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“Vampires?”

“Hell no.”

“Leprechauns?”

“Yes. Sneaky little buggers.”

Again, Lottie is shocked when I confirm the existence of something she thought was completely fictional.

“Unicorns?” she asks hopefully.

“Sadly, not anymore. They were hunted to extinction many years ago.”

She makes the cutest frowny face and pouts her lips out in a way that has me focusing on them, my cock stirring in my pants at the sight. I remember what those lips felt like against mine, what they taste like, and I want another go at them. This time, I won’t pull away or stop.

“So, what was the threat in the forest you couldn’t ignore?”

Her question has my thoughts going from hot and horny to cold and angry. If I ever see those elves again, I will rip every one of their piercings out one by one.

“There were elves in the forest watching you.”

“Why?”

I shift in my seat and bring my mug to my lips, only to realize it’s empty. Setting it down, I brace myself for another conversation that might not be as easy for her to accept.

“Do you remember the man you met this afternoon at Dottie’s? Vincent?”

She nods but remains quiet, dutifully listening like an A-plus student.I bet she got great grades in school.

“Well, he's an elf and not a very nice one. Not that many of them are nice to begin with. He wants to buy my land for his drug business, and I won’t sell to him.”

“Good. We don’t need any more drugs on the streets. I bet he would ruin this town and the forest if he were to get his hands on it.”

My heart instantly warms at her declaration. She doesn’t know Vincent from a stranger, but she’s already against him, and that comforts me. She can’t be easily persuaded into helpinghim—at least not without his magical interference. Which reminds me I should warn her about that, but Lottie continues with her questions before I can.

“So what were they doing in the forest tonight? Searching your property?”

“Not exactly.” Lottie watches me, completely rapt, and I see now why she’s my mate. Smart, patient, curious, understanding, as well as beautiful, and graceful, with the most enchanting voice I’ve ever heard.

“They were looking for you.”

“Me?” Her eyes practically bulge out of their sockets as her entire face shifts in surprise. “Why would they want me? I didn’t even know they existed.”

“That would be because of me.”

She cocks her head to the side like any curious pup would. “How so?”

“Because he could tell at lunch that you’re important to me. He wants to use you to get me to sign over my land to him.”

The ferocious scowl that contorts her face is almost comical but also welcome. She’s feisty and isn’t going to wilt under the pressures being thrust upon her. Perhaps years of superstardom have strengthened her to deal with such pressures.

“What an asshole. I can’t stand manipulative, underhanded people like him. Don’t you dare let him control you or your decisions. You have a right to tell him no, and he should respect that.” Her voice increases to nearly a shout.

Her fury is clear, not only in her words but in the death grip she has on her mug. I fear she may throw it across the room at any moment in disgust and frustration.

Yes, she will be a worthy mate indeed. I can’t wait to see her handling arguments between citizens in town over everything from property lines to celebration decorations. She’ll demandrespect and fairness that they’ll willingly obey, even without an alpha command.

“I don’t plan on letting him strong-arm me. But I also won’t let him use you or hurt you. I should also warn you about him, not just because he’s a scumbag but because of the magic all elves possess.”