The thought of her human fiancé brings me back to reality with an unpleasant jolt. Elara isn’t some treasure I’ve discovered; she’s a woman trying to escape to her chosen life.
“Tell me about him,” I say as we resume our walk, side by side now on a wider trail. “Andrew.”
Let me see if I can convince her he’s not worth it.
“Oh, he’s wonderful.”
Her entire face lights up.
“Sweet and gentle, and he really listens when I talk. He never makes me feel stupid or worthless or like I’m a burden.”
“How did you meet?”
I ask sullenly, my wolf growling inside my mind.
“I saved his life a few years ago. He was looking for herbs in the forest and got attacked by a shadow bear. I managed to drive it off and get him to safety.”
She grins.
“He’s been buying herbs from me ever since.”
“And he know
