Page 14 of The Wolf and the Chimera
Elle moved to my side, and her fingers brushed againstmine. Kalli studied her, and her jaw slackened. Elle shifted her weight.
“Want to take a picture?” I snapped. “Or are you just going to stare at her all day?”
Kalli swallowed. “I’m sorry. She’s just so…beautiful.”
She wasn’t wrong. From Elle’s big eyes to the gentle slope of her neck to her kind smile, she was breathtaking.
Looking at Elle was like looking at the sun.
I moved in front of her again. My mother didn’t deserve the view.
Elle chuckled and once again moved to my side. She glared at me before softening her gaze and looking at Kalli. A smile pulled at the corners of her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Were you expecting a hideous monster?” she teased.
Kalli stiffened. “No, no, I just wasn’t sure what to expect—”
“Why do you want to help us?” I asked.
Kalli flinched. “Because you’re my son.”
I scoffed, but before I could provide a list of all the times she had failed to treat me like a son, Elle spoke.
“Why does the Sovereign want to help us?” she asked.
“Because I want him to.” Kalli shifted her weight and crossed her arms. “And because he doesn’t want you in the High Witch’s possession, not until he learns more about your power.”
I growled.
There it is,I thought.Another Leader who wants to use Elle for their own gain.
“How does he plan on learning about my power?” Elle asked.
Kalli sighed. “Just by being around you, Elle. No one is going to capture or experiment on you.”
Kalli took a cautious step closer and wrung her hands.
“Neither of you have much reason to trust me,” she said, “but I hope in time you will. We have no ill intentions, Ipromise. Only…”
“What?” I barked.
Kalli swallowed, and her gaze dipped to the ground.
“It’ll be nice to have you home,” she murmured.
When she lifted her eyes, they were glassy. My heart lurched, but I quickly cut off the rising flood of emotions. My mate’s life was on the line—I couldn’t be distracted by weak attempts at manipulation.
“You’re right about one thing,” I said. “Your promises mean jack shit to me.”
Elle grabbed my hand and squeezed. The fear and frustration tensing my muscles eased. I didn’t understand her composure. It was her life on the line, but she was as serene as ever. The only person I’d ever seen fracture that self-control was me.
That’s because I’m the only person she really can’t stand.
The door swung open, and the Sovereign entered.
He wore immaculate slacks and a dress shirt. His blond hair was carefully quaffed, and when he blinded us with a smile, his blue eyes crinkled at their corners. His dominance—stronger than any other wolf’s—stifled me. Sweat broke out on the back of my neck, and I fought the urge to lower my head.
When his predatory gaze zeroed in on Elle, all thoughts of supplication vanished. I stepped in front of her. She didn’t move.
