Page 54 of Across the Sapphire Sea
Elias went to collect the arrows again but stopped as he noticed Jemma stiffen. Her grin vanished and was replaced by a frown.
“Uh-oh.” Her gaze flit back to Elias. “You’re man is here, and he looks madder than a wet cat.”
Elias’s stomach sank. What could have made Valeri angry this time? Was there nothing Elias could do that wouldn’t raise his ire? Valeri had known they were coming to the tavern; if he was going to throw a tantrum, why not have it out before they were all having a good time for a change?
Elias didn’t turn to see Valeri for himself. Rather, he watched the faces of his companions as they took him in. Aella’s grin morphed to a scowl. Ash carried the amused expression he often wore, though tinged with annoyance. Remy and Laurence glanced at the approaching storm, then to each other as if preparing to act on Elias’s behalf.
Elias exhaled.
Valeri grabbed him by the arm and spun him so they were face to face, toe to toe.
Laurence stood from his table, but Remy took hold of his wrist so he didn’t approach. Yet.
Elias registered he’d only have a moment to appease him before the others intervened.
“Come. We’re leaving,” Valeri demanded.
Elias put his hand between them, over Valeri’s still heart. “Everyone is watching, Valeri.”
“I don’t care.” Valeri didn’t spare the others a glance; he looked only at Elias. “I need you home. Now.”
“I’m enjoying myself. With our friends. I don’t want to leave.”
“It’s not a request.”
“Then tell me why,” Elias pleaded. “Calmly. Or ask me to leave with you nicely.”
“I’ll tell you when we’re home.” Valeri squeezed his arm hard enough Elias flinched.
“You’re hurting me.”
Valeri loosened his grip. Opened his mouth. Closed it. Finally his gaze swept the tavern, which had grown quiet, because not only were their own number staring, but the other patrons had noticed the drama too.
Laurence’s stance had become outright threatening. Only Remy held him back, but if Elias beckoned, he’d unleash his mate. Elias got the feeling Laurence wouldn’t waste such an opportunity to lash out at their sire.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to hurt you.” Valeri’s expression turned desperate. “Please.”
Something in his tone caught Elias. This wasn’t Valeri’s normal brand of jealousy. He was upset, and not because Elias was having a nice time without him; there was more to it.
“Where have you been?” asked Elias.
“With Lajos.”
“Are you all right?”
“Fine,” Valeri huffed. “He got under my skin. I want you where I know you’ll be safe.”
Shocked Valeri had told him the truth so easily, Elias was tempted to give in and go home with him. But if he didn’t learn to stand his ground, the toxic dynamic between them would never change.
Glaring at the fingers around his bicep, Elias said, “Let go of my arm.”
Valeri released his grip without argument. The defeated expression didn’t sit well on his features.
Elias moved his free hand to Valeri’s cheek. “You’re here now, and you can see that I’m safe and sound among friends. I don’t want to leave, but I’d love it if you stayed. Play arrows with us. I’ll bet you’re good at it.” He’d never been able to convince Valeri to play with him before, but one more invitation was worth a try.
As the crowd realized there would be no fight, the ambient noise in the tavern began to rise. Only their group remained on edge, waiting to see what Valeri would do.
“None of them want me here,” said Valeri.
