Chapter 14: Slipping Through His Fingers
There was a long awkward pause. I almost smiled at how Elliot seemed to be dumbfounded by Michelle’s innocent question. She was still a child, so she missed the way her father’s sharp eyes darted between Elliot and I.
Michelle shrugged and added with a grin, “Well, when I become Lycan King, I’ll remember everybody.”
The tension cracked slightly as a few chuckles broke out around the room. Even I couldn’t help the small laugh that slipped out as I saw Michelle’s proud look. Isabella went to ruffle her sister’s hair. “Of course you will! In future, I’ll be running Ashborne with Elliot, you’ll have to help Dad run Frostfang.”
I felt a pang in my heart at the reminder that Isabella would be my Luna.
Elliot laughed too, but it sounded forced to me. “That’s why I need your sister with me - she will make me a better Alpha. Sorry Michelle, and Jasmine. I hope you’re not upset because of this.”
I smiled back politely, meeting his eyes evenly. “It’s alright. I’m used to being forgotten.”
Gareth’s gaze snapped to me again, sharp as a blade.
He didn’t say anything for a second. Just studied me like he was trying to figure out what I would do.
Then he turned to Elliot and Isabella with a tight smile. “So, how’s the wedding planning going? I imagine things are moving smoothly—since you’re both clearly in love and have no secrets with each other.”
I swear the temperature in the room dropped several degrees.
Isabella laughed softly, her face pinking in delight. She didn’t catch the edge in her father’s words. “We’ve started shortlisting venues. I want something open and natural. Maybe near the riverbank. And Elliot wants what I want. Isn’t that right, darling?”