Crocodile's Tears

Surprised, Ryder whipped his head in her direction and his mouth fell. He gave Elara an incredulous stare. His posture stiffened as all the muscles in his body froze. What was she doing in the Silver Crescent pack? “Elara?” he said in a voice laced with disbelief. Then he turned to look at Juan who was smiling. 

“Well, don’t look at me like that!” said Juan. “Elara meant to give us all a surprise!” He chuckled and pushed Ryder towards Elara. He whispered, “She has been waiting for you to return for the past two days.” 

A sudden coldness hit at his core as his thoughts became fuzzy. 

Elara frowned and her lips curved down. The beautiful blonde was wearing a soft silk beige dress. She had tied her hair in a bun and was looking like a mature woman. But the odd thing about her was in the ten years she