Page 30 of Dark Sold Mate

“Coffee?” He held out one of the mugs.

She contemplated saying no, but the coffee smelled so good, and she badly needed caffeine. So, she took the mug. “Thanks.”

Silas nodded wordlessly and leaned against the counter, staring at her over the rim of the mug.

“I want to go back,” Elle announced, taking a huge gulp of the coffee.

Silas arched his brow. “Back to the main house?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I've been thinking.” She wrapped both of her hands around the warm mug. “About the questions asked yesterday.”

Silas set down his coffee. “Elle, you don't have to.”

“I would like to help. I want to help. But on my terms.”

She had all night to think of this, to sort out her feelings. She hated what she did yesterday—reliving her trauma, and she certainly didn't like the smug look on Javi's face when she agreed to answer some questions.

But she also hated the idea of other women experiencing the same thing as she did. She resented the fact that the traffickers continued to exist and destroy lives.

“What terms?” Silas asked carefully.

“I'll share what I remember. I will try to help, but I will do it at my own pace.” Elle met his eyes. “No coercing me when I don’t know something. No dragging me to places to evoke my memories. No, treating me like a tool then tossing me aside when I'm no longer useful.”

“I would never.”

She shrugged. “Your brother was going to do just that yesterday. Push until I cracked.”

“Javi was out of line.”

“Maybe. But he was doing what he felt was necessary to the pack. And you let him.” Elle set down her mug. “If I help out, I must be certain that you will protect me. Not only from the traffickers, but from your own people. Your flesh and blood.”

“I will,” Silas said without the slightest hesitation. “I promise, Elle. You help how and when you choose. That's it.”

Elle examined his face, looking for something off. But the only thing she could see in those green eyes was sincerity.

“Okay,” she said finally. “Then let's go back.”

***

They returned to the main compound using the truck belonging to Silas. The silence during the drive back was less tense than usual, even though Elle pressed herself against the door.

When they pulled up to Silas’ house, Elle spotted August's bike first, then Rael and Javi's cars parked in front.

Good. She wanted to get this out of the way.

Elle jumped out of the truck before Silas could open her door. She entered the house, eager to get it all over with.

The three men were seated in the living room. They turned as soon as Elle walked in.

“Elle,” August said, standing. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine.” Elle remained at the entrance, Silas now behind her. “I want to talk to all of you.”

Rael and Javi exchanged glances. “Of course. What's on your mind?”