Page 211 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince
Valerie’s parents are already waiting for us as we walk into the airport. My sister, Jazz, and their friends start throwing Valerie a makeshift send-off party right here in the terminal. It’s so sweet. Val is both crying and laughing, it’s only getting worse as Jazz starts hugging her goodbyes. I feel a bit sorry for Eric since he is probably going to spend the whole flight consoling Val. They are flying out on a private jet, so at least they’ll have some privacy.
I hope they finish with their goodbyes soon. Moon Goddess, have mercy!
I can feel your disgruntled thoughts,Celine links me. I was so engulfed in the drama I didn’t even notice her arrival at the airport. What an awesome mate I am.
I try to ignore Cyrus’ death glare in the back of my mind.Old habits,I stutter.It’s hard to get rid of them.When she stays quiet, I hurry to explain.Big emotions have always made me feel uncomfortable. It’s a defense mechanism.
She gives me a comforting smile.I know.
So, you’re not mad at me?I ask in relief.Please say no, or Cyrus might swap humans.
This is who you are, and I’m not going to change it,she chuckles.But if I ever catch you targeting one of your defense mechanisms at me, you’ll be sleeping on the sofa.
Cyrus’ death glare towards me grows, and he narrows his eyes at me in warning. I shove him to the back of my mind before the snarling starts.
To my surprise, Celine laughs. “Just kidding,” she says out loud and chuckles before looking serious again and adding, “Or maybe not.”
“I’m bad at goodbyes,” I admit honestly.
“I figured as much.” She takes my hand and squeezes. “Don’t worry too much. Eric will be fine, and I’m sure he’ll come back soon for a visit.”
I try not to blush at her words. Goddess, is it so easy to see through me? Or maybe Celine has just learned to read me better.
Before Valerie starts climbing the stairs into the jet, Celine approaches her. “Alpha Celine!” Valerie squeals, looking seriously happy to see her alpha. Well, her former alpha. I have to give it to her, though, despite her obvious sadness at leaving her family and friends behind, Val looks excited and happy.
“Valerie,” Celine addresses her. “I realize I’m not the best at voicing my feelings, so bear with me… Officially, I grew up without any siblings, and as much as I hate what Lauren did, I’m so thankful to have had you and your family in my life growing up. You always felt like a little sister to me, and I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.” She hands her a little velvet box.
When Valerie opens it, her eyes widen. She carefully takes out a pair of beautiful sapphire earrings and a matching bracelet. The pack symbol for Moon Blood pack is elegantly engraved into each piece. “I don’t know what to say,” Valerie exclaims. “This is so… thank you… I mean…”
“It’s a little something for you to remember us,” Celine says before embracing Val in a hug. “You can visit whenever you want. The pack will always welcome you.”
“I won’t forget you!” Valerie promises. “Ever! Moon Blood is my home, and it will always be my safe haven.”
Eric clasps my shoulders one last time. “Be a good mate,” he says, surprisingly serious.
I nod. “You, too.”
“It’s a deal. We’ll both do our best to be worthy of our gorgeous women.”
I laugh. “Deal.”
He smiles before taking Valerie’s hand and leading her into their private jet. I wonder where Calvin is. Is he traveling on this plane with them? I desperately shove those thoughts out of my head. Knowing Eric and his Beta Emilien, they’ve tied him up somewhere and sedated him. Calvin’s story is over, while mine is finally beginning.
I feel Celine’s hand slipping into mine, intertwining our fingers as she leans against me. Aurelia, Jazz, and their friends all wave goodbye and keep waving until the jet finally takes off. We all watch until the plane is just a spot on the horizon. Everyone seems to be just standing there motionless until I gently start to disperse the group. My sister doesn’t seem as tear-struck as Jazz, but she definitely looks sad.
I put an arm around her shoulder. “Are you alright?”
Aurelia shrugs. “She was a good friend, you know? It’s weird to think that she isn’t here anymore.”
“But you have plans to visit her,” I say, trying to cheer her up.
She smiles. “You’re right, Mari. We’re all going to Paris in December. It’s already organized. Eric invited everyone.” She squeezes my hand before getting into her car. “Hey Marius,” she calls out.
“Hm?”
“It’s good to see you happy.”
And with that, Aurelia drives away. It’s weird seeing my little sister driving off in a car with only her Beta Nox with her. Goddess, time passes so fast.
