Page 25 of Elusive Mate

“That doesn’t surprise me, but at least you got her to eat.”

“Yes. She seemed to enjoy the lobster roll and drank one bottle of water and was starting on a second when I left.”

“How long until we’re at Ice Storm?”

“We’ve got a couple of hours. Why don’t you get some sleep? I know she feels like you kidnapped her, but I suspect this is almost as hard on you as it is on her.”

“I am in the right. She is my fated mate.”

“No one doubts that, Alpha. But I have always believed that the bond between fated mates has an emotional component as deep as that of the physical one. Your giving her space and sending me to see if she would eat says a great deal about how you care for your mate. Shifter history is littered with romantic tales of fated mates brought together against their will, forming an unbreakable union and founding a dynasty. I have no doubt I am witness to the beginning of such a pairing.”

“From your lips to the gods’ ears,” Lucian chuckled as he stood, stepped out of the cramped cockpit, and stretched. “I think I’ll close my eyes for a bit. If you get fatigued, wake me and let me know when we’re an hour out.”

“Will do,” said Charlie. “For what it’s worth, Lucian, I don’t believe there are many who do not believe you are right. I think most, if not all, of us have always believed she is your fated mate, and her place was at your side.”

“I hope you are right. I would prefer if matters between my mate and I can be kept from upsetting the rest of the clan.”

“Your people are loyal to you. Even if we didn’t agree with you, there are none that I know of who would question or try to thwart your authority.”

“Thank you, Charlie. That means a lot to me.”

Lucian left him and then settled into the first row of seats, propping his legs up on the seat opposite him. Closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep. Sometime later, Charlie woke him.

“We should be at Ice Storm in about forty-five minutes. I went to check on Zenya and told her the same.”

“Thanks, Charlie. I didn’t think I’d sleep that long.”

“I suspect having your mate close at hand helped.”

“As do I.”

Charlie smiled at him before heading into the cockpit. Lucian stood, stretched, and headed down to Zenya. She was looking out the window, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow on her features. As he approached, he could feel the disquiet begin.

“I didn’t mean to disturb you, but wanted to let you know there’s a small shower in the bedroom behind this bulkhead if you want to freshen up.”

“No, thank you. I’ll wait until I am back at Ice Storm.”

Lucian inclined his head and withdrew, all but wincing at the feeling of anger and resentment that came down the link. That wouldn’t get any better once they were home. He was certain she thought she would be returning to the home she and her brother had occupied after their father was defeated and Lucian had assumed the main manor house.

He was inclined to believe the fact that he had installed her in the main house in the room adjoining his would not be welcome. But he was done letting her have her way. Oh, he intended to be an indulgent mate, but he also meant to make it clear to her and everyone else in the clan that she was his and would be treated as such.

The plane landed smoothly and taxied to where Zaiden was waiting with an SUV to take them down to the house. Once again, she allowed him to carry her bag but insisted on carrying the crate herself.

She reached into her pocket and removed some kind of slip lead. “Lucky needs to take a walk to relieve himself and to stretch his legs. I’ll put the crate in the SUV, but I prefer to walk to the house.”

“I’ll walk with you,” said Lucian. “Zenya, the least you can do is greet your brother.”

“Why? He has chosen to be your beta and not my brother. There are always consequences for those kinds of decisions.”

“That’s not fair, Zenya,” said Zaiden.

“Zaiden, enough. Your sister is vexed…”

“Vexed? You think I’m vexed? I’m not vexed Lucian, I’m pissed.”

“Duly noted, my sweet mate.” He turned to Zaiden. “If you’ll take your sister’s things, including the crate, and put them in her room, I’d appreciate it.”

“As you wish, Alpha. Zenya, no one at Ice Storm is your enemy, and I am glad you are home.”

---