Page 105 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

“In college,” Annie explains. “Actually, we met Celine there too. Well, that’s not quite true. I knew Celine from school already, and she was my alpha’s heir at that time, but we became friends in college.”

Celine nods. She seems to be a rather composed and calm type, but despite the usual dominance alphas emit, she appears to be fairly nice. I will feel so much more comfortable when Ryllis leaves now that I get to spend some time with her future alpha.

When Nox parks the car and we climb out, Ryllis carefully approaches Annie. She seems to be nervous but also curious. Annie links their arms. “Just spit it out, dear,” she encourages her.

“You were an omega?” Ryllis asks shyly.

“Yes.” Annie smiles. “Technically I still am an omega. I just happened to have become luna.”

Ryllis and I both look at her in awe. She doesn’t look like the omegas and slaves in our pack at all. “You…look so much stronger than the omegas in my pack,” Ryllis says quietly.

“And so much more confident.”

Annie looks a bit sad all of a sudden. “That’s because I grew up in a pack that treats all ranks equally and with respect.”

“You look quite strong and confident too,” Celine says to me and eyes me with interest.

Before I can say something, Aurelia chimes in. “She must be something special because Finn told me Colton’s heir almost lost a vital body part when he tried to harass her.”

Ella grins and winks. “I like you.” she chuckles.

I feel a bit flustered. “I didn’t even do anything.”

“Freya is a legend in the pack,” Ryllis explains, much to my surprise. She giggles a little. “The warriors were so scared of her. No one ever touched her.”

“Okay, enough talk about me,” I say with emphasis. I don’t know what happened that day. I try to convince myself it wasn’t me, that it was a coincidence, but I have to accept the possibility that it wasn’t and that there is the chance that whatever happened back then was done by me.

“Alright,” Celine agrees. She rubs her hands. “We have a lot of work in front of us.”

Ella groans slightly, but obediently follows her friends toward the first shop. I smile. They are a fun bunch, and I’m beginning to think this could be a nice day. I link my arms with Ryllis and follow them swiftly.

The first shop Celine leads us to is one with basic clothes, where the girls ensure we both get pants, jeans, tops, shoes, and basic underwear. Then, however, the real mission seems to start as Celine makes her way to a more expensive-looking store. The manager nods at her with a smile. “Thank you for having us today.” Celine smiles.

“Anything for you, Miss Anderson,” the manager replies politely.

“I hope this is truly alright with you,” Celine tells him. “I don’t want to take away from your other customers.”

“Not at all,” the man says. “The store is yours for two hours.”

“They know they will make more money with us being here than when they’re open like usual,” Ella whispers to Annie.

Annie nods her agreement, while I try to fathom what they are talking about. When I see one of the shop clerks locking the shop door behind us, it dawns on me. They booked the whole freaking place? This is easily two floors of clothes, women only. When I peek at one of the price tags, my mouth drops open.

Annie smiles warmly at me. “Believe me, I’ve been there,” she says softly, easily understanding where I’m coming from. “And I understand you don’t want to rely on their money. It’s important to remain independent.”

I turn to look at her fully. Finally, someone who gets it. “It’s not like I don’t appreciate the gesture,” I admit quietly. “And I know I need clothes.”

“I know,” Annie says softly. “Liam had to learn that too, that he can’t shower me with presents all the time. If you want my advice: allow today to be this fun experience. Allow Finn to indulge you. He is really really happy to have found you, and your fate in your pack really got to him. Besides, I won’t lie, you’ll need these clothes. Finn is a prince, a royal lycan. While it’s not all about appearance for the Alcott family, it is for some from the outside. Like it or not, you have a rank now.”

I nod tentatively.

“But the next time he wants to do something like this, go for a compromise. He is a good man, he’ll always listen to what you have to say.”

I take a deep breath, feeling better about the situation now. “Alright,” I say. I’m glad Annie understood my issues. I know Finn has the money to buy me anything I want, but I don’t want to rely on his money alone. “What about Ryllis?” I whisper. “I…I’m sure Steve and your parents are well off, but she needs a lot of stuff too.”

Annie tilts her head. “You’ll keep this to yourself?”

I nod.

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