Page 196 of A Mysterious Slave for the Lycan Prince

“We’ll join Uncle Elden for now,” Leila tells us. She smiles brightly, and she looks more beautiful than ever. Now that she doesn’t need to watch her step anymore or play a role, her beauty seems even more enhanced. “And we’ll see how it goes from there. I’m interested in the Council, and Uncle Elden already told me that as an oracle, they will want to meet with me for sure.”

“It’s new for us to have so many options,” Arman agrees. “We’ll see where our path takes us. We still don’t know where we came from or anything about our parents. So we hope to get in touch with our roots and understand who we are.”

I nod. “I can understand how much it pains one not to know anything about your heritage.”

“I’m sure the Council can help you,” Finn says. “You’re lycans, and they will help you reconnect with your roots.” He reaches out his hand, and Arman takes it with a smile. “Thanks for helping us escape,” he says. “And for being our backup here. You had no idea if we would return and keep our promise, yet you trusted us.”

“I’m glad I did,” Arman says earnestly. “It was the best decision of my life.”

He nods once more toward me while Leila squeezes my hands. Then he takes their two suitcases. When they both step through the portal, I feel a bit sad about seeing them leave. Unlike Finn’s friends, who I’m sure we’ll see again soon, I know Arman and Leila might go on a longer journey. Who knows when I’ll see them again.

Finn pulls me into a hug. “Don’t be sad,” he whispers.

“You too,” I mutter into his chest. “Don’t be sad.”

We stay like that for a few minutes, enjoying each other’s warmth and comfort, before we quietly head back to the pack house. Once we step out of the backyard and into the hallway again, it’s like reality hits us again.

Frankie and Anders have been waiting for us. He has his big arms wrapped around her while she beams at us. “There is tea and cookies,” she says excitedly, ever the whirlwind. She gets out of Anders’ grasp and takes my hand. “Come, Luna.”

I chuckle, allowing her to tug me along. I don’t loosen my grip on Finn’s hand, forcing him to join us. He laughs but follows us nevertheless. Frankie pulls us towards one of the little lounge rooms, where Emmanuel sits on Matthew’s lap, making out.

Frankie clears her throat. “Excuse me, if I can’t jump my mate in public, you can’t either, Delta!”

Emmanuel grins. “Sorry, not sorry.”

Once we step into the room, Gina bursts through the door too, bringing some cookies. Ludovica and Isaac follow her with tea and coffee. Soon Odette joins us, looking happy and full of energy although she just had her warrior training.

Lastly, Aenon and Nen join us. They never really left and are staying between both here and their underwater home, which I still have to visit. I allow my gaze to wander around, noting how Finn jokes with Anders and Emmanuel, and compliments Odette on her progress. He finally says to her that he hopes she will become Gamma of the pack, making her eyes almost burst out of her head in surprise.

My heart warms at seeing my friends and family together. We might have just said a few goodbyes but also gained so much here. For the first time in many years, I feel like my future looks warm, welcoming and full of hope.

Finn puts his arms around me and pulls me against his chest. He kisses my neck.

“So, they are allowed to make out?” Emmanuel complains.

“He is the alpha,” Anders says. “Obviously, we are talking about double standards here.”

Finn breaks into a laugh. “I can’t believe I needed you to find your mate, to finally hear you crack a joke.”

We all laugh at Finn’s comment and Anders’ slightly flustered face, but Frankie doesn’t allow him to be flustered for too long. She latches onto his arm, pushing him onto a comfortable sofa chair, and sits on his lap. She grabs one of the cookies. “If you don’t stop the drama soon, there won’t be any cookies left.”

She doesn’t need to repeat her threat. On cue, Emmanuel and Gina grab one, too, glaring at each other.

“Not another food war, please.” Ludovica smiles. “There are plenty of cookies in the kitchen.”

Everyone laughs. I snuggle into Finn’s arms, taking in his comforting scent. I smile happily. There is still so much we need to do, and so many things we need to repair in this pack, but with Finn, I know that everything is possible. We took the first step together, and we’ll manage everything else.

Together.

sixty-one

Epilogue #1 The Egyptian Sculpture

*HARMONY*

Marius,oursometimesinsufferable,yet in a way also very endearing lune, stretches his neck and grins brightly. After Marcel and Marius returned from the battle, they told us everything that had happened. Now, a few weeks later, the ranked members are gathered in front of the pack house to await our guests. Marius uses the moment to tell us a bit more about Finn and Freya and what he knows about their current lives. “My brother and a siren.” Marius chuckles. “And I thought my mate was cool.”

“So, you’re saying I’m not cool?” Celine analyzes calmly.

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