Chapter 30

He growled and slapped her playfully on the ass, making her giggle and squirm against him. He suddenly sobered.

“Thank you for healing her, Elowyn. I owe you a debt.”

“You’re welcome.”

She rested her head back against his chest. At the mention of his mother, her good mood had deflated like a balloon. Despite what Alaric said, it was obvious that his mother’s opinion mattered to him.

His mother would never accept her as Alaric’s mate, and by healing her she had ruined even a small chance of a life with Alaric. She was horrified to realize she was close to tears, and she took a deep, calming breath as Alaric traced the curve of her spine again.

“Alaric?”

“Hmm?”

“Have you—have you thought any more about our earlier discussion? About selling me to someone else?”

He stiffened beneath her. His hand which had moved to trace lazy circles on her hip tightened painfully on her soft skin.

“No, I have not,” he admitted.

She sighed. “I