Page 44 of Alien Charming

“Is there something you need? Nyra should be able?—”

“Was that really Elli you were dancing with last night?” she interrupted, and he stiffened. He should have expected this.

“It was.”

Scarlett’s eyes were bright with curiosity. “But… she’s been so withdrawn since her mother died. How do you two even know each other?”

“Elli isn’t withdrawn,” he replied, struggling for patience. “She’s shy and kind and passionate. If you took the time to get to know her, you’d see that.”

“I do know her, Seren—or at least I did. We were friends when we were at school, but we lost touch when her aunt took her out of school. I thought she didn’t have time for me anymore, but now it seems like her aunt was controlling her.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “She was.”

Scarlett scowled. “I hate that we didn’t realize, didn’t push more. I would never have let it go on so long. She deserved better.”

“Yes,” he said again, shifting his feet impatiently, but she wasn’t through.

“Do you really care for her?” she demanded, her gaze dropping to the slipper he was still clutching. “It’s not some political game or anything?”

He hesitated for a moment, but he couldn’t bring himself to lie.

“I love her. She’s my mate. And I intend to make sure she knows it.” He cleared his throat. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Scarlett nodded slowly, then gave him a brilliant smile.

“In that case, I think you should know that’s my grandmother’s work.”

He stiffened. “What?”

“The slipper you’re holding. I recognize the embroidery pattern. Have you spoken to her?”

He froze. How had he missed such an obvious connection? He’d been so focused on searching the village proper and the surrounding woods.

“No,” he admitted. “I haven’t.”

“Perhaps you should.” Scarlett grinned at him again and turned to leave, then paused. “And Seren? When you do find her—tell her exactly what you just told me.”

“I will,” he promised, already heading for Agatha’s cottage.

His heart thundered in his chest as he strode through the woods. The slipper in his pocket seemed to grow warmer against his thigh, a tangible connection to Elli that pulled him forward like a beacon.

She’s there, he told himself.She has to be there.

He was descending into the foothills when a flash of green caught his eye. A human female walking quickly down the narrow path, her long hair pulled back in a loose braid. She looked different—neither the mysterious stranger from the ceremony or the quiet gardener he’d spent so much time with but he’d recognize her anywhere, even before her scent reached him.

He’d found her.

CHAPTER 21

The woods felt different as Elli made her way down the path Agatha had shown her. No longer did the shadows threaten or the rustling leaves startle her. Instead, they welcomed her like old friends, conspirators in her newfound courage. Each step carried her closer to the Vultor enclave, closer to Seren.

What if he doesn’t want to see me?The unwelcome thought crept in, but she pushed it away. The memory of his eyes glowing gold as he looked at her and the warmth of his arms around her gave her strength.

A twig snapped somewhere ahead. She froze, then relaxed as a familiar sensation washed over her—that same awareness she’d felt all those days ago in her garden.

“Seren?” she called softly.

The forest stilled as he emerged from between two ancient trees, his eyes burning like twin flames in the dappled light.

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