“Do you have any idea how humiliating this is, Elle?” Dalton tried to keep the anger from his voice. “To have to admit that mymatehas been going to a brothel, and I haven’t been able to do a damn thing about it. Once again, failing her.”
“No,” Anna said sharply. “This is not your fault. Jewel is a grown woman and makes her own choices. Whatever struggles you may face in your relationship, how she handles it is on her. The only person you can control is yourself. And like Elle said, at some point, sometimes you just can’t work through it on your own. You need people that love you both to come and support you and offer help, guidance, and wisdom. There is no shame in admitting the need for help.”
Dalton bowed his head, and his body shook. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and the strength of Gustavo’s alpha power covered him. He appreciated the support, but the only touch that would take away this bone-deep chill was Jewel. And she didn’t want to touch him. Damn, wasn’t that a kick to the gut?
“You’re not alone, Dalton Black.” Power radiated through Gustavo’s every word. “Whatever you and your female need, we will help you.”
Dalton nodded, unable to choke out any words. He had to take a moment to collect himself. The emotions from the confrontation with Jewel were still fresh, making his nerves feel exposed and raw. After several minutes, he finally spoke. “Anna has been touched by the same magic as Jewel. I’m not saying you’re evil,” he quickly added, looking at Anna and then her mate. “I considered asking Kara, but?—”
“She’s pregnant, and Nick would have likely tried to kill you the moment you even suggested it,” Elle finished for him.
“That.” Dalton pointed at her. “And I think Anna was the closest to Jewel after what they went through.”
“You want Anna to go inside?” Gustavo asked. “She was cleansed by the Great Luna.”
Dalton felt like a complete and total selfish ass. He was asking too much. “So was Jewel, and yet she can get in.”
“Jewel had it worse. The evil didn’t just touch her. It was a part of her, whether or not she chose it.” Elle gave him a pointedlook. A few moments of silence passed before Elle sighed. “But that doesn’t mean our little healer here should at least get a chance to go into the creepy, dark brothel. And, if it helps, I guess I can be troubled to go in with her.” She glanced back at the building. “It has been some time since I’ve been inside.”
Sorin made a choking sound that morphed into a growl.
“Calm down, mate. I’m only teasing … maybe.”
Dalton frowned at Elle. He wasn’t in a joking mood. He looked to Anna, hoping against hope the healer would help. The air around them seemed to go quiet, and it seemed to Dalton his entire life hung in the balance. Everything rested on the next few moments.
Gustavo turned to look at his mate. He reached up and cupped her cheek. “I leave the decision to you. I don’t want you to go inside there, especially if I cannot join you. But as you said of Jewel, you are also a grown woman. Your choices are your own.”
Elle huffed a laugh. “Would you say the same thing if I wasn’t able to go inside with her?”
Gustavo didn’t take his eyes from Anna, who continued to stare back at him. “No.”
Anna smirked at him. “As if I didn’t already know that.” She reached up and tapped his forehead, indicating the bond—the onetheyobviously kept open between one another. Then the healer turned to Dalton. “Of course I will go. Jewel is a sister to me.”
The large man released a breath he didn’t even realize he’d been holding.
“I can alter Anna’s appearance,” Elle added. “To protect her identity.”
“Thank you.” Gustavo nodded.
Elle looked at the Spanish alpha and cocked her head to the side. “You’re pretty old yourself. I’m sure you’ve killed manypeople, and I imagine not all of those kills were righteous. Perhaps you have enough darkness in you to go inside, even with a true mate.”
Dalton couldn’t hide his surprise that the fae would consider such a thing of Gustavo, but the alpha didn’t seem offended.
“I can try,” he said simply.
Elle gave a sharp nod. “Let’s get this show on the road.” She reached over to Anna and placed her hand on top of the brunette’s head. Moments later, in her place stood a woman a few inches taller with short blonde hair and glasses. She looked nothing like Anna. Then the fae looked at Gustavo. “If you’re able to get in, I think it’s best if I hide your appearance all together. If we need to speak to a male in order to figure out what Jewel has been up to, we will have more luck without a prowling alpha wolf attached to Anna’s butt.”
“Good grief.” Anna looked at her mate and gave him a reassuring smile.
Elle rubbed her hands together, looking a little too eager for the mission. She leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Sorin. “I’ve got this.”
“I know.” Sorin’s jaw was clenched as he folded his arms in front of his chest as if to keep himself from grabbing her.
“Let’s go Anna-Banana,” Elle called out.
Anna rolled her eyes but hurried after the pink-haired fae. Gustavo was right on the heels of his mate.
Elle had no problem reaching the door and pulling it open. Anna also had no issues. But Gustavo bounced off an invisible barrier. He snarled at it. Dalton watched as the alpha’s skin rippled with fur, but he got his beast under control. Anna looked over her shoulder at him and mouthed, “I’ll be okay.” Then the door closed behind her.
