It’s Harmony.
“Listen, Alpha Liam, please don’t take this wrong, but I would like to repeat what my brother and father said, just less ridiculously.” She pauses. “Please be good to my sister. I won’t be able to watch out for her anymore. She will be out of my reach, but she is within yours.”
“Of course, I will,” Liam says earnestly. I wonder why he allows her to question him like that, but I figure he accepts it because she is my sister, and I’m the reason for her concern. “I love her and will make sure she will never be treated poorly. My pack members and my parents can’t wait to meet her. Rest reassured that she will be welcomed warmly and will be protected.”
I don’t know what makes me happier. The fact that Harmony just showed her sisterly love for me or that Liam said he loved me. It’s both, I figure. I take a few steps back and approach the room again, this time a bit louder.
“Here,” I smile when I approach them again. “I found us some cake.”
“Fantastic,” Steve exclaims.
After a while, the others start bidding their goodbyes, but not before talking to me a bit and wishing me well. I know my parents’ pack warrior friends, but I’m a bit surprised when a few of the elders approach me too.Seems like overnight, my rank has changed completely.
Liam has his hand against my back, his thumb brushing over it in a gesture of comfort.
In a way, it did.He admits.Does this scare you, love?
Since we shifted, I noticed that Fenris sounds a lot softer towards me.No,I admit honestly, surprised by my own words, but it’s true. I don’t feel horrified anymore, not scared by the fact that I’m mated to a Lycan prince.Not anymore.
He looks proud.You are much more confident lately.
I take his hands into mine and entwine our fingers. I’m more confident because he allows me to be. Instead of forcing me into something I was not ready for, he waited patiently and adapted to my pace. He allowed me to grow.
I am ready for him in every possible way.
Chapter twenty-five
Chapter 25 Forever united
*LIAM*
Wedecidedtojusthave all the important meetings in one go. Since Annalise already knows Aryanna and Dante, it’s now my turn to meet her friends. Our meeting with my parents will be tomorrow.
I can feel her nervousness as she leads me toward our table. Maybe she is scared I will insult her friends? Oh, no, it’s probably because…
You think they won’t like me, do you?
She turns to look at me, her eyes wide.What? No! I’m just nervous because you are all so important to me. And… I know they will welcome you.
So, that’s not it.You are scared I won’t welcome them in return?
No! I’m just nervous you won’t get along. I want you to like each other.
It starts to dawn on me. Her best friends are a human and a girl who is treated as a traitor by her pack. She loves them, and her life will become significantly more difficult if I hate them.Annalise, these are your friends.She looks at me again, her beautiful eyes looking at me in worry. I take her hand into mine and hold it tight.I know they are important to you, and I know you have good people skills. Trust me.
I do, she forms with her lips before turning to face her friends. “Hello guys, this is Liam.” She pauses before turning towards me. I obviously know Finn and Celine already, so she skips the introduction for them. But she points to a pretty girl with short hair and freckles. “This is Ella and-” she shifts towards a young guy. I instantly know it has to be Dave; he smells like a human. He has brown hair in a fashionable half-length cut. He is surprisingly tall but not really muscular. “That’s Dave.”
They both nod at me and smile. Ella looks a bit guarded; I can note it instantly. Dave, however, doesn't seem to care at all about who I am. It makes things easier. “It’s nice to finally meet you,” I greet them. Goddess, this is awkward.
When I sit down, my glance finally falls on my little brother. I can’t help but frown. “What the heck is that in your face?” I ask in disbelief.
Finn blinks, touching his face like he is searching for something. “What do you mean?”
“Did you seriously pierce your eyebrow?”
“Oh, that,” Finn rolls his eyes. He waves his hand dismissively.
“Is that why you haven't dropped by the house over the past few weeks?” I rub my temples. “Mom thinks you are studying.”