Page 26 of Dark Sold Mate

“We need answers, Silas. Our reputation is shit, and other Alphas are pulling out from the trade agreements. The council is asking questions. If we don’t clear our name soon—”

“I don’t care.” Silas stood, his chair scraping over the floor. “Find another way.”

“There is no other way!” Javi got to his feet and glared at his brother on the opposite side of the table. “The next lead we had was the auction, which you lost. Elle is the only option left.”

“She is my woman, not an object to play with.”

“It is also because of her that we lost our chance to get answers.”

The words hung in the air, sharp and cutting. Silas felt his wolf surge forward, ready to defend Elle even against his own brother.

“Both of you, calm down.” August cut through the tense atmosphere. “Elle didn’t ask to be abducted. She sure as hell didn’t ask to be dragged into this mess. And she owes this pack nothing. Especially when she was treated so poorly.”

“I do not mean that she owes us something,” Javi pointed out. “I mean, we need the information that she has. Something to rescue other women who didn’t get the chance to escape.”

Silas was about to protest when a voice came from the door.

“What’s going on?”

Everyone turned. Elle stood in the doorway in an oversized shirt. She looked so little and helpless.

“Nothing,” Silas said quickly. “We are just discussing strategy.”

Elle’s eyes narrowed. “You’re discussing me. I heard my name.”

“Elle.”

“Tell me what’s going on.” She walked into the room, her eyes glancing in the direction of the men at the table. “What do you want from me?”

Javi addressed her before Silas could stop him. “We need to know some details about your kidnapping. Information on the places they kept you, what you observed, anything which could possibly help in locating the next auction.”

Elle went pale. “You want me to help you.”

“We just have a few questions—”

“No,” Silas interrupted. “Absolutely not. You do not have to do anything, Elle. You will not be doing anything, in fact. This is the last thing you need.”

Silas saw something flash in her eyes. Was it apprehension? Fear? But the moment that he

reassured her, it was replaced with the defiant look he was now becoming accustomed to.

“What if I want to help?” She asked, crossing her arms.

Silas blinked. “What?”

“You said I don’t have to help. But what if I want to?”

“No, you don’t. You just want to go against me.”

“Don’t tell me what I want.”

“Elle, you’ve been through hell. The last thing you need is to—”

“The last thing I need is for you to make my decision for me. Again.”

Javi covered his mouth with his palm, but not before Silas saw a little grin forming at the corner of his lips. He knew that if Silas said no, it would make Elle do it. Just to spite him.

Manipulative bastard.