Page 20 of Alien Charming (Alien Wolf Tales #3)

CHAPTER 20

S eren paced the confines of his den, each step heavy with frustration. Still no sign of Elli. The walls seemed to close in around him, the familiar space now a prison for his restless thoughts.

He paused at the stone hearth, staring into the dying embers, and his knuckles whitened as he gripped the mantle.

“Damn that female,” he growled, thinking of Margaret Jacobson’s smug face. The memory of her sanctimonious tone as she spoke of Elli’s “disgraceful behavior” made his fangs lengthen involuntarily.

Although he noticed that more than one of the villagers had given her suspicious looks after their encounter, no one had come forward with any additional information. He’d searched the village anyway, but her scent had vanished completely—as if she’d disappeared into thin air. The potion should have worn off by now. Where could she be?

He slammed his fist against the wall, barely registering the pain or the small shower of stone dust that fell to the floor.

“You’re wearing a path on the floor.”

He turned to find Nyra leaning against the entrance to his den.

“What do you want?”

“To remind you that destroying your quarters won’t bring her back.”

He growled low in his throat. “Unless you have useful information?—”

“Have you considered that she might not want to be found?” Nyra asked, untroubled by his anger. “Or that perhaps she’s somewhere safe, gathering her thoughts?”

Was that it? Had he frightened her away with his intensity, his beast too close to the surface?

“I need to find her,” he said, softer now. “Just to know she’s safe.”

“Do you want my help?”

It might come to that, but for now he shook his head.

“I don’t want her to feel hunted.”

“Except by you?”

A reluctant smile crossed his face for the first time since Elli had disappeared. “Exactly. I need to talk to her.”

And he couldn’t do that pacing his cottage. He nodded abruptly and started gathering what he needed. A small pack. Provisions. The delicate slipper she’d worn, tucked carefully into his pocket.

“You’re leaving.” It wasn’t a question, but he nodded.

“I’m appointing you as alpha in my absence.”

“The council won’t like it.”

“The council rarely likes anything I do these days.” He secured his knife at his belt. “You’re more than capable.”

Nyra stepped into the room, her expression unreadable. “This human… she means that much to you?”

“She means everything.”

Silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken concerns about what this meant for the pack, for the alliance, for their future. But he found he could no longer prioritize those worries above the hollow ache in his chest. The rational part of him—the part that had led his pack through years of turmoil—insisted he was making a mistake. A leader didn’t abandon his responsibilities for personal matters. A leader put his people first.

But he was no longer that leader. Not since Elli had disappeared.

“I’m no use like this,” he admitted. “Not half-present, wondering where she is, if she’s safe. The pack deserves better.”

“And what if you find her and she doesn’t want to be found?”

His jaw tightened. “Then I’ll have my answer.”

Nyra nodded slowly.

“I’ll hold things together here. But, Seren—” She hesitated. “Don’t stay away too long. Varro caught the scent of the beast again, and I overheard some of the humans talking about people going missing.”

The news should have alarmed him, should have made him reconsider his decision. Once, it would have. Now, it barely registered against his need to find Elli.

“Deal with it as you see fit,” he said, shouldering his pack. “I trust your judgment.”

Unable to resist, he pulled the slipper out of his pocket again, tracing the delicate embroidery with his thumb, memorizing each stitch as he made his way through the outskirts of the enclave. The craftsmanship was remarkable—tiny vines and flowers that reminded him of Elli’s garden. A fragile connection but one he clung to.

His senses remained alert despite his distraction, and he caught the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. Light, human footsteps. He turned to find Scarlett approaching. He liked the human female with the vibrant red hair, for her own sake as well as the peace she’d brought to Finnar, and he did his best to nod courteously despite his impatience.

“Is there something you need? Nyra should be able?—”

“Was that really Elli you were dancing with last night?” she interrupted, and he stiffened. He should have expected this.

“It was.”

Scarlett’s eyes were bright with curiosity. “But… she’s been so withdrawn since her mother died. How do you two even know each other?”

“Elli isn’t withdrawn,” he replied, struggling for patience. “She’s shy and kind and passionate. If you took the time to get to know her, you’d see that.”

“I do know her, Seren—or at least I did. We were friends when we were at school, but we lost touch when her aunt took her out of school. I thought she didn’t have time for me anymore, but now it seems like her aunt was controlling her.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “She was.”

Scarlett scowled. “I hate that we didn’t realize, didn’t push more. I would never have let it go on so long. She deserved better.”

“Yes,” he said again, shifting his feet impatiently, but she wasn’t through.

“Do you really care for her?” she demanded, her gaze dropping to the slipper he was still clutching. “It’s not some political game or anything?”

He hesitated for a moment, but he couldn’t bring himself to lie.

“I love her. She’s my mate. And I intend to make sure she knows it.” He cleared his throat. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Scarlett nodded slowly, then gave him a brilliant smile.

“In that case, I think you should know that’s my grandmother’s work.”

He stiffened. “What?”

“The slipper you’re holding. I recognize the embroidery pattern. Have you spoken to her?”

He froze. How had he missed such an obvious connection? He’d been so focused on searching the village proper and the surrounding woods.

“No,” he admitted. “I haven’t.”

“Perhaps you should.” Scarlett grinned at him again and turned to leave, then paused. “And Seren? When you do find her—tell her exactly what you just told me.”

“I will,” he promised, already heading for Agatha’s cottage.

His heart thundered in his chest as he strode through the woods. The slipper in his pocket seemed to grow warmer against his thigh, a tangible connection to Elli that pulled him forward like a beacon.

She’s there , he told himself. She has to be there .

He was descending into the foothills when a flash of green caught his eye. A human female walking quickly down the narrow path, her long hair pulled back in a loose braid. She looked different—neither the mysterious stranger from the ceremony or the quiet gardener he’d spent so much time with but he’d recognize her anywhere, even before her scent reached him.

He’d found her.