Page 21 of Heart of the Rebel Mate

"Thanks," she says quietly, her voice losing some of its sharpness.

I nod, leaning back in my chair. "Anytime."

For a while, we work in companionable silence, the quiet hum of the library wrapping around us. Elara's frustration fades as she delves into the records, her movements more focused. I watch the way her brow furrows, the way she tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear without realizing it.

"Adrian."

I blink, caught. She's staring, green eyes sharp.

"You're staring," she says, smirking.

I clear my throat, leaning forward. "Just making sure you're not about to burn the place down."

She rolls her eyes. "You're impossible."

"So I've been told."

The lightness between us never lasts.

"We need to talk about Cassian."

Her smirk vanishes. "No, we don't."

"Yes, we do," I say firmly.

Her hands curl into fists. "You've made your opinion clear. I don't need your protection."

I push back from the table, standing. "He's using you, Elara. You're a pawn in his rebellion."

Her jaw tightens. "And you're any better? You're the Council's lapdog, sent to watch me."

She's not wrong. But this—thisis more than that.

"I've seen what happens to people who challenge them," I say quietly. "You're walking a fine line."

She laughs, bitter, standing abruptly. "And you think you're the one who'll save me?"

The air tightens between us, the mate bond flaring like a struck match.

"Elara," I murmur, stepping closer.

She stiffens, her breath catching. "Don't."

But I can't stop. The space between us shrinks, her rapid breaths loud in the silence. My wolf surges forward, the bond thrumming louder, undeniable.

"I'm not your enemy," I say, my voice quieter now, softer.

Her gaze flickers, uncertainty flashing across her face for the briefest moment. Her hand brushes the edge of the table, her fingers curling as if she's trying to anchor herself.

"You act like you care," she says, her voice trembling just enough for me to notice. "But I can't tell if it's because of the Council or... or something else."

The silence stretches between us, thick and suffocating.

I should step back.

Ishould.

But I don't.

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