Chapter 74
ELARA’S POV
My eyes grew huge at what she had just said. “What exactly are you implying? Spell it out for me.”
Seraphina gave a smug little grin, stepping back a touch. “You honestly believe you’re pulling off some clever act, don’t you? It’s ridiculously clear to see.”
“Spit out what you’re getting at this instant!” I insisted, my tone escalating with irritation. She recoiled slightly from my sharp snap, then let out a dismissive huff, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
“You…” She started, her gaze sharpening into slits. My pulse was racing wildly in my ribcage, like a frantic animal desperate to escape. There was no way she could have figured it out. She had no right to know. I’d concealed my pregnancy so meticulously… She was the absolute last individual I’d ever want discovering it. Particularly not in a moment like this.
“You’re ill, right?” She questioned, a peculiar spark flickering in her gaze.
“What?” I blinked at her, totally thrown off. What in the world was she driving at?
“That makes perfect sense now. The constant ashen complexion and all that queasiness,” she cocked her head to one side, rolling her eyes dramatically as though it were the simplest conclusion anyone could draw. “I have no clue what ailment it might be. But allow me to take a wild stab—you acted like some fragile, expiring royal damsel, and Kael charged in to play the hero and rescue you! Isn’t that spot on, you crafty vixen? That’s got to be the sole explanation for why he’s acting so unhinged lately. It’s nothing but pure remorse…”
“What?!” My eyes bulged in sheer incredulity. I nearly burst into laughter at how preposterous the whole notion sounded, but I clamped down on it, refusing to let her see even a hint of amusement. She might be fabricating all of this, probing to extract some confirmation from me. Regardless, it was evident she had latched onto information she had no business knowing. “You’re so wrapped up in your own uncertainties that you’re fabricating complete nonsense.” I let out a scornful snort and pivoted to stride away, my temper flaring hot.
But suddenly, a grip seized my arm, halting me dead in my steps. Before I could fire back a retort, a commanding voice thundered from somewhere behind us.
“What on earth are you doing?!”
I whipped my head around to spot Kael, his stare locked onto Seraphina with a level of rage I’d never witnessed from him previously. It was akin to observing a predator poised to lunge. He surged ahead, smacked her hand off me, and yanked me firmly behind his frame, positioning himself as a protective barrier between us.
“Are you out of your mind?!” He bellowed at her, his shout reverberating through the corridor. I could almost tangibly sense the raw Lycan wrath pouring off him in intense surges.
She froze in place, her complexion turning ghostly, her eyes expanding in shock. Her fury appeared stunned and plain to see. “What?” She barely managed to stutter, her words dripping with resentment.
“Get out of here. Leave now.” He commanded, his voice brooking absolutely no debate.
“Kael, this is merely a mix-up. I—”
“Seraphina. Get out.”
Without uttering another syllable, she whirled around and essentially fled, her footfalls echoing fainter and fainter along the passageway. I remained rooted there, utterly at a loss for words. Kael shifted to face me, his features easing up, the blazing intensity in his gaze giving way to genuine worry. “Are you okay, Elara?” He inquired, extending a tender hand to brush against my cheek.
“Mhm,” I nodded, still rattled. “It’s only Seraphina…”
“Pay her no mind,” he interjected. “She’s likely just resentful because I ended our relationship.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” I shook my head, her earlier remarks looping relentlessly in my mind. “I believe she might have pieced together something regarding my pregnancy,” the admission spilled from my lips before I could rein it in.
Right away, his eyes flared wide, and his jaw clenched tight. “I highly doubt that. But I’ll make certain she keeps her distance from you.” He halted, his stare intensifying. “On top of that, why are you wandering by yourself? And where exactly were you going?”
“I had to use the restroom,” I explained, inwardly cringing at how unrefined it sounded. “I couldn’t hold out for Clara to come back, and Liam couldn’t tag along… he’s male, after all.”
“But he could’ve stationed himself right outside,” He noted, his tone tinged with frustration. “Just to be safe.”
I inwardly berated myself for overlooking that. I’d grown so accustomed to managing everything independently that seeking assistance still seemed… awkward. “You’re correct. I apologize,” I mumbled. “I’ll make an effort to be more thoughtful in the future.”
He exhaled deeply, the rigidity in his posture relaxing as he drew me nearer into an embrace. His hold was cozy and reassuring, reminiscent of returning to a familiar haven after an extended absence. My inner wolf sensed it too; she basked in the warmth.
“Please don’t downplay scenarios like that,” Kael murmured, placing his chin atop my head. “I require you to be safeguarded constantly, Elara. Particularly at a time like this.”
“I understand, Kael,” I replied, my words muffled against his torso. The desire to encircle him with my arms, to immerse myself in his aroma and draw solace just as I once did, was nearly irresistible. Yet I restrained myself, recalling that circumstances remained tangled and unresolved.
I despised how events had unfolded with the two men who had captured my heart.
First, there was Kael.
Then came Ronan.
And now, with Kael yearning for us to reunite, it was proving incredibly challenging.
In the end, Kael accompanied me all the way back to my quarters. He lingered outside as I hurried into the washroom, his mere existence heightening my awareness of how absurd the entire setup was. I couldn’t suppress a soft chuckle imagining him striding back and forth out there, attuned to any hint of peril while I attended to my needs.
And that was the most bizarre aspect. He held the title of Lycan King; not long ago, he wouldn’t have engaged in something like this, especially where others might witness it. But nowadays, he seemed indifferent.
I pondered whether I could truly welcome him back into my life.
“No,” I shook my head, dispelling the notions. “This isn’t the moment for such thoughts.”
I rinsed my hands and exited my room, only to find Kael pacing to and fro. I let out another giggle at the sight of his face; it matched precisely what I’d envisioned.
“What’s so amusing?” He inquired, halting abruptly and raising an eyebrow at me.
“Nothing at all,” I responded through my chuckles. “Let’s head out.”
He gave a nod and guided me back toward the library, his touch remaining lightly on my arm throughout the stroll. The atmosphere between us buzzed with unvoiced strain, emotions that neither of us appeared ready to confront.
“I’ve got to go,” he stated as we came to a stop before the library entrance; out of the corner of my vision, I noticed Clara drawing near.
“Lycan Kael,” She greeted with a respectful bow, positioning herself a short distance from us. “Miss Elara, I’ve prepared your herbs.”
“Thank you,” I replied with a gentle smile. “Kindly place them inside.”
She nodded affirmatively and stepped into the library, shutting the door behind her, which left only Kael and me standing there. A slight tug appeared at the edges of Kael’s mouth, sparking my curiosity.
“What is it?”
“I admire how committed Clara is to looking after you,”
“I know, isn’t she great?”
He let out a breath and released my hand. “I must address some pressing issues. However, I’ll return; I’ll come by to see how you’re doing later.”
“Alright. Goodbye.” I waved as he departed.
I wasn’t sure why… but I found myself eagerly anticipating his return.