Page 8 of His Impossible Elf Mate
Dakota was repairing a machine when Angelica spotted the bear tattoo the alpha bear had. It must have held great emotional significance for him to put in the effort, considering tattoos were typically applied with magic on supernaturals.
“Tattoos aren’t that common with shifters because of the magical ink required to suppress our healing long enough to accept the design. This one was really important to me, though. I’d love to get another.” Dakota was patient with his young daughter as he explained the bear etched into his skin.
“You would?” Hakeem asked. “You should have Teárlach work on you. He did a remarkable piece for me thatwraps around my leg from thigh to ankle. Teárlach, my friend, do you have any of your supplies?”
“No, but it wouldn’t be much of an issue to use the portal and head home for a bit and grab them.” Leaving Axel behind after the discovery of my feelings would be difficult. I wanted to push for more time with him. To finally go on a date.
“Could I come with you?” Axel asked.
That would not be wise. As much as I would like to show you around my home, it will have to be another time.
To the others, it would look like we were having a wordless conversation, so I didn’t want to say too much.
Axel slumped with defeat, and I feared exhaustion. The urge to soothe him was immediate.
“Next time. When you can enjoy it better. I fear you are tired.”
He gave in and allowed me to bear his weight to the car Dakota called for him and Angelica. The little girl was also feeling the strain of shifting and the excitement of the factory.
“Are you sure that’s all it was?” Axel questioned.
“Of course, dear one. When you are better, you can come see where I come from.”
Hopefully, he would forgive my lies.
The floors of the palace clacked with the sound of my rapid footsteps as I dashed for the safety of my rooms. All I wanted to do was get in, find my equipment, and then leave.
My thoughts were back in Sweetwater, with Axel, who had looked so forlorn at me leaving him behind. He was ill-equipped to deal with any hostility he may face in Abrocaelum. Especially at such an early stage in our relationship. No, I wanted him to be more secure in what we were to each other before he ran the gauntlet of the court’s expectations.
I flung my door open and drew up short to find my mother perched on the edge of my bed.
The picture looked so out of place I was sure my jaw was hanging open. I’d never seen my mother look so… un-queen-like. Sitting as she was, she looked so… human. Her ears were hidden under her sleek hair, the same platinum blonde as my own.
Gone was the usual finery. Her long dress was simple. All she wore of jewelry was a broad cuff with the snowy owl on her slender, pale arm. So unlike her, it took me a moment to recover.
“The magic told me you were in the palace. Luckily, I assumed correctly that this was not a son missing his mother, or a soldier reporting up the chain ofcommand on the progress. Tell me, my son, what has brought you home in such a hurry?”
“Apologies, my queen. If you require an update on our progress, I can get you a report tomorrow. This is merely a brief visit home to gather something I need to help with the shifters.”
“How are the shifters?” she asked, genuinely curious.
“There is little change from the last report. All who had the sickness are recovering at various rates. A link has been found to age and rate of recovery. However, the sickness itself is still a mystery.”
She looked displeased by this, yet unsurprised. We all knew this would take time, and it was only a handful of weeks since the shifters had awoken.
“Your ruse?” she asked as she absentmindedly picked at the blanket on the bed. Her behavior was troubling. I didn’t doubt she truly wanted to know, she just seemed so far away.
“Mother, are you well? Is there something I need to know?”
Her eyes rose to meet mine. “All is well.”
Lie.
“Mother…” I pressed.
“Just the usual rumblings in court.” She waved a delicate hand. “They are dissatisfied that I allowed you to go on this mission.” I swear she huffed a sound. Clearly I’d been with the shifters for too long. “None of them appear to care if it is our goddesses’ will.” Therewas a lengthy pause. I waited her out, aware she would speak when she was ready.
“She came to me in a dream.” Her eyes had a far away quality. “I have not seen her since before you were born.”
