Page 26 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince
“Hell no!” Celine blurts out in horror. I didn’t even notice her walking up to us, but it seems like the ruckus happening here was loud enough for her to show up. She is carrying a book in her hand, looking horrified by the drama and the fact that she was pulled into it.
Liam raises his eyebrows at her answer while Finn grins slightly. “Seems like she isn’t your fan, Liam?”
Celine sighs. “That’s not it,” she says calmly. Even she, a wolf with Alpha blood, seems to be nervous face to face with Liam. Still, she carries herself with dignity despite the tension. “It’s just that I amnotLord Liam’s mate. That’s a fact. I don’t think I am perfect for him.” She turns to face me. “Because I am perfect formyfuture mate.” A pause. “And Annie is perfect for Lord Liam.”
Something about the way she says it warms my heart. She didn’t have to say anything. She could have just told Liam that she doesn’t see herself as his mate. But she went the extra mile. It reminds me that Lauren and the idiots around her are just a small group. They don’t matter. What matters is what I think, what Liam thinks, and what my friends and family think. I shouldn’t give a damn about Lauren’s opinion. Normally, I don’t care about their gossiping or spreading rumors because I know it doesn’t matter. This time, however, they played into my own insecurities. I might not think I am good enough for a mate like Liam, but the moon goddess chose me. No matter what Lauren thinks, it won’t change anything.
Celine’s words and the realization coming with them have obviously calmed my wolf enough for me to reach out my hand and take Liam’s arm. “It’s fine, Liam,” I say. “I am not hurt. It doesn’t matter to me what others think.”
Liam looks at me insistently, his eyes seemingly piercing into my soul. “Are you certain I should let this go without any consequences?”
“Yes.” The last thing I want is even more drama here. This is a good college, and overall, the students here have been nice to me. They don’t deserve a Lycan’s wrath coming upon them because of a small group of idiots. Besides, I need to think of the reputation of my current pack too. Alpha Cedric and Celine haven’t done anything wrong, nor did most others. They shouldn’t be blamed for the actions of a few idiots.
Liam doesn’t seem to be happy but gives in to my demands. I am a bit surprised. I didn’t really expect that he would respect and accept my opinion about this and act on it. He throws the group a grim look, though. “You just got lucky because Annalise was here,” he growls. “I won’t let it slip next time. Just so you know, I found my mate, and I intend to keep her.” He looks at me. “Now, get me out of here. Fenris is raging.”
Right, his wolf! A Lycan wolf. Fantastic… I almost forgot. I need to keep that in mind for the future. As his mate, I need to be able to handle his wolf too. Fenris is angry for my sake. “I am hungry,” I state before grabbing his hand and tugging him along. “I haven’t eaten all day.”
“What do you mean?” Liam frowns. “You haven’t eaten?”
“I was studying,” It’s not even a lie. After Lauren bumped into me and spilled my food, I only had coffee. But Liam doesn’t need to know all the details.
Liam’s frown grows. “How is that an excuse?”
“You don’t want to go for dinner?” I ask innocently.
Liam looks at me like he is about to grab me, throw me over his shoulder and run to the next best place that offers food. It’s almost a bit scary. Almost. Because Leah finds his spout of dominance very appealing.
So do I.
When I finally manage to drag Liam along, I see how Finn throws me a glance. He looks impressed. “You lot got really lucky,” he comments dryly. “My brother normally doesn’t listen to anyone. He is like our father. You just can’t stop them.” He looks at me again. “Well, most of us can’t.”
Liam waits for me to get my chicken salad before starting his interrogation.
“Youarehurt,” he states. “No matter what you say, I know you are.”
I knew he wouldn’t buy it. “Maybe I am.” I shrug. “But I also meant it when I said their opinions don’t matter. They are not my friends. I don’t even know them for the most part.”
Liam taps his fingers against the table. “All of this is my fault.”
“No, it is not,” I state firmly and mean it.
“It is. I came to that college party, took you with me and then just brought you back without considering the consequences.”
I blink. “And what would you have done differently?”
“I am not sure,” he glares. “But definitely not leave you alone.”
“And what would that plan of yours have looked like?” I ask further. “Would you have slept in front of my door? Or followed my every step?”
“I should have sent one of my warriors to you to protect you,” he explains shortly.
“Liam,” I say softly. “My life is not in danger. I am all right. They are just a bunch of pathetic bullies who gossip. You will never be able to stop people from talking. I survived high school and have many really good friends. I am all right. I can stand up for myself. I just forgot that for a moment.”
Liam massages his temples. “Fenris isn’t happy either.”
Goodness gracious, what’s he going to do when I really need to fight or get into a dangerous situation? Becoming his mate comes with a ton of dangers and tasks.
Men,Leah comments dryly.Doesn’t matter if it’s their Human form or wolf form. Fenris is almost chewing my ear off with his ‘Mate needs protection!’
