Ravenwood(76)

“It’s good to know where I rank in term of importance,” he said, tipping his head slightly toward her food, his tone teasing and light.

Elinore smiled, covering her open mouth with her hand while she spoke. “Should I fawn over you? Is your ego feeling quite fragile and ignored while I eat?”

“Very much so,” he teased. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a large stack of paper and her nose twitched. She clapped her hands together gleefully as she recognized the scent.

“Letters from Charlotte!” She snatched the bundle of out his hands. She was possessed by the urge to bring them to her nose and inhale deeply and, not seeing a reason to fight the urge, she did just that. She caught the scent of Charlotte’s perfume and hand cream - lily of the valley. It was comforting and her heart lurched at the familiarity, so much more potent now to her sensitive wolf-nose.

“They were waiting for you at the post office. Your friend must have written as soon as you departed for there to be correspondence already delivered to Haleton.”

Elinore clutched the letters close to her chest, feeling a swell of longing for her friend. “I miss her terribly. Did you post my letters to her?”

“I did,” Caleb answered with a solemn nod. “They should be on their way to her presently.”

“Thank you,” she said, the words coming from the bottom of her heart.

“If you’d like to open and read them now, I do not mind.”

Elinore gazed at him, somewhat unsure. Was it gauche of her to want to read a letter from her friend and perhaps ignore Caleb slightly after their night together? She bit her lip in indecision and then tore into the letter from Charlotte, unable to wait any longer. She started slightly when Caleb’s hand reached across the table and rested overtop one of her own. She realized she need not choose between the two of them; she could have them both at once. She threaded her fingers through Caleb’s, taking a moment to feel the texture of his skin, before reading. The room was silent save for the clinking of their utensils against the china and the rustle of paper. It was difficult to read and eat with only one hand free, but she could not imagine letting go of Caleb’s hand just yet. Elinore managed by resting her letter on the table and leaning over it as she ate. Coming to the end of the first letter, she sighed deeply.

“Is everything all right?” Caleb asked.

“I do wish I could go see Charlotte. Letters are wonderful, but nothing compares to sitting close with a friend and sharing your heart.”

“Arrange a visit,” Caleb stated simply.

Elinore clutched Charlotte’s letters to her chest. “Really?”

“Yes, really. Of course, it should be after the full moon. It’s not wise for you to travel until we are certain what will happen. But there’s no reason you cannot go after that.” He frowned. “Did you think you were confined to Ravenwood?”

She hadn’t known, to be honest. How could she explain to Caleb that being female often meant her wishes and desires were not considered or were tossed aside?

“I should very much like to plan a trip to see Charlotte.”

“Then plan it. I can make any arrangements you wish.”

Elinore was already thinking ahead, wondering which days would be best to visit. She’d have to write Charlotte and let her know she was coming. If Elinore went rather quickly, it would still be warm enough to not have to take her winter things, but if she delayed it slightly, the tea shop might have its special winter blend in early and she could buy some. Oh! How exciting! She squeezed Caleb’s fingers happily and returned to reading Charlotte’s next letter.

The sound of the dining room doors opening made them both turn their heads.

“Well, isn’t this charming?”

Hayter stood in the doorway his eyes drawn immediately to where Caleb and Elinore held hands across the table. Elinore did not need any of her newly heightened senses to read the displeasure on his face.

“Uncle,” said Caleb tersely. Elinore nodded silently at Hayter as he came in. He stepped inside the room, took two steps toward the table and then inhaled sharply as though he smelled something. With a sudden flush to her cheeks, Elinore knew exactly what it was.

Caleb met his uncle’s glare, the two of them silent. Elinore wasn’t sure what to expect - for Hayter to do the polite thing (if such a thing existed amongst werewolves) and not say anything, or if he would make a crude comment. Elinore could feel her teeth getting sharper as she waited. It was only when both men turned to look at her incredulously that she realized a low level growl was coming from her throat as she waited for Hayter to speak. Flushing, she cleared her throat with a polite cough.

“Frog in your throat, dear?” Hayter asked, one eyebrow raising toward his hairline.

“She knows, Uncle.”

Hayter turned to Caleb, his gaze piercing and sharp.

“About werewolves. About the bite. She knows,” Caleb added unnecessarily.

Hayter smiled, his teeth white and bright. He clapped his hands together. “Ah, how wonderful. No longer any need to hide our nature. Well, now that you know,” Hayter said, coming to stand next to Elinore’s chair, looming over her. She was forced to tip her head up, feeling the motion expose the length of her neck as she did. “I suppose we’ll have to go over some of our… particular etiquette.”

“Such as?” Elinore asked. She felt Caleb’s fingers tighten briefly around hers. She wasn’t sure if it was meant to be warning or encouragement.