Page 45 of The Wolf and the Chimera
Did Elle really not know how I felt about her?
How do I feel about her?
I was certain of one thing. My feelings for Elle had nothing to do with duty. Sure, most of our time together hadbeen preoccupied by the overwhelming need to keep her safe, but obligation wasn’t why I wanted to see past the fake smiles she gave the rest of the world. It wasn’t why I wanted to touch her in any way she would allow. It wasn’t why I admired her strength and compassion and bravery.
Before I could tell her any of that, Kieran approached us.
“You guys made it!” he cheered.
When I glared daggers at him, his grin faltered.
“I think I’ll go get some food,” Elle said.
I moved to follow her, but Melanie appeared out of the crowd, took Elle’s elbow, and led her to the buffet line. I kept Elle in my sight but allowed her the space from me she clearly needed.
“Dude,” Kieran said. “You really should’ve told her about Freya.”
My skin prickled. “Dude, I know.”
I should’ve told her a lot of things.
I just wasn’t sure when I was supposed to tell her them. I wasn’t sure when the magic that drove me to protect Elle had fallen second to the emotional need to make her safe and happy.
Kieran chuckled. “You’re lucky she’s your mate. Otherwise, she totally would’ve dumped your ass by now.”
“Anyone ever told you you’re good at cheering people up?” I asked.
He nodded.
“They lied.”
Kieran threw his head back and laughed. Despite my problems with Elle, I couldn’t help but smile at my brother. Standing here joking with him reminded me of being back home with the pack who raised me. It was odd, but nice.
“Good to see you two laughing together,” Kalli greeted.
My good mood soured.
“I’m going to get something to drink,” I said.
Kieran called after me, but I ignored him. I didn’t have the patience to play nicely with Kalli. Besides, I needed to keepmy attention sharp to find the perfect moment to slip away to the library. Bo was there now, checking to see if it was truly empty of librarians and the Keeper.
I walked through the horde of wolves and nodded in greeting to those I passed. I didn’t begrudge Lyall’s pack—they hadn’t chosen their leader. I also wanted them to notice my attendance at the bonfire. It would make for a stronger alibi.
Instead of drinking from the keg of beer many of the wolves were indulging in, I opted for water and stood to the side of the drink station. Instinctively, I found Elle. Across the bonfire, she chatted and snacked with Melanie. Firelight danced on her rich, brown skin.
I wondered if we would’ve been better off running instead of ever coming to this place. I wondered where we would be if the sorceress hadn’t returned.
Someone stumbled into my back and sloshed beer all over my flannel shirt. Cursing, I faced the bleary-eyed werewolf.
“Sorry, man,” he slurred.
“Are you drunk?” I asked.
He offered me a wobbly grin and raised his half-empty cup. Beer droplets clung to his scraggly beard.
“Specially imported,” he said.
I shook my head at him, and he wandered into the crowd. How much pack money did Lyall spend on alcohol? He was obsessed with hisspecially importedgoods.
