ELARA
I spun around so fast I nearly tripped, grabbing Hardin by the wrist before Silas could even open his mouth to talk.
"Out," I hissed under my breath, dragging him out the door.
To my surprise, he didn't argue. He just followed quietly, unbothered, like some toddler being led by his teacher.
Once we were outside, I turned to face him, waving my hands like I was trying to reason with a college kid on his fifth warning.
"Okay, listen carefully. You see that guy in there? I really don't want you messing with him. I mean it this time, Hardin."
He slid one hand into his pocket and cocked his head. "You're gonna have to clarify what you mean there, freckles—"
I raised my hand to cut him off. "No. We're starting with that. You're not calling me freckles or any of your annoying nicknames. Just use my name. And for the love of the goddess, don't bring up anything about mates in there. Not one word."
He scoffed. "Why? Is he some kind of president? Or your boyfriend now?"
