All Chapters of ELDER'S BLOOD : Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Elena's point of view."I know what I'm talking about. You won't get anywhere if you're not respectful towards your mate." Vanda's mother says."I'm... respectful," Vanda replies."Are you? And does your mate feel respected? I know how you can be, Vanda. You can't just go silent on her—she's going to need constant communication and reassurance. All this war business must be taking a toll on her, you know. You may be the one fighting out there, but it's not easy being home, worrying—believe me. She needs to feel safe."I press myself against the hallway wall, trying to be as still as possible. I can feel every small movement—the twitch of a finger, the ache in my back, my heels hovering just slightly off the floor."She is safe," Vanda says."No, I know she may be safe, but does she feel safe?"I swallow hard. The rational part of me says I should leave, give Vanda and his mother their privacy. But I can’t tear myself away."I have everything under control. Nothing is going to happen t

Elena's point of view.I press a hand to my chest, nervous that I might do something wrong.Vanda unbuttons his pants, pushing them down, making his arousal even more evident. My heartbeat quickens as anticipation fills me. Lying back against the bed, I raise my hips to remove my underwear, but Vanda takes over, sliding the delicate fabric over my knees, down my legs, and off my feet."You're quite eager," he murmurs, pulling me toward the edge of the mattress. He parts my legs and presses against me, the last barrier between us being his underwear.As the realization of the moment washes over me, a strange calmness settles within me."I keep having this dream—a recurring one—where we're like this, but you're about to..." I hesitate, searching for the right words. Elizabeth had used a more clinical term, but it felt too formal. "You're about to be inside me," I decide.Vanda hovers above me, bracing himself on either side. "And then what happens?""Then I wake up," I admit softly, my

Elena's point of view.The ocean I’ve always seen in paintings and drawings is bright and warm—golden sand, crystal blue water, and a sun that turns the horizon pink and orange as it sinks. But the ocean to the northeast of Kane’s territory is nothing like that. Instead of golden beaches and turquoise waves, it’s grey and cold, mirroring the land around it. Much like everything Kane taught me, I shouldn't be surprised that the idealized version of a beach I learned about was far from reality. Maybe some beaches look like those colorful images, but this one, under our feet, is rugged and subdued—especially now that our brightest season has passed.Even though the ocean looks duller than I imagined, I still slide off Vanda’s wolf eagerly and hurry toward the shoreline. Large slabs of rock jut out from the shore, forming pools between their uneven, creviced surfaces. As I navigate across the rocky terrain, I search for a clear patch of beach free from driftwood, seaweed, or jagged stones

I leave the door open and hear the sink turn on. Whatever nervous energy Serena is feeling must be affecting me too because my stomach is twisting, and goosebumps rise along my arms. I want her and Ben to finally meet, but I also want it to go well. I pace between the bathroom and the front door until Serena emerges, half of her hair still slightly damp."Do you think it'll dry as we walk?" she asks, patting the wet strands.Even though it’s raining, I say, “Yeah.” If anything, the rain will blend it in with the rest.Serena smooths her shirt. “Okay. I guess I’m ready unless you think there’s something else I should do.”"I think you look perfect. And mentally—internally—you’re ready too?"She nods eagerly.“I suppose we should head over then.”I hold the door open as Serena steps out, locking it behind her with jittery fingers. The key fumbles around the jagged slot before she finally gets it in. She gives me a quick smile, and I return a weak grin.Maybe she’s just experiencing typi

Elena's point of view.Vanda gives a sly grin and cups my cheeks, pressing a kiss to my lips as the soap on his skin melts away. My hands can’t slide any further without crossing into intimate territory, and I’m instantly reminded of how I’ve avoided touching him out of fear I’d embarrass myself. Though, that fear is starting to seem silly—Vanda knows I haven’t done these things with anyone else. Surely, he’d understand if I needed guidance again.I move my right hand against him, recalling what he showed me before in the dining room, even though he had been clothed then. He leans into me, deepening our kiss, so I take it as a sign to continue. I take him fully in my hand, and his body reacts immediately. My mind fills with memories and fantasies, my heart picking up its pace.Vanda’s right hand drops from my jaw, adjusting my grip on him, guiding me to tighten my hold in a way I would’ve been too nervous to attempt on my own. I continue, and soon enough, my back is pressed against th