Chapter 34
ELARA’S POV
Why was Kael here? For what purpose? The instant our gazes locked, every bit of air vanished from my chest, a vise squeezing tight. His eyes brimmed with some feeling I couldn’t name, a scowl pulling at his mouth. No no no no no! He represented a chapter I’d buried deep, one I’d fought to erase, a chapter that had shattered me utterly—and now he stood inside the Mountain Dew Pack. The memory of his rejection surged forward, the ache as sharp and bleeding as ever.
How had he even located me? No—it couldn’t be because of me, could it? He must have official dealings with the Mountain Dew Pack, nothing more. That had to be the sole explanation.
Yet Ronan had never breathed a word about it… He shared nearly everything with me, and he remained unaware of Kael’s place in my history. It was the single fragment of my past I’d kept sealed away from him.
Besides, Kael was Lycan; Ronan, werewolf. The two worlds rarely crossed paths.
I hadn’t registered that Cael was speaking until his hand settled lightly on my arm. “Lady Elara?” Genuine worry colored his voice, yanking me from the spiral.
I pivoted toward him, dazed. “Yes?”
“You looked miles away. Are you all right?”
“My Lady!” Clara’s shout sliced the air. I spun to see her sprinting up, lungs heaving, her tidy bun now a wild tangle. Heat flushed her skin from the run. The second her gaze landed on Cael, color climbed her throat, but she cleared it and refocused on me. “What happened? Why did you bolt like that?”
“Ah—” Before I could finish, the massive oak doors swung wide. Ronan and Kael emerged, flanked by guards. My stare fixed on Ronan; he offered a gentle, welcoming smile. Kael… I refused to meet his eyes and simply stood beside Ronan. Clara and Cael dipped into immediate bows before both kings.
“Elara?” Ronan’s voice was soft. “What brings you here?” He closed the distance, resting a hand on my shoulder—small, but it sent electricity racing across my skin despite the storm churning inside.
I painted on a smile and tilted my chin to answer. “Just out for a stroll. Grew restless and thought I’d peek in on you, until Cael mentioned you had company.” I kept my tone even, burying the venom beneath the word “company.”
“Oh, very well,” he murmured, though doubt flickered in his eyes. Thankfully, he let it drop. “I’ve got business to handle.” He tipped his head toward Kael. “Lycan Kael paid us a visit.” My gaze drifted reluctantly to Kael, who managed a faint smile—sad, almost. It never touched his eyes.
None of your concern, Elara.
“Welcome to our pack, Lycan Kael,” I said, dipping into a courteous bow, fighting to keep my voice steady even as my lips quivered.
“Thank you,” he answered, something unreadable threading his words. “Miss Elara?” he added.
“Yes.” I turned back to Ronan with a softer smile. “In that case, I’ll be going.”
“All right.” He leaned close, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. My arms wound around him without thought; a low, contented chuckle rumbled from Ronan, peaceful and warm. He folded me into a solid embrace. I felt Kael’s stare boring into us, sharp as a predator’s.
Forcing the most artificial smile I could summon, I eased out of Ronan’s hold. “I’ll take my leave now.”
“See you soon.”
“Okay.” I pivoted on my heel and walked away, Clara’s footsteps feather-light behind me. As I moved down the corridor toward my chambers, I risked a glance over my shoulder—an instant regret. Kael looked back at the exact same moment; our eyes collided, and the chaos inside me surged higher. Feelings I couldn’t name erupted. Whatever brought him here, I didn’t want to know. I only wanted him gone—before he destroyed anything.
And, hopefully, before I did something foolish.
Back in my room, I dismissed Clara at once. I couldn’t bear anyone’s presence. I needed space to think, to breathe alone.
I sank onto the bed, massaging my temples. A knock sounded, followed by a gentle feminine voice. “May I enter, Ma’am?”
“Yes,” I replied, straightening. The door creaked open; Anna, one of the newer maids, stepped in carrying a tray, a polite smile in place. “Your afternoon tea.”
“Oh.” I shifted, uneasy. “Thank you. Set it on the table there.” I gestured to the small stand across from my dresser. She nodded, placed the tray carefully, gave a quick curtsey, and slipped out, leaving me alone with my thoughts again.
My thoughts = Kael and his reason for being here. I couldn’t make sense of it. Did he want me back? Why? Was his former pack in peril again? Or his Luna? That seemed the only logical cause.
He never loved you, Elara. My inner voice cut in, dragging up Kael’s betrayal. You’re with Ronan now. No room for debate.
Of course I knew that. Ronan loved me—he proved it daily. From the moment he admitted his feelings, he never once stopped showing it, in word or deed. He never faltered. I could never abandon Ronan for Kael, not after everything.
Still, my heart trembled at the darkest “what if.” I prayed it never came to that.