Page 54 of Alien Charming

He hesitated, then decided on honesty. “I’ve set things in motion to deal with your aunt.”

She tensed slightly in his arms. “You’re not going to hurt her?”

“No.” He turned her to face him. “I’m going to let justice take its course. The evidence of her corruption will speak for itself.”

He watched the emotions play across her face—concern, relief, and something else he couldn’t quite name. Her trust in him humbled him. After everything she’d endured, she still believed in justice rather than vengeance.

“Korrin is gathering evidence as we speak,” he explained, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Your aunt has been stealing from the village for years. Once exposed, she’ll lose everything she values—her position, her wealth, her standing.”

“That seems… fitting,” she said quietly. “She always cared more about appearances than people.”

The rest of the day passed quietly and he let himself relax in the pleasure of his mate, finally able to put aside his need for vengeance.

But the next morning Korrin came to find him. He’d not only retrieved the financial records, he’d found something else, something that shook Seren to his core.

“You don’t have to tell her,” the other male said quietly.

“You know I do.”

“I suppose so, but if you decide differently, I will make sure there is no evidence.”

He was tempted, but he shook his head.

“We both know I can’t do that, but thank you, my friend.”

He returned to his den, wondering how best to approach the subject. Elli’s welcoming smile faded as she studied his face.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Walk with me,” he said, leading her towards a quiet path that wound through the trees, keeping her hand tucked in his. She waited patiently as he gathered his thoughts.

“You know that Korrin was retrieving your aunt’s records?” he said finally, and she immediately tensed.

“Has she caused more trouble?”

“No, but what he discovered may change everything.” He took a deep breath. “The house, the lands—they don’t belong to Margaret.”

“What do you mean?”

He stopped walking and turned to face her. “They belong to you, little one. They belonged to your grandmother, not Margaret’s mother, and they passed from your mother to you. Margaret has been living on your property, spending your money.”

Her face turned pale, and he put his arm around her shoulders to steady her.

“That’s not possible. She always said?—”

“She lied.” His voice hardened. “Korrin found the original will hidden amongst her records. Your grandmother was wealthy in her own right, and she left everything to your mother, and then your mother left it to you. Margaret kept it hidden, kept you dependent.”

She swayed, and he swore under his breath as he tightened his grip.

“All those years of servitude, of being told I was a burden, of believing I had nothing… I don’t understand,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Why would she do that?”

“Power. Control. Greed. Jealousy. You are so much more than she could ever be.”

She shuddered, a tear slipping down her cheek, and he gently stroked her hair.

“What do you want to do?” he asked softly.

She looked up at him and frowned. “Do?”

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