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.

and the next thing I know I’m being soothed into complacency by his soothing caresses, cozy

know how he found out you haven’t been marked,

the right time? Or because you didn’t plan on filling me

going to tell me, though I shouldn’t be surprised. He had every opportunity to share this information with me – like when he gave me

we would be a team from now on? I

though it’s taking great restraint not to reach for me. “I

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 you didn’t inform me,

very quickly, 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

bite. “You thought, you expected, you believed and you calculated. You are making all the calls, all

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

doesn’t seem patronizing, it is patronizing.” I correct

superiority. I don’t think I’m better than

shifters we’re primitive, tiny, weak and

very hard to stay still. I feel as 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

man has ever praised me for such things – or mentioned my positive attributes beyond my beauty. This isn’t even the first time Sinclair has made this kind of speech,

to that.” I admit shyly,

filling me with warmth. “You’re a far better person than I am, Ella – and you’re going to have to get used to compliments because I have no intention of letting you continue to undervalue

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