“How do you know that?” Ezra asked.
Shit.
I looked at him, and a slow smile spread across his face.
“I see.”
“Don’t start with me.” I gave him a pointed look.
“Your secret is safe with me.”
I sighed heavily and followed everyone to the dining room.
We all took seats at the table. I sat across from Elowyn so I could stare at her easily. Thea and Cassius took the babies back, even at the protest of Ezra. I stared at Elowyn, noticing she had not looked at me once. She took a bite of the steak Haden made.
Elowyn sat differently, not tense or like she was making herself small so no one would notice her. She took up the space around her physically but also with her magic. Her gaze flickered up to mine, and I saw a shadow pass through them. She watched me like I was a stranger.
Gods, Elowyn, what happened on your errand today? Why did she let Nyxthra free? I thought our date the other day smoothed things over somewhat, but clearly she was not on the same page as me.
Darkness flickered in her eyes before she grinned like a woman full of secrets. The look called to something in me, and I couldn’t help but stare at her. She had said Nyxthra was attached to me, but I didn’t ask her exactly what that meant.
“So, have you found your mate yet or what?” Ezra asked, and it took me a long time to realize he was talking to me.
Elowyn didn’t even bat an eye.
“Me?” I asked.
I looked around and saw that everyone was watching me gawk at Elowyn. I sat up straighter and moved my gaze to Ezra.
“Yeah…” He looked around. “Who else would I be talking to?”
“No, I haven’t.” I narrowed my eyes on him.
It was silent for a long moment as he gave me a look, trying to figure out why I was irritated with the question.
“What about you, Ezra? Have you found your mate?” Elowyn asked.
We were all tense because he always got upset over this topic. But he was the one that brought it up, so it was fair game. Elowyn watched him thoughtfully, her gaze locked in on his like she could see something no one else could see in him.
Well, I didn’t like that look.
“I have.” He smiled, which was odd.
Elowyn’s face fell slightly.
“Why didn’t you bring her?” Elowyn asked innocently, and maybe that was the only reason Ezra hadn’t had a mental breakdown yet at the probing questions.
“She broke my heart and married another man.” Ezra shrugged, masking the hurt we all knew he carried.
Elowyn blinked slowly like she hadn’t heard him correctly.
“Ezra, I’m sorry. I didn’t know," she said, looking likemyElowyn for a brief moment.
“It’s alright, El.” He gave her a reassuring smile.
“So you rejected the bond then?” she asked, curious.
“No.”
