Page 102 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

“The same goes for you, Freya,” Finn adds.

“Finn,” I say earnestly. “I can’t accept such a generous offer.”

“I knew you would say that,” he says. “Which is why I have some trustworthy people to accompany you, to make sure you don’t hold back.” He grins slyly when I furrow my brows.

“Trustworthy people?”

“Like my sister.” He waves at Aurelia, who winks at us.

“Or my second oldest sister, Annie,” Steve says. “She took off from her luna duties today and is so eager to meet you!”

I stare at them, not sure how to feel about this. I feel a bit embarrassed for not even having one cent to provide for myself or Ryllis and for having to rely on my mate, but at the same time, hanging out with a few girls sounds like so much fun. I’ve never done that before, except the night before Finn and his friends showed up, where Odette, Frankie, and the other women helped us choose some dresses. Even those few hours were so much fun that I want to repeat it badly.

Finn notices how torn I feel and pulls me closer.What’s mine is yours,he reminds me.But I don’t want to push you into something you don’t want and make you feel uncomfortable.

I wish I had something to give you, though,I admit.

You gave something to me,he says earnestly.You allowed me to mark you without knowing if I’d live up to my promise and help you free your old pack. Your trust and faith mean the world to me. Besides, it doesn’t end here…

His first words make me all mushy, his last curious.What do you mean?

Once we settle everything with Blood Snow, you will have access to any opportunities you want to take on. You can go back to school if that’s what you want. Or learn something.

You would allow me to work?!I exclaim.

If that’s what you want,he says.

Doing what?I ask curiously.

What do you want to do?He asks me.

I’m not sure yet,I admit.But I would love to learn how to fight. I had a children’s book when I was little, and there was this strong Amazonian warrior. I always wanted to be like her.

He nods encouragingly.You can become a warrior if that’s what you want,he says.Your bright future lies in front of you. It’s your choice. And, of course, you’d get paid.

It never occurred to me that in other packs, she-wolves are treated the same as males, and they are allowed to work or train. In Blood Snow, all the women are supposed to stay home and bear children.

I nod. “Okay,” I say, finally allowing myself to feel happy. “A shopping trip with Aurelia and Steve’s sister sounds fun, right Ryllis?”

Ryllis smiles in relief and nods. It makes me sad to realize she was waiting for my approval. Her path to recovery will be quite long, but Steve is a gentle soul, and his family is lovely. They’ll make sure she is going to be alright.

“Awesome.” Aurelia chuckles. “My beta will accompany us,” she says, nodding toward the tall guy next to her. He looks a bit scary with his dark hair and the scar across his face, but he smiles politely.

“I’m Nox,” he says. “Don’t worry. I’m just here for protection.”

Finn grins. “Actually, this is a big sacrifice for Aurelia. She hates shopping, but she offered willingly because she wants to spend time with you.” He pauses. “Oh, and Celine said she would come. She is one of my best friends too.”

“Who is Celine?” Ryllis asks curiously.

Steve and Finn exchange a glance. Oh, Goddess, by the looks on their faces I’m expecting the worst. “She is kinda…my alpha,” Steve explains, much to our surprise.

“Wait…what…” Ryllis’ eyes widen. “Your alpha is joining us? But—”

“She is one of my best friends,” Finn reassures her.

I swallow my nervousness, and decide to set a good example. “It sounds fun, Ryllis,” I muse. “You can get to know your sister-in-law and your future alpha that way. Isn’t that good?”

“I guess so,” she mutters.

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