Page 182 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

“What?” Matthew’s mouth drops open.

“They are way too organized and determined to be normal rogues,” I point out.

“Alpha.” One of the men lowers his head, afraid to look at me. “What if they attack us?”

“They won’t,” I say in a matter-of-fact tone. “I have a way to protect us.” With my new powers as alpha, my lycan’s powers are enhanced too. It will be easy to have them succumb to my aura, especially since rogues are not pack wolves. Organized or not, they are probably deprived of food, warmth, and shelter and will be weak. I don’t tell this to my men, though. It’s a test, and I want to make sure they trust and follow me as long as I am being reasonable.

For a moment, they are quiet, then Matthew, of all people, nods first. “Yes, Alpha.” he says.

“Good, you have twenty minutes to prepare, then I’ll meet you at the eastern border,” I tell them. They nod and shuffle away. Before Matthew leaves, I grab his arm. “Matthew, a word, please.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

I frown. “Is there a reason you are so formal with me?”

Matthew flushes. “I… I wanted to talk to you about something,” he admits. “Later today…”

“Talk to me about what?”

“Emmanuel is part of this pack, and he loves it. I mean, he hates it, but he also loves it. He has many friends, and I…” Matthew sighs. “Lord Finn, there is no use in lying. I have no friends, no real friends, aside from the twins. I know I had it hard, but it’s no excuse for how shitty I was to others. I… don’t want Emmanuel to leave a place he feels at home, especially when I don’t have much to offer him.”

“Matthew, you have things to offer,” I say quietly, shocked at how deeply rooted his self-hatred is.

“I have a house and money,” Matthew mutters. “But that’s not important. Emmanuel’s friendships and his happiness count more.” He looks down. “I know I’m not high on your list of favorite people, but I would offer you my services—any services—if you allow me to stay in this pack.”

I stare at him, my eyes wide. This is the second time today that I’ve been sincerely shocked. The third, actually. First Frankie, then Odette, now Matthew. I let his words sink in, and while I’m still mad at him for hurting Dave, I also appreciate his honesty and genuine remorse. I allow my gift to come forward, scanning his aura, and there is only honesty.

“I want you to look at me,” I say. When he doesn’t, I shake my head. “Look at me,” I snap.

Matthew jumps a little, but shifts his gaze toward me.

“You can stay, but you will continue with your therapy,” I say with finality. “And you better treat your mate right.”

“I will,” Matthew promises. “I will always treat him right!”

“I need your help with the warriors. You’re easily the strongest within this group of men, and I need you as a lead warrior. I’m thinking about offering your mate the delta position.” I pause. “Will you be able to accept that your mate will rank higher than you?”

“Of course!” He beams. “Emmanuel would be a fantastic Delta.”

“Good.” I nod at him. “Then we are set. You’ll tell the twins yourself, though.”

Matthew nods.

“But wait until after we return from dealing with the rogues. I still need your help there,” I point out. “And now hurry to get ready. You have only ten minutes remaining.”

Matthew doesn’t waste any more time. He smiles in relief and runs towards the pack house.

fifty-seven

The Rogues

*FINN*

IapproachtheEasternborders, where I meet with Arman. “Thank you for accompanying us,” I tell him.

He smiles his usual graceful smile. “It’s my last service to this pack,” Arman says. “And I’m doing it out of respect for you, Finn. Not only because we are family, but because you are a friend and already showing what a great alpha you are.”

“I truly appreciate it.” I nod. “And I promise I’ll protect this pack from now on.”

---