Page 21 of Protected By the Elf Prince

Had I pushed too far? Said too much? Would he ask me to walk away?

Landon gestured between us. “Are you sure you even want a human who’s going to awkwardly stumble through this whole fated-mate thing and not be able to commit until I sort myself out? And then there’s no guarantee I’ll want this either.”

“I have always known that I would accept my fated no matter who or what they were.” My stomach rolled, but I added, “Even if you do not want me in the end.”

“How can you be so calm about this?”

I considered the question carefully. “I am calm because if I fully allowed myself to feel everything this bond inspires… I believe I would overwhelm you.”

Landon blinked. “Oh.” The single syllable came out faintly, and then I watched realization spread across his face. He was now aware just how strongly I felt for him. At least that was what I thought.

His throat worked once before he quickly looked away and took another drink.

“Right. Ah….” He blew out a breath. “So, um, does that mean you would’ve been angry when that woman was here?”

“Yes,” I admitted quietly.

His eyes widened slightly. “At her and me?”

“No. Never you.”

“Why her then? She was just⁠—”

“She touched you.”

Landon barked out a startled laugh. “You cannot be serious.”

“I am entirely serious.”

The amusement drained from his face as he realized I meant exactly what I said. “Wait.” He frowned. “You were actually angry?”

“Yes.”

“How angry?”

I remained silent one second too long.

Landon straightened. “Dashiel, how angry?”

I exhaled slowly. “I considered burning this establishment to the ground.”

He nearly dropped his drink as he spluttered over the word. “What?”

Several humans glanced briefly in our direction before immediately losing interest again.

Landon leaned closer sharply. “Wait, you can do that?”

“I can.”

“You can burn down buildings?”

“Yes.” I nodded as I lifted a hand and drew out the flames that were always ready under my skin. It was only for a second.

Enough for my fated to gawk and breathe, “Jesus Christ.” His alarm quickly changed into what looked like guilt. “Shit. I’m sorry for making you angry.”

The apology startled me deeply. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

“But—”