them. I turn to my father. “You’re allowed to come too,” I try to lighten the mood with a little joke.
Dad grins. “Good to know that I’m not going to get replaced immediately.”
“He would never,” Geneva chuckles. “Everyone loves you.”
“Now that’s stretching the truth a bit,” Dad smiles. He offers Geneva his arm, which she takes happily. “Geneva and I go back a long way,” he tells me. “She was like an aunt to me when I grew up.”
Right… I remember, his parents weren’t around much. Honestly, I have only seen them once. I’m glad that he had a person to rely on while growing up though.
“Samuel too,” Dad points out with a smirk. “But he was pretty strict. I preferred Geneva.”
Bernard snorts. “Everyone prefers Geneva. Tell me something new.”
“Bernard!” Samuel rolls his eyes.
I listen to their little exchange and smile inwardly. Here goes their scary image. They are just three normal people who happen to hold more power than others, but they seem to be like the rest of us deep inside.
When we arrive at the lounge, Annalise is already expecting us. I make sure to go to her side so that she doesn’t feel out of place or nervous. “May I introduce my mate to you,” I beam proudly. “This is Annalise Preston, soon to be Alcott.”
My father’s eyes light up at my words, and he smiles at us.
I can feel her nervousness through the bond, but she manages to bring forward her professional side immediately. She takes a step closer, bowing toward the three politely. “It’s my pleasure to be allowed to meet representatives of the Council. It’s a great honor!”
“Oh goddess, aren’t you sweet,” Bernard laughs and instantly hugs and squeezes her into his beer belly. “Don’t be silly, girl. Elden has told us what you and Liam achieved. There is no need to be shy around us.”
“Bernard,” Samuel reprimands him. “Let the poor woman go. You’re suffocating her.”
Annalise smiles at Bernard, her eyes lighting up in joy for being welcomed so warmly. Then she shakes Samuel’s hand politely. Geneva gives her a warm hug but doesn’t squish her as Bernard did. She looks at Annalise thoughtfully for a while. “Interesting,” she says.
“What do you mean?” Bernard wants to know.
“Just wait,” Geneva takes my mate’s hand into hers while walking to the table where Renata has set up tea, coffee, and cake. “I want to hear the story first, the full story. From Lord Liam and Miss Annalise in person.”
I nod at them, and once we sit down, Annalise and I start telling them our story. From when we met and to the first dangers from Red Claw arose. They nod alongside my words, their faces contorting in worry when I tell them about Marcus and what happened to the pack.
“This can’t happen again,” Geneva says with a frown. “The Council lets the packs reign sovereignly, and I still think that’s incredibly important; but we need to make sure that such a crime doesn’t repeat itself.”
Samuel nods. “She’s right. Maybe the Council is a bit too far away… too abstract. People know we exist, but they don’t know many details. And normal pack members don’t deem us approachable, especially since we have no reigning king or queen at the moment.” He tosses a glance towards my father, who winces slightly.
Now that’s an interesting dynamic, too, I think, amused.
“I can’t claim the throne right now,” Dad explains. “Liam can’t take over Silverlake anymore, and my other children are not ready yet.”
