Page 53 of Alien Charming

“Enjoyable,” she corrected, and his eyes began to glow.

“Just wait.”

She gave him a puzzled frown, but before she could ask what he meant, he bent down and licked the mating bite. Arousal shot through her body so quickly she felt dizzy.

“What was that?” she gasped, her body trembling.

“I am attuned to your needs,” he explained. “The enzymes will accelerate healing and provide pleasure as they do.”

“Pleasure?”

“Intense pleasure,” he corrected, and proceeded to prove it.

CHAPTER 24

Afew days later, Seren slipped out of bed before Elli woke. Outside, he breathed in the cool morning air, letting it cool the anger that still simmered beneath his skin. His beast still demanded vengeance, but he knew better than to give in to its bloodlust. There were smarter ways to handle Margaret Jacobson.

He found Korrin at the training grounds, working through combat forms with brutal efficiency. The younger Vultor acknowledged him with a nod but continued his exercises until he finished the sequence.

“What have you discovered?” he demanded as soon as Korrin sheathed his blade.

“From what I’ve gathered, Mayor Jacobson’s power comes from two sources: her political position and her wealth.” Korrin started to pace. “She’s been skimming from village funds for years. I believe some of the humans suspect it but can’t prove it.”

He frowned at the younger male. “And you know this how?”

A wolfish grin spread across Korrin’s face. “She keeps two sets of books—one for show, one for her actual dealings.”

“If those records were to become public knowledge…”

“Exactly.” Korrin nodded. “The village council would have no choice but to remove her. No blood spilled, but she loses everything she values—power, respect, wealth.”

The plan appealed to his sense of justice. Margaret had tried to use Elli as a pawn for financial gain. It seemed fitting that finances would be her downfall.

“Can you get those records?”

Korrin gave him a smug smile.

“Of course. The mayor’s security is… inadequate.”

“Do it quietly,” he warned. “We need evidence, not accusations of theft.”

“You wound me, Seren.” Korrin placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Stealth is my specialty. No one will know I was there.”

He nodded, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. This was a better path than violence—a smarter strategy that would serve justice without bloodshed. “Report to me when it’s done.”

“And after we have the evidence?” Korrin asked.

“We bring it before the human council. Let her own people pass judgment.” His lips curved into a cold smile. “Margaret Jacobson values her reputation above all else. Watching it crumble will be punishment enough.”

They parted ways, Korrin melting into the forest with practiced ease. He watched him go, grateful for the younger Vultor’s skills. Korrin had always been useful, if unpredictable. His distrust of humans made him an unlikely ally in this situation, but his hunger for justice aligned perfectly with Seren’s needs.

When he returned he found Elli awake, wrapped in one of his shirts as she prepared tea. The sight of her—safe, here, his—filled him with profound relief. The claiming mark on her neck was visible above the collar of his shirt, and his beast rumbled with satisfaction.

“You left,” she said softly, not accusingly.

“I had matters to attend to.” He crossed to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind, breathing in her scent. “How do you feel?”

“Fine.” She leaned back against his chest. “What matters?”

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