Page 174 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

I look around. “Who is of beta rank here?”

A huge group raises their hands.

“Whoever of you wants to train, can do so. We’ll need new warriors and guards soon. Until we are ready to defend ourselves, I have a few allies and lycans stationed here. They’ll help us.”

The woman shifts around again, obviously wanting to say something further but not daring to. She probably thinks she already got lucky the first time because I didn’t kill her—these poor pack members.

“You have something to add?” I ask her, friendly. “What’s your name?”

“Marian,” she says. “I’m sorry, Alpha… just… you said everyone of beta rank can train. What about the women?”

“That includes women. All the packs I know train women, too. Your former pack member, Amaryllis, found her mate in a pack with a female alpha.” I look around with a frown. “This pack is archaic, and I’m going to change that. Anyone who doesn’t like it is free to leave. I won’t stop anyone.”

To my surprise, no one moves.

I look at the group of omegas. “Any omega who wants to participate in training can do so. Furthermore, any of you who want to become a warrior will be supported. We don’t dictate any differences due to rank, and everyone can do what they want to according to their talents. We’ll also ensure that all the minors will be allowed to return to school, no matter their rank.”

I turn to the group of slaves. “What about you?” I say softly.

They stare at me. “What about us, Alpha?” Ludovica asks carefully. Her eyes wander towards Freya, who smiles at her, and I can see the tension leaving the elderly woman.

“We’ll re-evaluate your ranks. I’m not going to keep anyone enslaved. You are free from your slave status from this moment on and are now normal pack members.” I face them all. “We’ll start with a clean slate today and move forward together from now on.”

There is not enough time to hold an actual ceremony, and everyone is here anyway. Dad makes Freya and me pledge loyalty to the pack in front of them.

I won’t lie,he links me.The transition to becoming alpha will be painful. The easiest way is not to fight the pain.

I nod. Both Dad and Liam have talked about this with me and Aurelia. Liam went into the transition unprepared and obviously didn’t want us to face the same, and Dad probably didn’t want to make the same mistake twice.

I can feel the link to Silverlake breaking; for a moment my heart aches when I feel the loss of connection. My family is there, and so many friends and fellow warriors, but then, my best friends are all in different packs:; Annie and Ella are in Red Claw, Celine in Moon Blood, and Dave is a human. If we get a portal working here, then not much will change.

Freya squeezes my hand in comfort, and I take a deep breath. Liam is the alpha of a different pack too, and his bond to us and the rest of the family is as strong as ever. He is just not part of Silverlake anymore. It’ll be the same for me.

I can feel a new connection forming inside of me. For a moment, I can feel them all, all the pack members, their fears, anxieties, hopes and loyalty. Then a new raw power starts manifesting inside me. It’s like a spark that starts burning in the pit of my stomach.

I hear Freya talking to the pack, but I can’t focus on what she is saying. The spark in my body feels like it is turning into actual flames, and I need all my strength to keep a stoic reaction on the outside. I don’t know when and how it happens, everything passes in a blur, but eventually, I find myself in bed. I can feel Freya’s body next to me, the tingles of the mate bond keeping me grounded and focused while my body fights the sudden fever.

fifty-five

Marks

*FINN*

Thehoursinwhichmy body absorbed the alpha power felt like forever. I had a few clear moments in between, but most of the time, I was caught in my mind, while my body dealt with the pain of being turned into a reigning lycan alpha. Fuck, that’s truly a downside of being a lycan. However, as bad as it was, it wasn’t as horrible as Liam had described. Perks of being a middle child for once and not having inherited all the firstborn gifts and powers like Liam.

It made the transition slightly easier for me.

The flame burning up my body slowly reduces to a little spark again before disappearing completely. I feel a little dull and empty for a moment before something stirs in my mind and…

Max!I exclaim.Thank Goddess, I can feel you again!

Max looks at me grumpily. His face looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks, his fur is a mess, and one of his ears is floppy.Human,he says with authority.We are never going to do this again!He pauses in a moment of wonder. He stands up, stretching tentatively.Do I look stronger to you? I definitely feel hungrier than usual!

You certainly feel stronger,I tell him.

Alright, not saying it was worth it, but this alpha power… wow. And I think I look hotter too!

Not sure about the hot part, but I can feel our new strength too.I push myself up slightly, trying to force my eyes open, my gaze meeting my beautiful mate. Her pupils are dilated, and she looks around frantically until her eyes land on mine. “You’re awake,” she blurts out, wrapping her arms tighter around me and hiding her face in my chest.

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