Page 113 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

“No,” I blurt out. “It’s just…sorry, I’m so bad at this. I–I want to talk to you, but I don’t know how…I’ve never dated before,” I admit. “And I’m scared of saying something wrong, and then you’ll think I’m the biggest douche in the universe, and reject me on the spot and leave me in my pathetic misery.” I end, almost breathless.

To my utmost surprise, Ryllis looks touched, a little relieved even. “It’s the same for me,” she admits. “I'm scared I will say something awkward, and then you will think I’m broken. I mean, we all know I’m broken, but I don’t…I don’t want…I will say something awkward about my past and ruin it for us.”

“You won’t ruin anything. You’re not broken,” I tell her, taking her hand in mine. I wish I could tell her everything I want to say, but it’s so hard to find the right words. “I don’t know what exactly happened to you, but I hope you’ll trust me enough to share it with me at your pace. I won’t ever push you. If I ever do or say something that triggers you, please tell me, and I’ll never do it again. You’re a wonderful girl with a kind heart, and your soul is full of light. I can feel it through the bond.” I blush. “I…I told you I’m a bit slow, so I’m not sure I will always understand everything, but I promise you can tell me anything you want. I’ll always listen.”

She looks at me sadly and reaches out her hand to touch my cheek. “Who told you you’re slow, Steve?” she asks softly.

I shrug. “Teachers,” I admit. “Other students. Some of the young guys in the pack. So, I tried to be funny instead, to make them laugh and make them like me.”

“They were wrong.” She looks at me earnestly. “You’re not slow. You’re very considerate, sensitive, and the kindest person I’ve ever met. I couldn’t wish for a better mate, and there is no one I would want more than you. Besides, the fact is; Finn trusted you enough for him to take you with him on his mission. He told me you were his first choice. No one should ever give you the feeling you’re not enough.” She pouts sweetly and balls her hands into fists. “I’ll bite them otherwise.”

“You will?” I tease softly. “I kind of want to see that now.”

Her cheeks flush, but she smiles.

We fall into a more comfortable silence again before she looks around thoughtfully. “I’ve never seen a flower garden before,” she finally admits. “Blood Snow is, well, full of snow. The view here is so beautiful, I want to cry. I wish I could work with flowers.”

“But you can,” I say.

Her eyes widen. “Are you for real?”

“Of course, apple pie. You can do whatever you want. No one owns you. It’s your decision. If you want to work with flowers, I’ll support you. Actually, my mom loves flowers too. I’m sure she can teach you some things.”

Ryllis’ eyes light up a bit.

Steve, allow me to talk to her, will you? I think it’s time I show myself to her,Lynx tells me.

I nod. He is right. We have been so open with each other; she deserves to meet my wolf. “Ryllis…” I lick my lips nervously. “Lynx…that’s my wolf’s name. Can he meet you? He’d love to.”

She looks both a bit nervous but also curious, then she nods.

I take a deep breath, retreating to the back of my mind and allowing Lynx to take over. “Hello, Cutie,” he says in his calm, quiet voice.

“Lynx?” she asks nervously.

He smiles. “You don’t need to be scared of me. I will never hurt you. You and Belle are safe with me.”

Ryllis looks at him, confused. “Belle?”

“Belle is your wolf,” he explains patiently, taking her hand in his. “For a very brief moment, I was able to connect with her. She’s still here, Amaryllis. She didn’t leave you.”

Tears fill Ryllis’ eyes. “I’ve never met her.” She sobs. “I was never allowed to shift. When I turned seventeen, I heard her voice briefly, but then they suppressed her with wolfsbane, and I thought I would never meet her again. I thought she died.”

I can feel anger radiating through Lynx, and I’m glad Ryllis can’t see him clearly through her tears now. He is a very composed and calm wolf spirit, but he is still a beta wolf, and he doesn’t take it kindly that someone hurt his mate like that. He wills his and my anger down, though. “Belle told me she has always been with you, and can’t wait to meet you. She needs a bit more time to gather her strength, and then you’ll be able to see and hear her.”

Ryllis nods, squeezing his hand. “Thank you, Lynx,” she whispers. “You and Steve are a true gift from the Goddess. I… I couldn’t ask for a better mate.”

He shows her a bright smile. “We are very happy to have found you as our mate,” he says. “And make sure you tell Steve as often as he needs to hear it. He is a great guy. I’m very proud of my human.”

She giggles a bit. “You sound like a proud pet owner.”

Lynx winks at her before retreating again, allowing me to come forward. “Ryllis,” I blurt out joyfully. “I’m so happy for you! I’m sure Belle is a fantastic she-wolf and the prettiest. You’ll meet her soon, I’m sure, you—”

Ryllis interrupts me by wrapping her arms around my neck, my eyes widening in shock. She looks me in the eye.

Goodness, do you need any more of an invitation?Lynx grumbles.

He is right. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her into a soft kiss. She tastes like apples and cinnamon, just like her scent. My beautiful mate.

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