Page 51 of Elf Shot

"Partly, but also because you stole Arne from Vili for me, and I feel responsible for what happens to you as a result of that," Alruna replied.

"I didn't steal him just for you. You don't owe me anything."

Alruna let out a sigh that sounded too much like Arne.

"Layla, you are Arne's mate, whether you two have worked it out between yourselves or not. We need him at home, and he's not going to leave you. Do you understand that? He's chosen you already. He's just doing the courtesy of waiting for you to catch up," Alruna said. "Please come home. Don't make a queen beg."

Layla's insides turned to mush. "I wouldn't dream of it. We will come tomorrow. There are things I need to work out with my family before I run away to the elves." A laugh escaped her. "Really, they shouldn't be surprised."

"Thank you, Layla. I'll see you both tomorrow. Early. I will make a portal when you are ready to travel."

"Yes, my queen." Layla hung up at the same time Arne did. He looked thoughtful. "Kenna kick you in the balls?"

"She accused me of bewitching you, so I told her you are my mate, and then she swore at me a lot. She really wants you to go home," he replied.

"I'm sure she does." Layla passed him back his phone. "She's going to go off when she learns I've run away with you."

Arne's brows lifted. "You are running away with me?"

"Well, the Queen of the Light Elves has invited me to the mysterious Alfheimstod. Can't say no to a queen's request now, can I? It would be rude," Layla said, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach.

"It would be very rude," he said. Under the table, his leg brushed up against her. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. I have to sort out what to do with Freya's apartment and probably buy some more clothes. How long do you think I'll be there for?" she asked.

"As long as you like," Arne replied with no hesitation.

Layla grinned. "How about we reassess after we deal with Vili?"

"Whatever you wish, vennen."

After breakfast, they stood outside, and Layla felt awkward on how to proceed.

"So your mom was insistent that we get to Alfheimstod early. Means you should probably stay with me tonight or vice versa, yeah? For practicality purposes, so you can wipe that smile off your face," she said, toying with the zipper on her jacket.

"We should definitely sleep under the same roof. For the sake of the bond and all of that," Arne said, his smile staying where it was.

"Yeah, we would want to get a good night’s sleep. Can't do that with the bond keeping us awake," Layla agreed.

"Very sensible. How about I come and collect you at six?"

"Sounds good."

Arne took a step closer to her, so she had to tilt her head to look up at him. Her butterflies went into overdrive as his gaze traced her lips.

"Can I kiss you goodbye?" he asked, his voice husky.

"Please," Layla replied before she could chicken out. Arne's fingers grasped the edges of her jacket collar, bringing her close before pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. When he made to pull away, she grumbled a noise of complaint and grabbed onto him to stop him from moving.

Arne smiled before kissing her with an intensity that made her knees tremble. He nipped and sucked at her lips with just the right amount of dominance that made her want to agree to anything he asked. She wasn't embarrassed by the thought; she was okay being a power sub, especially when her partner knew what they were doing. And Arne knew exactly what he was doing.

He didn't seem to care that they were in public as his tongue fucked into her mouth, using it with enough precision to make Layla's panties wet.

"You keep kissing me like that, we are going to get arrested for public indecency," she murmured, pulling back for her own sanity.

"I wanted to give you something to think about for the rest of the day," Arne said, his expression completely innocent.

Layla rolled her eyes at him. "I'll see you at six, Steelsinger." She looked at him with kiss-swollen lips and ruffled hair. "You better not be late."

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