BRENDA

I was furious and wounded by Elliot’s public rejection. I thought he was truly leaving me for a new lover.

That story about wanting to be with his wife—I didn’t buy it. And yet, here he was, using her as an excuse once again in front of everyone.

I watched him walk away in a hurry, and soon enough, I had that idiot Thesio trailing behind me. What an insufferable, overbearing man!

He brought me boxes of gifts—the shine of the jewels did dazzle me for a second.

Thesio wasn’t an ugly man; he had aged well. A widower with no children, willing to give me the title of Duchess that so many women longed for.

But seeing his face, already nearing forty-five, and knowing that this simple elemental would soon be an old man while I remained in my prime as a supernatural being, was more than enough to dissuade me and clear my mind.

Not to mention, I didn’t trust him enough to reveal myself as a she-wolf.

He had me nearly cornered against the library’s divan, groping me all over while whisper