Chapter 159: Chapter 159
Elara POV
I graciously accept Mason’s arm when he offers and lean on him as we walk to our truck. I did not mean to get tipsy, but it has been ages since I had more than a glass of wine. Besides, the cocktails were so pretty and delicious. Also, when I heard about Mindy, I was so shocked that I could not do anything but drink.
“This is cute,” Mason chuckles as he helps me into the truck. “I’ve never seen you drunk.”
“I’ve never been drunk,” I reply. “It’s not that bad, though.”
“Wait until tomorrow morning,” he scoffs, starting the engine. “Then you’ll have a different opinion.”
“Nah, it’ll be worth it,” I wave through the air. “I enjoyed the party. I haven’t had this much fun since ... fuck, I can’t remember.”
“Well, then this is the perfect time to tell you I got help,” he informs me. “Because I’m afraid you’d be less excited about the news tomorrow when you suffer a headache.”
“You got help,” I say excitedly. “That’s wonderful. See, I told you it would work.”
“You were right,” he chuckles.
“Ah,” I exhale deeply, feeling happy and relaxed. “Things are finally starting to go our way. I can just feel it.”
“You do realise it won’t be easy?” He glances at me before parking in front of my cottage.
“Nothing in life comes easy,” I roll my eyes. “There are bundles of cliches confirming it. What’s worth having is worth fighting for. Nothing in life’s for free. Every ...”
“Okay, okay,” he laughs, cutting me off. “I get it. You know what you’re in for. Good to know.”
“I’m not sure if I’m tired or not,” I mutter, climbing out of the truck.
“Elara, wait,” Mason tries to stop me, but it is too late.
I misjudged my step, twisted my ankle and crashed to the ground.
“Are you okay?” Mason asks, concerned, running over to me.
I lay still, staring at the stars. It is so pretty and peaceful here. I think I should sleep here tonight.
“Elara, talk to me,” Mason kneels by my side. “Are you alright?”
“Why?” I look at him. “What’s wrong?”
“Goddess, you are drunk,” he sighs, shaking his head.
“Come on,” he says, pulling me up. “I’ll help you inside.”
“Don’t make a noise,” I whisper. “The kids are asleep.”
“You do realise you’re not whispering, right?” He smirks.
“I’m not?” I look at him wide-eyed. “Do you think alcohol makes me louder because I’m a hybrid?”
“No,” he replies patiently. “You’re loud because you’re drunk.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” I say adamantly, shaking my head. “I’m certain ...”
He pulls me against his chest, and his lips smother my words. Numb and confused, I stand there like a zombie. This is completely unexpected, and ... and wrong. The thought hits me like a tidal wave, bringing my body back to life.
“What are you doing?” I hiss, shoving him away.
“What comes naturally,” he replies, stroking my cheek.
“Stop that,” I snap, slapping his hand away. “I told you last night ...”
“That was last night,” he says, looking lovingly at me. “But tonight ... it was like the old days. Our connection is back, Elara. How can you not feel it?”
“Mason, I’m not that drunk,” I argue. “Yes, we had a great evening, but you and I hardly spoke. I was with Quinn, and you were recruiting people. No old flame was rekindled or whatever.”
“Why are you fighting this?” He growls, and his eyes start glowing. “Why are you fighting us?”
“There is no us!” I insist, balling my fists, and the wind slowly picks up.
“Tell me you don’t feel this,” he grunts, grabbing me by the neck, and he roughly kisses me. His mouth is urgent, hungry and demanding on mine. It feels like my lips are about to burst from the pressure.
I press against his chest with all my might, but with me partially intoxicated and his alpha strength, I am unsuccessful in pushing him away. I keep my body stiff and lower my arms. I open and close my fists as if I am grabbing handfuls of air. I lift my hands and shove him against my chest, sending Mason flying backwards into a tree.
Wind whirls around my feet, blowing through my hair, and it feels like I am flying, looking down at Mason, who stares at me with big, frightened eyes.
Kane POV
“Did you hear that?” I mind link Axel and sitting up in bed. I had the most enjoyable dream about Elara, and waking up was not something I planned on.
“Yup,” he replies, and we both jump out of bed. “It sounded like a car crash or something.”
We run outside, and Axel crashes into me when I abruptly stop and stare. Mason is lying on the ground, pale as a ghost. And Elara is levitating, glaring at him.
“When I say no, it means no,” she says firmly, her voice dark and ominously.
“Holy shit,” Axel mutters. “Do we do something or let it play out?”
“We have enough drama,” I sigh. “We can’t add more with his murder.”
I run to Elara and cautiously reach for her hand. I have no idea if I am helpful or suicidal, but I need to get her on the ground before more curious neighbours investigate.
“Elara,” I whisper, and her head jerks my way.
“Take my hand, love,” I say gently, reaching out to her.
“He kissed me,” she hisses.
“He made a mistake, and he is sorry,” Axel says, walking to her other side, holding out his hand.
“Everything is fine, now,” I say calmly. “Take my hand, sweetheart.”
Her chest is heaving as she fights her anger.
“I’m a little drunk,” she blurts out. “But that doesn’t give him the right to kiss me.”
“You’re right,” Axel replies. “Nobody is arguing with you.”
“Axel and I only want to hold your hand,” I add.
Finally, she relaxes her fists and takes our hands. Axel and I lock eyes, and I exhale deeply in relief when we slowly pull her down until her feet touch the ground.
