Chapter 35
ELARA’S POV
“He’s seeking an alliance with my pack,” Ronan stated, his gaze locked on the parchment before him. “It seems he wants greater sway in our territory,” he continued, his tone carrying a sentiment I couldn’t fully identify, though he clearly wasn’t enthusiastic about it.
Only a handful of hours had passed since Kael’s arrival, but it already seemed like an eternity.
“Alliance?” A snort slipped out of me without warning. Sure, whatever.
Ronan lifted his head, focusing on me now. “Something wrong?”
“No,” I shrugged, striving for indifference even as inner chaos threatened to overwhelm me. “It’s just… He’s Lycan, and out of nowhere he wants to ally, it feels awfully fishy.” I wasn’t sure why I was voicing this, but anything to send Kael packing. I couldn’t take the chance—it was far too dangerous. One slip-up, and I might lose Ronan… and if that happened, I’d lose myself as well.
I loved Ronan—no, I was deeply in love with him. I still hadn’t confessed my true feelings; a lingering fear of rejection held me back, or perhaps worry that he wouldn’t feel exactly the same.
“Sweetheart,” he laughed lightly, “It’s fine. No need for you to fret over it.”
I pivoted, my shoulders dropping. “But—”
“But,” he rose, the chair dragging noisily across the floor as he approached me steadily, his aroma enveloping me. When he paused just a short distance away, I leaned toward him, yearning to encircle him with my arms. It was overwhelming. I felt on the verge of shattering, yet I couldn’t reveal it. “Leave it in my hands,” he went on, pulling me into his embrace and settling his chin atop my head. “Everything’s okay.”
“I’m just concerned,” Concerned that you might uncover the secret I’ve concealed and I could end up losing you for good.
“I know, sweetheart,” he tilted my chin upward with his finger, my gaze meeting his warm amber eyes, brimming with gentleness and affection. Oh—even the gods wouldn’t pardon me if I lost a man like this. “But it’ll turn out fine.”
“Okay,” I exhaled, compressing my lips to halt any more debate. I shouldn’t push too hard; it might expose everything.
He bent down, brushing his lips to mine—it began as a gentle touch, then abruptly a blaze sparked within me. I clutched a handful of his hair, drawing a groan from him that I swallowed with my mouth, molding my form against his; his hands slid to my hips, claiming them firmly. He eagerly parted my lips with his tongue and delved deeper into the kiss; I sighed into him, surrendering to the sensation.
Kael faded from my mind. All my attention centered on Ronan and this instant; that was what truly counted. In one fluid motion, he hooked his arms beneath my knees, hoisting me up; I locked my legs around his waist, still yanking at his hair.
My frame trembled. His scent and flavor were intoxicating; I thought I might burst from the intensity.
“We should pause,” I murmured between kisses, “What if—” His tongue plunged deeper, cutting me off. Or maybe, forget it. As though sensing my shift, he moved to his desk, setting me carefully upon it. Our mouths separated only briefly before resuming, now fiercer and more urgent. Just as the heat escalated, a rap at the door broke in.
Ronan disregarded it, continuing to kiss me fervently, his mouth now wandering to my throat. “Ronan, I believe—”
“Alpha!” A firm masculine voice pierced the quiet from beyond the office. With a grumble, Ronan withdrew, and I hopped off the table, smoothing my dress.
I glanced at Ronan; his lips appeared flushed and puffy, and I knew mine looked even more so. I suppressed a chuckle, earning a sideways glance from him.
“You ought to check a mirror,” I whispered.
He laughed, then strode to his seat, sinking into it as I made my way to his bookshelves, feigning absorption in a volume. Not that it bothered me much, but it remained a bit awkward.
“Enter,” Ronan commanded, his tone resonant and commanding. The door swung open, admitting a sentinel. He positioned himself in the middle of the room, head inclined respectfully.
“Alpha!” the guard acknowledged, then shifted toward me. “Lady Elara.”
“Hi,” I greeted with a casual wave, clearing my throat.
“State your business,” Ronan urged, a hint of impatience edging his words.
“Forgive the intrusion, Sire, but Lycan Kael seeks a meeting with you; he wishes to address a vital issue.”
I turned to Ronan; he adjusted restlessly in his chair. “Is that right? Then… summon him.”
“Yes, Alpha.” The guard bowed once more and departed the office. I approached Ronan, resting my hand on his shoulder.
“Perhaps we’ll pick up where we left off tonight?” I purred near his ear; his form immediately went rigid, a quiet laugh bubbling from me. “I’ll let you handle your Alpha responsibilities,” I added with a teasing wink.
As I moved to exit, Ronan seized my arm. “Seems I’ll be in your rooms again tonight.”
A grin pulled at my mouth. “Naturally, Sire.” I jested. Heading for the door, I reached for the handle just as it opened, exposing Kael. Our stares collided, sending my heart plummeting. My hands balled into fists, tears pricking my eyes, but I forced them back. He wasn’t worth it.
He gave a faint smile and brushed by me, directing himself toward Ronan. I didn’t linger to overhear their exchange. I stepped out, shutting the door after me. Standing there, out of the corner of my vision, I noticed Marceline.
Perfect, now two irritants to contend with.