“Mostly Omega and Beta wolves. It’s their choice, though. Elden lets anyone join the warriors who wants to. To maintain such a big pack, there are all kinds of jobs. We also always have many young students helping out.”
I nod tentatively. “They can earn a bit of money like that.”
I really like how they are leading this pack. I can’t wait to see the rest of the pack grounds and how they organize everything. I think of how scared I was at just hearing the name Alpha Elden....and now I am sitting here and seeing how nice and what a good leader he and his Luna are.
Liam’s respectful behavior makes a lot more sense now. My gaze shifts towards my mate. He is talking to his father again, and they are discussing something, it seems, this time uninterrupted. Both radiate so much dignity. While Elden’s elegance is wilder, rough on the edges, his eyes showing more temper – alluring in their own way – Liam radiates confidence,calmness and seriousness. I love it!
Later, after we finish eating, I help Luna Flora carry some plates with leftovers into the salon. “For later,” she smiles. “I know my boys. They can eat a lot.”
“I would like to apologize again,” Flora says suddenly. “For Marius’ behavior. He really embarrassed us, me,Elden and Liam in particular. I hope you will accept our heartfelt apology.”
Again, it surprises me how polite they are towards me like I’m someone special. I can only shake my head. “It’s okay, really.” I pause. “I mean, in a way, he is right. I’m just an Omega. And there is not much outstanding about me. That's all right with me, though. It’s who I am.”
She looks at me thoughtfully. “I don’t know about that, Annalise, but I know that Liam left the house to join his brother on the night of Finn’s college party. Hours later, he came home a different man. I knew it instantly. For Liam to have found his mate makes me incredibly happy. He is so earnest and diligent, trying his hardest to fulfill the expectations as the Alpha’s firstborn. I always felt like he was missing out on something in life. Then he met you, and suddenly I saw him smile.” She shifts around some plates. “He has a very high moral compass, you know?”
I nod, a warm smile curling my lips. “I know,” I say softly. I have never met someone so respectful and fair like Liam.
There must have been something in my expression or voice because Luna Flora suddenly smiles brightly. “He has never raised his hand to any of his siblings. He is not one for violence, especially not within the family. But I think tonight he was pretty close to it.”
“You tested me back there, didn’t you?” I ask curiously.
She tilts her head. “So, you noticed?” She giggles a bit and rubs her hands together excitedly, looking like a mischievous teen. “I told Finn to allow you to handle it. I wanted to see if you could rein in Liam’s wolf.” She beams. “You did very well. As for you being an Omega, I personally think that there's something warm and kind about Omegas. They bring a different perspective to the table, and they are as important to our society as everyone else. I would have loved to call an Omega child my own, but I was only blessed with Alphas.” She sighs dramatically. “At least I got one daughter. But of course, she had to be completely uninterested in anything girlie. Typical Alpha.”
“I’m standing right next to you, Mom,” Aurelia grins.
The door suddenly swings open, and Felix comes waltzing in. “Anything I missed?” he asks while grabbing one of the leftover roast beef pieces. Luna Flora winks at me. Told you, her glance says.
“Nothing,” Aurelia laughs slightly. “Just Mom questioning her life choices.”
“Oh, the usual,” Felix smirks.
Luna Flora chuckles and smacks his arm.
For coffee and dessert, we have a variety of cakes, muffins and cupcakes. I don't even question it anymore. I admit defeat. These Alphas sure can eat large amounts. It's almost fascinating.
“What do you like about Liam?” Aurelia asks curiously all of a sudden.
She indeed is bold, I realize. By the curious gazes coming from the twins, I figured they all want to know but didn’t dare to ask. I smile warmly. It’s so easy to answer. “He is not only strong but also kind and sweet and respectful,” I say dreamily. “And he has a great sense of humor. It’s never boring when I’m with him. And-” I pause before I dive into more private matters, such as him being incredibly hot and how I love when he sometimes shows his dominance in bed.
I feel Liam’s hand on my knee. He looks at me full of love.
Aurelia and the twins look at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“Wow, I can't wait for the mate bond to happen for me. Makes you delusional, it seems,” Finn grins.
“Careful,” Liam says in a matter-of-fact tone. “I’m in charge of the training plans for next week. Might take a closer look at you guys.”
Finn looks absolutely horrified while Aurelia laughs a bit.
Marius has stayed quiet throughout the whole lunch. I sometimes notice his gaze on me, but whenever I turn to look at him, he looks away. There is something distant in his eyes, something angry. It’s hard to tell though who his gaze is directed at. I wonder why he doesn’t like me, or maybe it’s Liam he has a problem with. I don’t know, but I don’t want to linger too much on depressing thoughts. Everyone else in Liam’s family is so warm and welcoming. I’m confident eventually Marius might warm up to me too.
Chapter twenty-eight
Chapter 28 The Silver Lake
*ANNALISE*
Ispendtherestof the day with Liam. I want him to show me the pack grounds. “You like it here?” he asks happily.