He didn’t often lose his temper, but there was no more restraint left in him. He felt any semblance of calm evaporate when he bit out,“She. Chose. Me.”
Vael bared his fangs again. His wings spread in an intimidating display that would have made even fellow members of the Wing back down. Only Taevas, and perhaps poor, mad Radek would have gone toe to toe with him.
Alex belonged on that list, too, apparently. Shespread her wings, her tail lashing, and spat back, “You. Said.No.”
“She isn’t ready!”
“Oh really? Then why is she on a date right now?” Alex’s red eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Heknewshe was the one to set up that date. She had to be. Hele never would have done it on her own. She wouldn’t seek out another when she’d Chosen him.
But do I know that for sure?
Could he have pushed her so far? She had never shown interest in anyone. He’d just assumed that her lack of romantic life meant she wasn’t ready to pursue that part of herself yet, if ever. It was another reason for him to assume she wasn’t ready, only reinforced by the sudden shocking interest she had inhim.It seemed to come out of nowhere.
But… what if he was wrong?
Vael felt suddenly like the floor was giving way beneath his boots. Had he misjudged things? He only wanted the best for Hele. He wanted her to live her life to the fullest. He wanted her every breath to be joy, her every thought to be as bright as the lightning she created. He thought he knew what was necessary to make that possible.
But what if I’ve been wrong?
Did it even really matter? Even if hewasright, that didn’t change the fact that his Hele was currently out with another man. His mate might be getting her first kiss from someone else right at that moment. Maybe more.
She might be in danger.
It didn’t matter that they’d been at peace with the elves for over a hundred years. He would never trust an elf he didn’t know with the being who meant the most to him in the entire world.
Vael felt his breath shorten as instinct battled with self-discipline.
Instinctdemanded he shift and scour the skies for his mate. It told him to sweep her up into his claws before he set fire to the puny little elf who dared set his sights on a mate already claimed.
Self-disciplineknew that was a terrible plan. If there was an elf in the heart of the ‘Riik, it was probably because he was part of a diplomatic entourage, making his roasting politically unfortunate. He also doubted that Hele would appreciate it.
But what could he do? Let his mate go? Let her be with another? Let her be endangered?
No. That’s not a fucking option.
“Ah, that’s right.” Alex leaned back slowly. Her expression melted into something smug when she crossed her arms over her chest. “That look on your face — you just realized how badly you fucked up, didn’t you? You don’t even know the half of it, big man.”
Vael raked his claws through his hair and pulled. His wings quivered. “There’smore?”
“Oh yeah. Did you know she had a meeting with some witches today?” She polished the backs of her painted claws on a fold of her sash, then inspected her work. Speaking casually, like she wasn’t kicking the shit out of him with every word, she continued, “Well, they weresoimpressed with her that one of them offered to help her get into some fancy university over in the Collective. Hele’s thinking of taking her up on it. You know, since she has no reason to stay.”
She… wants to leave?
His Hele wanted to leave the Draakonriik because ofhim.
Vael felt sick. He wanted her to fly, but not like this. This felt like running.
Hele never should have felt like she needed to flee — from anything, anyone, but most especiallyhim.
His voice came out like crushed gravel when he asked again, “Where is she, Alex?”
“Why should I tell you? I’m loyal to her, not you.”
“I love her.” He couldn’t think of what else could compel her to give him the information. What was more important than that? Theelfdidn’t love her. The elf didn’t even know her. Vael loved her so much that he felt like he’d been turned inside out by it.
Too bad Alex wasn’t exactly the sentimental type.
She rolled her eyes. “Well, since you keep saying youChoseher, I should hope so—” A jaunty notification tone cut her off.
