Page 66 of Healed By the Grumpy Elf

"You're very quiet," Lorian observes, his long fingers relaxed on the steering wheel. The morning light catches on his silver-blond hair, turning it almost luminous.

"Just thinking." I reach over and place my hand on his thigh. The material of his perfectly pressed trousers is smooth beneath my palm. "About how much has changed in such a short time."

He glances at me, those ice-blue eyes warming just for me. "Are you okay with this? If I'm moving too fast, I can always go back to my cabin and give you some space."

"Don't even think about it." I squeeze his leg gently. "Though I'm a little nervous about facing everyone at school today. After what happened with Braggstone in the parking lot."

"None of this is your fault." Lorian's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "His behavior was inappropriate and unprofessional."

"I know." I sigh, watching the fog lift off the distant bay. "Still, small towns run on gossip. By now, everyone knows you kissed me in the parking lot and called me your True Mate."

"Good." Lorian's voice is firm. "Then they also know you're protected."

His protective instinct fills me with warmth, even though I've always been fiercely independent. From him, it feels different. Less about controlling me and more about standing beside me, ready to catch me if I fall but never holding me back.

As we approach the school, I notice the parking lot is already half-full with teachers' cars. No buses or parent vehicles yet, it's stillearly, almost thirty minutes before the first bell. But something seems off. There's a cluster of people gathered near the front steps, including some in formal attire who definitely aren't part of the regular staff.

"That's odd," I murmur, sitting up straighter. "I hope nothing's wrong with one of the teachers."

Lorian pulls into a parking space, his movements precise as always. "Isn't that Rylan's car?"

He points to a sleek black SUV in a visitor spot. My heart rate kicks up a notch.

"Yes," I confirm. "He never comes this early. I hope nothing is wrong with Millie."

Lorian turns off the engine and reaches for my hand. "I'll come over with you, see what it is."

His thumb brushes over my knuckles in a gesture that's become familiar in such a short time. I draw strength from his touch as we exit the car and cross the parking lot together.

The murmur of voices grows louder as we approach, and I make out what sounds like shouting. The small crowd of teachers and administrative staff have gathered at the bottom of the front steps, their expressions a mix of shock, satisfaction, and discomfort.

As we get closer, the crowd parts slightly, and I freeze in my tracks.

Orlin Braggstone stands on the steps, his massive troll frame quivering with rage. His face is flushed an ugly purple, and he clutches a cardboard box filled with what appear to be personal items from his office. Two people stand behind him, a stern-faced werewolf woman in a charcoal suit whom I recognize from our Board of Education and a tall Orc man with a security badge, flanking him on either side.

"This is a mistake! You can't do this to me!" Orlin shouts, spittle flying from his lips as he gestures wildly with one ham-sized fist. "I've done nothing wrong!"

"Mr. Braggstone, your termination is effective immediately." The woman in the charcoal suit speaks firmly, her voice carrying across the suddenly quiet crowd. "Please don't make this more difficult than it needs to be."

Termination? My brain stutters, trying to process what I'm seeing. They're firing Orlin?

Lorian's hand tightens protectively around mine. I feel him shift slightly, positioning himself just a fraction in front of me, a subtle but clear message.

"These accusations are lies!" Orlin continues, thrusting a handful of papers toward the security guard, who refuses to take them. "I demand to speak with the full Board of Education! This is a witch hunt!"

My gaze drifts to the side, where Rylan Primrose stands watching the proceedings. Unlike the teachers, who appear stunned or uncomfortable, Rylan's expression is cool and professional, but also unsurprised. I get a glimpse of the man he must be in a courtroom.

Suddenly, Orlin's gaze locks with mine across the crowd. His expression transforms from indignation to hatred in an instant.

"You!" he snarls, taking a step toward me before the security guard blocks his path. "This is your doing, isn't it? You and your elf boyfriend!"

I feel myself shrink back instinctively, but Lorian stands firm beside me, his posture rigid but controlled. His eyes meet Orlin's with a coldness I've rarely seen in them.

"Mr. Braggstone," the female official interrupts sharply, "I suggest you leave the premises voluntarily before we're forced to call the police."

Something in her tone makes Orlin deflate slightly. He looks around at the unsympathetic faces of the staff. The fight visibly drains out of him, his massive shoulders slumping.

He adjusts his grip on the box and straightens his tie in a futile attempt to maintain dignity.