Page 10 of Protected By the Elf Prince

Humans.

They were so unaware of the worlds that existed just beyond their own.

Landon had been one of them.

Until now.

I lowered my gaze slightly, my thoughts shifting to his son, Monkey. The young man had watched me closely the other night. He was protective, wary, and rightfully so.

To him I was a monster they had just met.

Landon was Monkey’s anchor. His family.

And now I stood as a presence who could alter that. Was the boy worried I would take him away?

I would never do that.

If Landon chose me—no, when he chose me—then I would ensure that his world was not diminished, but expanded.

A faint exhale left me. There was much to consider, to navigate, and all of it rested on a single truth: Landon had not chosen me.

Not yet.

My gaze rose once more to the building. I was ashamed that I watched from a distance like some unrestrained creature, especially as the urge to step forward pressed against me again.

Yet, I did not change or leave.

I couldn’t.

He was mine to protect.

I wanted to enter his workplace and find him. To simply see him, even if it was just for a moment.

I could do it easily.

No one would stop me.

No one would question it because to everyone else I would look human.

And yet, I stilled.

No, that would not be a good action for me to take toward him because it would only be for me and my wants.

A soft chime broke through my thoughts, and I glanced down, drawing the small communication device from my pocket.

A human invention, but it was efficient and useful.

The name displayed across the screen caused my posture to straighten instinctively.

I answered without delay. “Father.”

“Dashiel.” His voice carried warmth, strength, and quiet authority even through the phone.

He was the king of our people, and yet, in this moment, he was simply my father. The one who had cared for all his sons since the day we lost our mother.

“You have not called as you usually do,” he observed. “I wondered if something had occurred.”

Something within me eased at the concern in his tone. “It has,” I replied.