Page 31 of His Impossible Elf Mate
It made me wonder what would happen if an elf became pregnant after so long. Would they be urged into keeping it no matter their circumstances?
News of the babies had, of course, reached my mother and the parliament. They were delighted about the new lives and what these changes could mean for the elves. It bought me more time to spend in Sweetwater and encouraged more elves to come and assist with the research and necessary protection.
Unfortunately, Sweetwater had an even bigger target on their backs with an alpha female, betas who had changed designations, and now Tate’s pregnancy.
Each time something new happened, or there was some fuss from the elves over the pending arrivals, Axel seemed to draw into himself.
There were days I thought that even our love would not be enough to take him out of the darkness.
Naturally, my friends had noticed. Ívarr mentioned he had made renewed attempts at forming a friendship, and while Axel was understanding of Ívarr’s initial standoffish behavior, he had sensed pushing for anything more would not be welcomed.
I wondered at the cause of Axel’s recent depression. Unlike his family, I did not fear it was another bout of the sickness approaching. My senses told me a lot of it was bitter envy.
Axel was so devoted to his family. He would have made a fine alpha with a deep core of inner strength, endless patience, and so much love. Axel had to be looking at Asher and seeing a shifter making so many mistakes he would not make himself. I couldn’t see him attacking others with little provocation. He and his wolf were steady, dependable. For his omega, he would be a port in a storm, providing protection and love.
He had to be wondering why Asher and Tate were chosen for something so monumental. His faith in his goddess, The Luna, had to be shaken.
As Tate, Hiroshi and Roan got ready to move into their new home, I decided to draw Axel back to me. He needed some extra care to show him he was more than his designation. I did not care if he was only a beta, or only a shifter. He could have been a troll and I would have loved him for who he was.
“We are going on another date tonight,” I announced asAxel entered our rooms.
“Are we?” He raised an eyebrow.
“An overnight date, so make sure to pack some clothes for tomorrow. Though if you want to be naked, I will not complain.” I rose to greet him with a kiss, wrapping an arm around him and drawing him close.
I could feel his smirk against my lips. “You wouldn’t, would you?”
“No.” I snaked my hands under his shirt, eager to get my hands on that silky smooth skin. With great difficulty, I pulled away. “Come, I have plans for you.”
“T, we can’t leave the compound.” Axel looked hopeless.
“I know, which is why I have a tent set up for us under the stars just in the woods. We will cook food on a fire and spend time in nature. Would you like to walk there shifted?”
Axel softened. “We shouldn’t… what if we’re needed?”
Drawing him close again, I hugged him tightly. “We will be close enough to run back. Tonight is your night off. Everyone is covered.”
He relented further. “But…”
“No. This is just for us. For you. Please, Axel, you need this. Let me be your solace.”
The fire was ready to be lit. I did that with a spark of magic before I lay our things down next to the pit.
Axel, in his wolf form, sat on his haunches and sighed.This is exactly what I needed, thank you.
“You are most welcome.”
Seeing no need to hide the spell I was using since we were alone, I spoke aloud to Axel rather than mind speak. “Would you like dinner? There are steaks but if you would rather not cook, we can have sandwiches. Winter packed a hamper for us.” I laughed, remembering my conversation with the cook. “He gave us far too much food!”
His wolf made a strange chuffing noise that sounded like a laugh.Sandwiches are fine. I’m not hungry. I’d rather enjoy the peace with you.
“Do you feel like shifting back, or would you rather have me pet you for a while? I brought the brush you like.”
He would never admit it to anyone, but Axel liked me to use a slicker brush on his fur. He would lie for hours while I groomed his alter form.
Only the pricking of his ears gave him away. I got the brush from the hidden pocket in my bag and set to work, combing it through his thick ruff and down his back to his wagging tail.
My lover’s other form was beautiful with his gigantic size, too wise eyes, and shiny black coat. He was so dark he often vanished into the shadows. I wondered often if it was his extra gift. Chase had his ability to detect lies, Blake had an edge, predicting moves when fighting, so perhaps the other Sweetwater son had his own ability.
