Chapter 50 – Ella Demands Answers

Ella

The rest of the evening passes without further drama, but as far as I’m concerned, the night has been a wash. The procession through the city’s old quarter would have been magical at any other time– with the traditions, music and palpable gaiety of all those around us. If I’d been able to focus on anything other than my thoughts, I’m fairly certain I would have fallen in love with the occasion, but I wasn’t able to give the events the attention they deserved.

I’m exhausted by the time we’re finally free to leave, thinking that I’ll certainly need an extra-long nap tomorrow even as I climb into the back of the limo. I’m distracted and grumpy, and when Sinclair slides into the car next to me, I vacate my seat, choosing the one facing him instead.

Sinclair arches a brow, but doesn’t move to stop me. “You’re angry with me.” He assesses simply, eyeing my crossed arms and stiff shoulders.

“What was that all about, Dominic?” I inquire, trying not to get too carried away in my temper.

“What, with the Prince?” He clarifies, as if the answer isn’t completely obvious.

“How did he know I haven’t been marked?” I demand, “And how long have you been aware he knew?”

“You know it would be a lot easier to talk if you were over here.” Sinclair coaxes, patting the seat beside him.

– he gets me within arms reach and the next thing I know I’m being soothed into complacency by his soothing caresses, cozy warmth and gentle purrs. But I’ll be dam ned if I’m going to let

last night at the bonfire. I don’t know how he found out you haven’t been marked, but he made it clear

didn’t find the right time?

ever going to tell me, though I shouldn’t be surprised.

I thought we agreed we would be a team from now on? I thought we were supposed to

reach for me.

might have to publicly defend our relationship?” I question sharply, “that I might be asked questions about this? What if a reporter had asked me about the mark already knowing your answer, our entire plan could have fallen to pieces because

Ella.” Sinclair excuses, “I would have told you sooner or later, but I miscalculated. I really wasn’t expecting the Prince to make an appearance tonight, let alone

are making all the calls, all the decisions and I am sitting on the sidelines looking like an

told you this wouldn’t come easily for me. I’m trying, but I’m not used to consulting anyone else on this sort of thing. Change doesn’t happen overnight.” He frowns. “That’s not a copout, it’s just that my instincts are still to shield you rather than share the burden. I know that probably seems very

patronizing, it

superiority. I don’t think

“You’re supernatural – the bias is in the name! I’m just a human and next to shifters we’re primitive, tiny, weak and slow. And on

though I’m about to receive a lecture, “Because none of those things have any inherent value beyond staying alive and controlling the world around you. There’s no integrity in being fast or rich, and our society didn’t earn any of it. It was handed to us by the Goddess. Yes, we’re more advanced, but not due to our own virtue.” Sinclair continues, still pinning me with his intense stare. “But you, you had to earn everything all on your own. You started from nothing and used your brains and ingenuity to succeed, you had the me ntal strength to overcome all the trials you faced, and you came out of all that with

beauty. This isn’t even the first time Sinclair has made this kind of speech, making me feel valued for the person I am rather than the good looks I lucked into. I feel as though he truly sees me – and I’ll be dam ned if that isn’t

I don’t know how to respond to that.” I admit shyly, my voice barely above a

filling me with warmth. “You’re a far better person than I am, Ella – and you’re going to have to get used

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