Chapter 25: Unwelcome Surprise
(Elara's POV)
My phone rang as Willow and I were enjoying our dinner. Seeing my mother's name on the screen made my heart skip – she rarely called during evening hours.
"Hey, Mom," I answered, trying to keep my voice light. "Everything okay?"
Willow paused mid-bite, her enhanced hearing easily picking up both sides of the conversation.
"Elara, dear," my mother's voice wavered slightly. "Damon and his parents just arrived. They're saying today is the preparation for the mate marking ceremony. I... I thought you should know."
My blood ran cold. "What? That's impossible."
"They brought ceremonial gifts and everything. His mother's arranging flowers in our living room as we speak."
My fork clattered against the plate. "Mom, I broke it off with Dam
