Page 17 of Alien Charming

CHAPTER 8

As Seren sat stiffly at the ornate dining room table, doing his best not to glance over at the window where he’d seen Elli, he tried to distract himself by thinking about the human village. It was an exercise in contradictions—some houses were neat and well-kept, while others were neglected, with overgrown gardens and peeling paint. Some were large and ornate while others were little more than shacks.

The streets themselves were clean and orderly, but the people they’d passed watched them with suspicion, their expressions wary and guarded. It only reinforced his belief that their alliance was the right path. If his people were ever to find peace here, there must be trust.

Trust that was sorely lacking at the moment, especially in the woman who had pretended to welcome him into her home.

Mayor Jacobson was a cold, ambitious woman who saw him and his people as tools to advance her own agenda. The dinner party she had arranged was less about fostering goodwill and more about demonstrating her power and status to her peers. Even the dining room, with its heavy furniture and ornatecrystal chandelier, felt designed to intimidate rather than invite. Everything, from the delicate china plates to the expensive lace tablecloth, sent a clear message—she was a wealthy, important person who expected respect and deference.

His gaze started to drift towards the window again, but he frowned at the empty chair at the end of the table instead—a chair he suspected had been intended for Elli. Why hadn’t she joined them?

The mayor’s voice snapped him back to the conversation at hand.

“Your people are rumored to possess certain… abilities,” she said, her smile sharpening. “To change into another form?”

He forced himself not to react, though he felt his beast stir. “There are many stories about us.”

“Ah, yes.” Her gaze flicked to his hands, and her smile widened. “But I’m interested in the truth.”

Before he could respond, the door swung open and the maid entered, carrying a tray laden with desserts. He seized the opportunity to redirect the conversation.

“This cake looks delicious,” he said, taking a slice of cake.

The mayor’s lips pressed together in irritation, but she nodded. “Thank you. Please, everyone, help yourselves.”

As the plates were passed around, he allowed himself another glance towards the window. Elli had moved out of sight, but he could still feel her presence. His beast stirred again, aching to go to her, to assure himself she was unharmed. It took all of his self-control to remain in his seat.

“Was your niece unwell this evening?” The question emerged before he could prevent it.

The mayor’s smile tightened. “Elli is indisposed. The girl isn’t suited for formal occasions—too flighty and awkward. I’m sure you understand.”

He didn’t understand. Not at all. His Elli was thoughtful and composed, her quiet demeanor a sign of depth rather than weakness. The woman’s dismissive tone kindled something protective in him that went beyond rational thought, and he forced himself to take a slow breath, reminding himself of the larger purpose this dinner served.

Nyra caught his eye across the table. Her subtle head tilt conveyed her concern, and he bit back a sigh. His pack was noticing his agitation.

“The trade agreement seems straightforward enough,” the mayor continued complacently, oblivious to his darkening mood. “I believe there are only a few more minor details to resolve.”

He nodded mechanically, his ears attuned to any sound of movement from outside the window. What was Elli doing? Was she still out there, listening to this farce of a negotiation? And if so, why?

“Of course,” he managed. “We’re eager to finalize the agreement.”

“Good. Good.” The mayor smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I trust that you won’t disappoint me.”

The warning in her words was unmistakable, and he fought the urge to snarl. This woman was a predator in her own right, usingher influence and wealth to exploit those weaker than her. She saw the Vultor not as potential allies, but as a resource to be controlled and used for her benefit. The realization left a sour taste in his mouth as the dessert plates were cleared away.

“I believe we’ve covered the essentials for tonight,” he said abruptly, cutting across Mayor Jacobson’s elaborate description of one of their harvest festivals. His voice emerged as a low growl that silenced the table instantly.

The mayor blinked, clearly unused to being interrupted. “But we haven’t discussed?—”

“Another time.” He rose to his full height, towering over the table. “My pack requires rest before tomorrow’s hunt.”

It was a thin excuse—his people could hunt after days without sleep if necessary—but he couldn’t stomach another minute in this house, wondering if Elli was alone outside.

Nyra and the others followed his lead, though their confused glances weren’t lost on him. They hadn’t expected such an abrupt end to the evening.

Mayor Jacobson’s smile turned brittle. “Of course. How thoughtless of me to keep you from your… natural activities.”

The thinly veiled insult hung in the air. His claws threatened to emerge, but he merely inclined his head, not trusting himself to speak.

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