Let Them Kneel (kaelani and Julian) novel Chapter 13

The sedan rolled to a stop on the tarmac, its engine purring low. Julian stepped out, buttoning his jacket calm and collectively, his gaze fixed on the figure emerging from the cabin.

Elara appeared at the top, every inch composed elegance—silk dress catching the light, golden hair pinned to perfection, smile practiced but radiant. She descended quickly, heels clicking against the metal steps, and the moment her feet touched the ground, she rushed forward.

“Julian,” she said breathlessly, arms sweeping around his neck as she rose onto her toes and kissed him full on the lips.

The reaction was instant. His wolf recoiled. Not the usual stillness it had always shown with Elara. Not the neutral quiet it had held with every other woman he’d ever touched. No—this was visceral, sharp, a rejection that reverberated through him like a snarl locked behind his teeth.

Elara only deepened the kiss, oblivious, clinging closer. To the watching world, Julian appeared calm, composed, every line of him Alpha-perfect. But inside, his wolf prowled in restless defiance, straining away from her touch.

Julian closed his hands firmly around hers, guiding her back a step. “You had a good flight,” he said evenly, his tone smooth, uniform, betraying nothing.

“I did,” Her smile brightened, satisfied, as though she hadn’t noticed a thing. She slipped her arm through his with gentle ease, tilting her head against his shoulder like she belonged there.

Julian turned her toward the waiting car, his palm fixed on the small of her back. To anyone watching, it was the image of a perfect Alpha receiving his Luna-to-be. But beneath the polished stillness, his wolf still clawed against its cage.

Jace was already there, sharp as ever, pulling the rear door open with a nod.

“Beta Jace,” Elara greeted lightly, her voice honeyed but cool as her eyes skimmed over him. “Always so dutiful.”

Jace inclined his head. “Welcome back, Lady Elara.”

She slipped into the car with a rustle of silk, tugging Julian with her until he was seated beside her. The door shut behind them with a heavy finality, muting the world outside.

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