Page 187 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

The other pack members are whispering and glancing at the group curiously.

Finn doesn’t waste time and explains. “These are the rogues you faced problems with. They were Colton’s victims, either banished or they ran for their lives. Their goal was to attack and kill Colton. Now that he is gone, I’ve invited them back to the pack, where they rightfully belong.” He looks at the pack members who are surrounding us. “I hope you can try to understand why they did what they did. That very well could have been any of you in their position.” He points at the little group.

The pack members seem to understand and nod carefully.

“I know there is still a lot of distrust and pain lingering around us, but let’s not blame individuals for what they had to do to survive and save those close to them. I want this group to be re-integrated into the pack. Two of them are mated to witches, which will be a great help to the pack. And they are all skilled warriors, which we need more than anything else.”

So that’s what he didn’t want to tell me through the mind link. I’m not surprised. This is one heck of a complicated situation to explain. I decide to set a good example for the pack, and step forward confidently, approaching my mate and the former rogues.

“Welcome to Ocean Snow.” I smile at them. “There are rooms prepared for you. Some of you, I assume, have been rogues for a long time. Odette here will help you reconnect with your former homes and families.”

They all nod carefully. Some look guarded, some hopeful, and others downright relieved.

“Who killed Colton, if I may ask?” one rogue stutters.

“The former slaves,” I tell him.

Another rogue bursts into laughter. “Fantastic,” he bellows. “His own shit show bit him in the butt.”

Other pack members join in his laughter, and soon everyone relaxes. I assume it will be a rough transition for some of them, but then the transition period for the whole pack is going to be a challenge for everyone, anyway. Right behind Finn, my eyes fall on a tall and lean man. He seems older than the rest, and his eyes are clouded like he isn’t here properly.

Before I can do or say anything, though, Ludovica carefully walks past me. “Goddess,” she breathes out. “Is that you, Isaac?” There is a mixture of sadness, pain and worry in her eyes.

“You know him?” Finn asks, surprised.

“Yes, Alpha,” she whispers. “May I?”

“Of course.” He steps aside, allowing Ludovica to approach the man. She carefully walks towards him, stretching out her hands. He flinches away for a second, but then bends forward to let her take his face between her hands. He looks at her in wonder. “Do you remember me, Isaac?”

Isaac sniffs the air. “Butterfly,” he says, his voice hoarse.

Ludovica looks surprised.

“He was a rogue for quite a long time,” Finn explains quietly. “It… part of him was swallowed by his feral side.”

Ludovica nods her understanding, and instead of flinching away from him, she smiles. “Yes, you always called me butterfly. I’m so happy to see you again.”

She lets go of him with a smile before turning towards Finn, bowing her head respectfully. “Alpha, please allow me to lead them to their rooms.”

Finn smiles. “I appreciate your help. Is the kitchen team set already?”

Now it’s my turn to chime in. “Yes, a whole group of pack members wanted to join the kitchen staff, and I already told them we have more people to feed today.”

Finn smiles at me warmly before nodding towards Ludovica. “Show them their rooms, please.”

“Yes, Alpha.” She turns to me with a smile. “Luna,” she says politely, her warm eyes looking at me with joy. I’ve never seen her so happy. “Please follow me,” she tells the group. She starts walking forward, but before she can leave, Isaac grabs her hand.

“Butterfly,” he says with finality in his tone. “Isaac.”

Ludovica blushes, much to my surprise. “Alright, alright,” she stutters. “Then follow us, I guess.”

I turn to look at Odette once the group is gone. “Were they in love?” I ask curiously.

“Well, I don’t know for sure.” Odette ponders. “I know that the head of the omegas and slaves was mated to the alpha and that a young man was trying to save her from him.”

I raise my brows at her. “You really do know a lot.”

Finn smiles in amusement. “Do you think you can work with this list of people?” he asks Odette. “They were all former pack members, beside the two witches, and I think one or two guys.”

---