Page 125 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

Freya bends forward, whispering something into her ear. If I strain my ears, I’m sure I could hear what she was saying, but I don’t want to pry, so I will my senses down. A smile lights up Ryllis’ face, and she hugs Freya tightly.

I would have waited longer if it were Ryllis’ wish. I’m sure Elden and Flora would have let us stay here for as long as we want, but to my surprise, Ryllis was set to move to Moon Blood with me, and at least see for herself where I grew up. I think her shopping trip with Celine and Annie helped make her comfortable.

The drive back home is uneventful, and I can’t help but feel overjoyed. My mate is with me, and I can finally take her home and introduce her to everyone. She will see Moon Blood and soon realize that the only thing Moon Blood and Blood Snow share is part of their name.

Despite the sadness I felt through the bond when Ryllis said goodbye to Freya, I can also feel how her curiosity and excitement grow the closer we get to the pack. Ever since our picnic, she has loosened up around me, and even now, she is chatting with me. She isn’t avoiding my eyes anymore. I decide to be bold, too, and eventually reach out my hand to take hers into mine.

“Just keep your eyes on the road,” she says with her cute, flushed cheeks.

Lynx almost wags his tail in excitement when she starts brushing her thumb over the back of my hand.Cutie likes us.He beams.She really does. Good job, my human!

I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you,I admit.Can you connect with her wolf?

A little, but not fully yet,Lynx says.But I can feel Belle’s presence more and more. She seems to be such a sweet wolf. I can’t wait to meet her!

I chuckle.

“What’s so funny?” Ryllis asks me curiously.

“Nothing.” I smile brightly. “My wolf and I are just happy.”

She blinks. “Why?” she asks shyly.

“Because you are here with us,” I explain.

She blushes deeply at my words but doesn’t pull her hand away. “I’m happy too,” she finally says in a timid voice. “To be with you and Lynx. You’re such a good man, and your wolf is strong and kind.”

Lynx puffs out his chest proudly at the fact that she remembers his name and for being praised by her. She is such a lovable and sweet person, and I feel so blessed that the Moon Goddess rewarded me with such a wonderful mate.

“I’m sorry, I’m so shy,” she mutters quietly. “Freya and Finn already marked each other, and I’m sure… they… well…”

“They mated?” I ask carefully.

She nods shyly. “I’m so sorry that I am like this… you deserve so much more and—”

“Ryllis,” I interrupt her, squeezing her hand. “We don’t need to stress about that. I was thinking how lucky I am that I got fated to you. You’re beautiful inside and out, and I feel so blessed that the Moon Goddess deemed me worthy of you.” I lick my lips nervously. “I… I will try my hardest to live up to your expectations.”

Her eyes widen. “Steve, you don’t need to pressure yourself. You can be yourself around me.” Her voice sounds firmer than usual, surprising me. “I, I think you’re perfect the way you are. It’s not you who was blessed. It was me. The Moon Goddess gifted you to me, and I intend to cherish her gift.”

My heart warms at her words. I know as long as I haven’t marked her, I won’t feel the whole connection to her emotions yet, but even so, I can feel the warmth radiating off her. “Let’s agree on a middle ground,” I say. “We were both blessed.”

To my surprise she giggles at my words, the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. I want to listen to her laugh as much as possible.

The drive from Silverlake to Moon Blood isn’t long. It’s barely two hours later when I park the car in front of the pack house and help my mate out of it. I grab all her bags, and take her hand to lead her to my parent’s cottage.

Mom has been expecting us. “There you are.” She waves at us. She pulls Ryllis into a welcoming hug the moment we step through the door. “Sweetheart.” She smiles at my mate, her eyes warm and welcoming. I can see how tears fill Ryllis’ eyes. “Oh no,” Mom mutters. She looks at my mate gently. “It’s alright. We’re your family now.”

I don’t quite understand what they are talking about, but Mom and Ryllis smile at each other, and it’s all I need to know. I kiss the top of Mom’s head before leading Ryllis around the house and to our garden. Dad’s already set up the barbecue. “I thought you could do with some food,” he hollers. “I’m so happy my boy and his flower are joining us today.”

“Thank you, Mr. Preston,” Ryllis says shyly.

Dad laughs loudly. “Drop the surname, apple pie. I’m Brian.”

Ryllis blinks in confusion, while my mother bursts into laughter. “Oh, Brian,” she chuckles. “I don’t think your son will like it if you continue to call her apple pie. It’s Ryllis for you.”

Dad sighs dramatically. “I just think it’s such a perfect nickname for her.”

“It’s probably a personal thing between them,” Mom says, winking at us. I can feel my cheeks heating up slightly while Ryllis giggles. She leans against me, and I instinctively put my arm around her. It all happens so fast I can’t question it, but once the realization settles that she is seeking my contact, both Lynx and I beam with happiness.

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