Page 25 of Alien Charming

Her hopes withered as quickly as they had grown. “But… the whole village was invited.”

“You have duties here, Ellianna. The garden needs tending, and I’ll need fresh linens prepared for my return.”

Her aunt returned to her correspondence, clearly dismissing her, but she couldn’t bring herself to let it drop.

“I could finish my chores early. The ceremony isn’t until?—”

“The subject is not open for discussion.” Her aunt’s tone hardened. “Your presence would only cause unnecessary attention. What would people think, seeing you moon over those creatures like some lovesick child?”

She flinched. Had her interest in the Vultor been so obvious? Did her aunt somehow know about Seren?

“I just thought?—”

“That’s quite enough, Elli. I’ve made my decision.” Her aunt stood, gathering her papers. “Now, I need you to press my blue silk gown for the occasion. See that you do it properly this time.”

Her aunt swept from the room before she could reply, leaving her alone with her disappointment.

CHAPTER 12

Seren scowled at the ceremonial banners draped across the clearing. The red and gold fabric—symbols of unity and prosperity—fluttered in the breeze, but all he could think about was Elli. Her soft lips. Her scent. The way her slender body had fit so perfectly against him.

“Alpha, where should we place the offering table?”

He blinked, forcing himself back to the present. Nyra waited with arms crossed, a knowing look in her eyes.

“Western edge.” He pointed towards the tree line. “The sunset will illuminate the gifts.”

She nodded, but didn’t move away.

“You’re brooding again.”

He knew she was right, but he frowned at her anyway.

“I’m focused on what matters.”

“Are you?” She raised an eyebrow. “Because you’ve been growling at everyone for the past three days.”

He turned away, unable to face that perceptive gaze.

“It’s been a busy time.”

So busy that he hadn’t had time to slip away and visit Elli again. Or perhaps that was simply an excuse. As much as he longed to see her, he didn’t trust himself to remain in control. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on him. All these years of control, of discipline, threatened by a small human female.

He’d busied himself with the preparations for the ceremony, but his mind kept returning to that night in the forest. He shouldn’t have gone to her. He shouldn’t have kissed her. And he certainly shouldn’t have lost control, allowing his beast to rise to the surface.

In some ways it would have been easier if she’d rejected him—if she’d been frightened or pulled away. Instead, she’d met his kisses with an innocent enthusiasm that had nearly undone him.

“Ridiculous,” he muttered under his breath.

“What’s ridiculous?” Nyra asked.

“Nothing. Never mind.”

She rolled her eyes but she finally let the subject drop, moving away to direct the young males arranging seating for both human and Vultor attendants. If he’d been a petty male, he would have made all of the seating Vultor-sized and let the mayor have a taste of her own medicine. But despite his dislike of the female, he still wanted the trade alliance and he refused to stoop to her level.

Would Elli attend the ceremony? Had he made it clear enough that all humans were invited?

His beast paced restlessly.Mate, it insisted.Find mate.

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