Page 38 of Alien Charming

“I don’t know where to go,” she whispered.

“You’re staying here, of course.” Agatha spoke as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “For as long as you need.”

“But Aunt Margaret?—”

“Has no authority in my home. And if she thinks she can spread lies about you, she has another think coming.” Agatha’s eyes sparkled dangerously as she placed a steaming cup of tea in Elli’s hands. The warmth seeped into her cold fingers. “Drink. It will help calm your nerves.”

The tea tasted of chamomile and honey, with something else she couldn’t identify. With each sip, the knot in her chest loosened slightly.

“I ran away,” she admitted finally, her chest aching. “Seren is going to think I abandoned him.”

“No, he won’t,” Agatha said firmly. “But that’s tomorrow’s concern. Tonight, you need rest.”

After she finished her tea, Agatha led her upstairs to a small bedroom. A patchwork quilt covered the bed, and dried flowers hung from the ceiling beams.

“This was Scarlett’s room whenever she visited me, but it’s yours for as long as you need it.”

“It’s lovely. Thank you.”

Agatha helped her out of the ruined dress and gently washed away the dirt covering her feet and hand before giving her a clean, soft nightgown. “Sleep now. Things will seem clearer in the morning.”

She climbed wearily into the bed, sinking into its comforting softness. As Agatha quietly closed the door, her thoughts drifted to Seren—his golden eyes, his gentle touch despite his strength, the way he’d looked at her as if she were precious.

Sleep claimed her quickly, but Seren followed her into her dreams.

CHAPTER 18

Seren ignored the silent crowd as his anguished howl died away, still looking desperately for Elli.

“What’s wrong?” Nyra asked quietly, ignoring his warning growl as she joined him.

He barely registered the question. “Did you see where the woman in the veil went?”

“The human? No, but…” Nyra’s voice trailed off as he moved past her.

He circled the perimeter of the gathering, heart pounding harder with each passing moment. Had he frightened her? The memory of his barely contained beast during their encounter haunted him. Perhaps she’d felt his claws lengthen against her back, and noticed the glow in his eyes intensifying. Perhaps she’d finally seen the monster that lurked beneath his carefully maintained control.

A short way down one of the paths leading out of the clearing, something sparkled in the moonlight. He knelt and picked up a delicate slipper—her slipper. He held it carefully between hishands, the fragile thing looking absurdly small in comparison. His nostrils flared, trying to catch any trace of her scent even though he knew the potion would prevent it.

“Fuck,” he growled, his chest aching. He’d allowed himself to hope, to imagine possibilities that had no business existing. She was young, innocent, human. And he was… not.

The night air felt suddenly cold against his skin. The celebration had resumed behind him, the sounds of laughter and music a mockery to the hollow feeling spreading through his chest.

“What’s going on, Seren?” Old Lena materialized at his side.

“She’s gone.”

The words came out rougher than intended, and Lena’s eyes dropped to the slipper in his hands. “I’m sure there’s a logical explanation.”

He snorted, his beast prowling restlessly beneath his skin. “I’m not good enough for her. A monster, not a mate.”

“Seren.” Lena’s voice was stern as she grabbed his arm, her grip strong despite her advanced age. “You will stop this nonsense at once. Go find your female.”

She was right. No matter what had changed between them, he needed to hear it from her lips. She must have returned to her aunt’s house, he decided, and headed for the path leading to the village. Before he could reach it, a sharp, familiar voice cut through his concentration.

“Are you leaving us, Alpha Thalos?”

Mayor Jacobson intercepted him, her face a mask of practiced concern that didn’t reach her eyes. Something about her expression made his hackles rise.

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