Submitting to My Lycan Prince Mate

62 The Expensive Surprise

Claire's POV

"Wake up, little one." In the early morning, Louis's deep voice rouses me from my slumber.

"Morning, Louis." I rub my bleary eyes, my voice still groggy. "What time is it?"

"Eight-thirty."

"Oh..."

The drowsiness overwhelms me again, and I instinctively snuggle up to the man beside me.

"Can I sleep for another half an hour, please?"

It's not that I'm lazy, but yesterday's schedule drained all my energy. First, I practiced self-defense with Hawk all afternoon, then Louis dragged me into two hours of ballroom dancing, and finally, well, let's just say he kept me busy in bed.

Fortunately, Louis noticed my exhaustion and reluctantly let me go after one round.

"Unfortunately, Claire, today is not a day for sleeping in," Louis says, running his fingers through my tousled hair on the pillow before planting a kiss on my forehead. "Come with me somewhere; I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?! I open my eyes wide. "What kind of surprise?"

Louis doesn't answer. He wears a mysterious smile. "You'll find out soon enough."

"Fine."

Curiosity piqued, I sat up in bed. "I'll go change now."

"No rush, Claire. You haven't had breakfast yet."

Louis pushes me back onto the bed with a meaningful look. "Alfred expressed his disapproval of you missing dinner last night."

I immediately understand Louis's hint, and my face flushes.

"It's all because of you last night..."

"Look what you got yourself into! How am I supposed to face Alfred now?!" Embarrassment floods my heart, and I bury my face in the pillow.

"Well... Alfred, you've seen the situation now. Maybe you can help me persuade her," Louis says, causing me to shoot up.

But the room remains empty, with only Louis staring at me, a victorious smile on his face.

"You tricked me, Louis!"

I grab a nearby pillow and throw it at Louis's laughing face. "Get out! Now!"

"Claire, just listen to me..."

"Get out!"