Page 210 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince
“Are you two talking about us?” my father asks, amused.
Annalise blushes a bit, but I just smile slightly. “Maybe we just went through the list of desserts?” I offer teasingly.
Dad sighs. “I never thought my oldest son would develop so much sass.”
My mother grins, poking my father’s head happily. “Don’t worry, Liam, he secretly loves it. He told me he does.”
“Oh, are you sharing our deepest secrets now,” Dad deadpans.
My mother just giggles before her eyes seem to catch something. Whatever it is, she traces it with her gaze until she looks at Annalise. She smiles.
I don’t even want to know what she saw, but it’s most likely something good going by her smile.
“Something else,” my father interrupts the moment. “I don’t want to leave you without allies in Red Claw. You will need some help with rebuilding the pack. Is there anyone you would like to invite to your pack? As an actual member?”
My eyes widen. “Are you serious? Dad, you are not obliged to give me members of your pack. I know it’s not that simple.”
He shrugs. “That’s not what I asked. I asked you if there is someone you like to invite. If you could name anyone, who would it be?
I take a moment to consider. “If I could, I would like to take Emerson and his family with me,” Liam says. “He’s loyal to me, and after Daisy almost lost her child during labor, I think she could do with a change. Maybe a few of the younger pack warriors. I need some strong wolves to help me train the new pack. I would appreciate it if it weren’t only male warriors. And one or two of the older ones with experience. I’m only inviting those along who want to join freely, though. Silverlake is their home, and I’m not taking that from anyone.”
“What about your siblings?” Flora asks thoughtfully.
“Is it even possible?” I’m surprised at her offer.
My father leans back a bit. “At this point, my most likely successors are either Finn or Aurelia. Time will tell. But your mother is right. If one of your siblings wants to join you, I think it’s a good idea.”
“Marius?” Fora says thoughtfully.
When everyone looks at her in surprise, she shrugs. My normally cheerful mother looks serious all of a sudden. “He could start anew there. He’s not happy in Silverlake, as much as it pains me to admit. I don’t know what’s going on with him, he seems to be battling something, but he won’t tell me.”
“I can’t reach out to Marius either,” I admit quietly.
“I’m not so sure,” Annalise intervenes. “I think you can eventually figure out what’s wrong.” Now we all look at her in surprise.
“Dear, you saw how he talks to me.” I point out carefully.
“Yes, he lashes out against you. But you are the only one he talks to,” Annalise says. “He doesn’t even talk to Finn. He also avoids Aurelia.”
“And us,” my mother adds.
“You are the only one he challenges. I guess he trusts your bond the most,” she shrugs.
“You wouldn’t mind Marius joining you?” my father asks her thoughtfully.
Annalise tilts her head. “I wouldn’t mind. I can stand my ground now. If he says something to me, I’ll definitely kick his ass. I’m not scared of him.”
I frown. “If he ever pulls any stunts on you, I’ll punch him from here to the Moon Goddess.”
“He’s not an idiot,” my mother points out. “If he agrees to come with you, he knows you will be his Alpha and Annie his Luna.”
I lean back a bit, allowing their words to settle in before deciding. After a while, I nod. “I’ll talk to him about it.”
“Good. We can go through a list of warriors later,” Dad says with a smile. “And later talk to everyone involved. For now, let’s eat.”
*ANNALISE*
I accompany Liam to see Marius. He wants me to come because we are in this together. And as the pack’s Luna, he wants my approval for these kinds of decisions. I appreciate him so much for being the way he is. For showing me so much respect. He does it with the pack, too… showing them his loyalty towards them.
