Page 43 of Alien Charming

He turned to find Nyra leaning against the entrance to his den.

“What do you want?”

“To remind you that destroying your quarters won’t bring her back.”

He growled low in his throat. “Unless you have useful information?—”

“Have you considered that she might not want to be found?” Nyra asked, untroubled by his anger. “Or that perhaps she’s somewhere safe, gathering her thoughts?”

Was that it? Had he frightened her away with his intensity, his beast too close to the surface?

“I need to find her,” he said, softer now. “Just to know she’s safe.”

“Do you want my help?”

It might come to that, but for now he shook his head.

“I don’t want her to feel hunted.”

“Except by you?”

A reluctant smile crossed his face for the first time since Elli had disappeared. “Exactly. I need to talk to her.”

And he couldn’t do that pacing his cottage. He nodded abruptly and started gathering what he needed. A small pack. Provisions. The delicate slipper she’d worn, tucked carefully into his pocket.

“You’re leaving.” It wasn’t a question, but he nodded.

“I’m appointing you as alpha in my absence.”

“The council won’t like it.”

“The council rarely likes anything I do these days.” He secured his knife at his belt. “You’re more than capable.”

Nyra stepped into the room, her expression unreadable. “This human… she means that much to you?”

“She means everything.”

Silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken concerns about what this meant for the pack, for the alliance, for their future. But he found he could no longer prioritize those worries above the hollow ache in his chest. The rational part of him—the part that had led his pack through years of turmoil—insisted he was making a mistake. A leader didn’t abandon his responsibilities for personal matters. A leader put his people first.

But he was no longer that leader. Not since Elli had disappeared.

“I’m no use like this,” he admitted. “Not half-present, wondering where she is, if she’s safe. The pack deserves better.”

“And what if you find her and she doesn’t want to be found?”

His jaw tightened. “Then I’ll have my answer.”

Nyra nodded slowly.

“I’ll hold things together here. But, Seren—” She hesitated. “Don’t stay away too long. Varro caught the scent of the beast again, and I overheard some of the humans talking about people going missing.”

The news should have alarmed him, should have made him reconsider his decision. Once, it would have. Now, it barely registered against his need to find Elli.

“Deal with it as you see fit,” he said, shouldering his pack. “I trust your judgment.”

Unable to resist, he pulled the slipper out of his pocket again, tracing the delicate embroidery with his thumb, memorizing each stitch as he made his way through the outskirts of the enclave. The craftsmanship was remarkable—tiny vines and flowers that reminded him of Elli’s garden. A fragile connection but one he clung to.

His senses remained alert despite his distraction, and he caught the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. Light, human footsteps. He turned to find Scarlett approaching. He liked the human female with the vibrant red hair, for her own sake as well as the peace she’d brought to Finnar, and he did his best to nod courteously despite his impatience.

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