Page 126 of A Female Alpha for the Lycan Prince
“You were a child,” he says with emphasis. “What happened to you was a crime. A disgusting crime perpetrated by a weak, sick bastard who assaulted you without mercy. It’s wrong, inexcusable, and none of it was ever your fault. It doesn’t matter if you are a boy or a girl. If you’re an alpha, beta, or omega, or even if you are a child or an adult… it shouldn’t have happened to you. It shouldn’t happen to anyone.”
“I’m having a hard time accepting this,” I admit quietly.
“Marius,” Liam says softly. “You need counseling, a professional who can help you deal with the past.”
“I know,” I say.
“You do?” he looks surprised.
“Did you think I would fight you on this?” I smile slightly.
“Yes, I absolutely thought you would,” he says. “The last time Annalise suggested you talk to someone, you blew up in her face.”
I blush. Right, I forgot about that. “I’m ready to accept help now,” I admit. “I can’t live like this anymore. I almost killed Cyrus and myself, I’ve pushed Celine away… and when I almost died, I couldn’t even understand why I was doing it. I don’t think I’m worthy of Celine’s love or any mate in general… but I took her choice away from her. It’s on her to decide if I am enough, not me.”
Liam stares at me in surprise. “You’ve done a lot of thinking.”
“I’ve had some time to think,” I say bitterly. Time I could have used helping Celine free Valerie. It’s another thing she’s had to do on her own. Celine doesn’t need me, it’s me who needs her. That’s the real wake-up call.
Deep inside, I know I should have died a few days ago, and that the Goddess is giving me a second chance to change my life and finally face my past.
I intend to make as much out of it as possible!
Again, the silence consumes us, before Liam announces, “Mari,” he sounds nervous, “please allow me to handle this. Let me talk to our parents and put a stop to the vile scum that dared to hurt you like that… I promise you I’ll deal with it sensitively.”
I sigh. “I wish we could just move on from it,” I mutter. I knew he couldn’t, but still… it’s bad enough that he knows, and that I will need to tell Celine. But what will Dad say? Will he judge me?
Liam looks at me sadly. “What if there were other victims? What if there still are? What happens to them if we stay quiet?” My gaze snaps up to him in horror. I have never thought about that. Never once did it cross my mind that maybe I wasn’t the only victim. “You think there are more?”
He swallows thickly. “You’re an adult now,” he says, and again his eyes flash to black, before he forces his wolf, Fenris, back again. “What happened when you were no longer of interest to him anymore?”
Guilt and disgust settle in me. I never considered that the monster would jump from me to another kid and have his hands all over them. Fuck! Are they going to stay quiet and suffer in silence, just like I did? I take a deep, shuddering breath. It’s time to man up—Liam’s right. I can’t allow others to go through what I went through. “Do what you need to do,” I tell him.
“Will you tell me who it was?” he asks tentatively, soft almost. “I couldn’t see it in your mind.”
I swallow down my fear and shame, all the things that made me hide it from everyone. I’m still scared that Liam won’t believe me, but I know this fear is all in my mind. If I ever want to heal the bonds to my family and mate, I need to face my past. “Yes, I’ll tell you everything,” I say quietly. “Just give me a moment to rest and sort it all out in my own mind, please.”
Liam nods. “Of course, get some rest, and I’ll meet you in your hospital room.” He pauses. “Thank you for your trust, Marius.”
I look down at my fingertips. There is no running away anymore, I figure. But Liam is right, there are probably more victims to protect. “I’ll gather my thoughts and link you once I'm ready.”
Liam smiles at me, and I could swear he looks proud. I don’t even know why he could feel proud of me, but well, big brothers are a riddle sometimes.
I watch as he mind-links someone.
“Who did you just link?”
“Doctor Lavard,” he says evenly.
“Snitch,” I mutter.
He snorts before looking at me again. “Marius,” He looks directly at me now. “I am incredibly sorry for what happened to you. But you have to understand that it doesn’t erase the fact that you’ve hurt others. I don’t care about me; I’m your brother, I’ll stand by your side always. But Annalise, our friends, and especially your mate. Two wrongs don’t make one right. Promise me you will do better.”
“I know. What happened to me is no excuse for how I’ve treated those around me,” I smile grimly. “I thought if everyone hated me, they would leave me alone, but it just made things worse.”
“Making amends with them is not going to be easy, Mari,” Liam says quietly. “But I’ll help you as much as I can.”
“I know. And thank you.” I pause. “Do you think Celine will accept me?”
