Page 8 of Protected By the Elf Prince

“More than okay,” he said.

I huffed out a breath, shaking my head. “See, that’s the part I don’t get. You don’t know me. Not really. I’m just some old man with a kid, a job, and a very normal life. We’re different on so many levels.”

His gaze didn’t waver. “I know enough about you,” he said.

That was what he chose to say?

“That’s not reassuring,” I shot back.

“If it helps,” he continued calmly, “I am also learning.”

I blinked. That wasn’t the answer I expected. “You? Learning?”

“Yes.”

I frowned. “About what?”

“You. Humans. What it’s like taking care of one.”

Jesus. I dragged a hand over my face, letting out a long breath. “This is insane,” I muttered.

“It’s unfamiliar,” he corrected gently.

I dropped my hand and looked at him again. “You really believe all that stuff you said last night?” I asked. “About Fate and… me being yours?”

His answer came without hesitation. “Yes.”

I stared at him for a long moment, then shook my head slightly while letting out a quiet breath. “Yeah,” I said. “This… it’s a lot and a bit overwhelming. I-I think I need time to adjust a little to having you around and wanting to get to know me.”

A small flash of hurt crossed his features, but it was gone quickly as he dipped his head. “I understand.” He stood as if to leave.

“I didn’t mean you had to go now. You can stay for a bit, but then I have to get to work.”

His chest puffed out. “I would like that.”

What in the hell am I doing?

CHAPTER TWO

Dashiel

It was a new day, and I stood across the street from the building where Landon worked, not moving. I preferred this world over mine. But I hardly ventured within the city unless the Blackwood brothers or Soren needed assistance. I had a quiet cottage in a secluded area, and when I needed supplies, I portalled items through from the village outside the kingdom in our realm.

The city, while wondrous with its tall, modern buildings, was loud and distracting.

Humans, with their focused or preoccupied, tired expressions, passed in and out through the front doors of the building that held my mate.

My fated mate.

The thought settled through me, warm and steady, as it had since the moment the bond revealed itself. Since the instant I had seen him—truly seen him—and known, without question, without doubt, that Fate had chosen him for me.

I lifted my gaze to the upper floors, though I did not know which one housed him. It did not matter. I could feel him.

It was faint, like a thread drawn taut between us.

Not enough to guide me to the exact room, but enough that I knew he was in there.

Alive, whole, and within reach.