The Golden Lycans (Ella) novel Chapter 84

Handprints

Handprints

*Ella***

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I stare into Austin’s eyes, transfixed. I’ve never seen them like this before-burning with a light that is almost otherworldly.

“Austin, power is everything,” Leo says evenly, his tone carrying an air of finality, “you must complete your bond as soon as possible. The pack needs this. We can be the strongest again. Just THINK of the morale boost.”

As abruptly as they changed, Austin’s eyes return to normal, his expression shifting into one of clear irritation as he turns to face his father.

“That is not how this is going to play out,” he says, voice firm, unyielding.

“IF Ella chooses to fully bond with me, it will be when she is ready-not when it’s convenient for this

pack.”

“IF?”

Leo’s voice booms through the room, his anger flaring as he stands abruptly. His gaze locks onto me, sharp and demanding, his presence radiating power and intimidation.

I instinctively shrink back in my chair, my body stiffening. He is terrifying, right now.

“Leo!” Dana’s voice cracks through the tension like a whip, sharp and commanding.

I inhale deeply, steadying myself as something simmers beneath my own skin-anger. I meet Leo’s gaze head-on, refusing to back down, even as every instinct in me screams to run.

“I’m sorry to be blunt,” I say, my voice remarkably level, but firm, “but the two things required to com plete our bond are… personal. That decision is ours. And it will happen on our time, not anyone

else’s.”

I shift my gaze deliberately to Austin, my resolve strengthening.

“We will, but when we choose to.”

A slow, warm smile spreads across Austin’s face, his silent support wrapping around me like a shield.

But even as I say the words, a heavy sigh escapes me. Because despite the certainty in my voice, a deeper worry is beginning to take root, ever since we’d spoken our words of acceptance.

“But…the problem is…even when I took Austin’s lead last night and verbally accepted him, I

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experienced a very unexpected increase in magic, and I’m still so new to this that I’m afraid about whether I can control it or not, if it’s just going to keep coming…” I say quietly, voicing a fear that Rad been growing since we were in the greenhouse together.

I extend my arm out to my left with my palm facing the wood burner, effortlessly drawing all the heat and flames from the burner into a molten ball of fire in my palm.

“Working with the fire element was difficult and required a very particular type of concentration when I tried it for the first time, less than two weeks ago at Christmas. But now…it’s like…breathing . It’s easy and requires next to no thought at all. It’s a little scary,” I admit, making the ball of fire

spin in my palm before separating into several smaller balls. I direct them back into the burner one

by one. I lower my hand, my gaze flickering to Austin.

“This is why I need to be careful about how we move forward,” I say gently, my words meant for

him more than anyone else.

He nods silently, brow furrowed in thought. Then, his expression hardens as he turns to his

domineering father.

“Well, Dad, you heard her,” Austin says firmly, his voice confident and clear, leaving no room for

argument, “there will not be any further discussions on this topic. With either of you. Do you

understand me?”

Leo blinks, momentarily caught off guard, clearly not used to Austin being this direct and

self-assured. Then, to my surprise, he chuckles, shaking his head slightly.

“Your alpha blood definitely came in,” he remarks, looking strangely pleased.

I don’t understand what he means by that, but when I glance at Austin, he meets his father’s gaze

with a knowing, half-smile.

“It sure did.”

Within the hour, we had wrapped up the conversation. The decision was made-Austin’s pack would be told that he had found his mate, but for now, the fact that I wasn’t Lycan would remain a

secret.

Austin led me back inside through the kitchen diner’s bifold doors, his stride confident, his mood noticeably lighter.

“It’s time for me to start prepping lunch, because this one takes a while,” he announces, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he reaches up, effortlessly plucking a large saucepan from the

overhead rack.

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I lean against the breakfast bar, watching him with interest.

“You’re actually going to cook for me?” I tease, raising a brow.

“Didn’t I tell you I like to cook?” He smirks as he moves fluidly around the kitchen, gathering ingredients with practiced ease,

I remember him mentioning it on our date, and that Freya had told me he didn’t cook at all over Christmas. Seeing him here now, happily back at it, makes something warm settle in my chest because I know I’m the main factor in this sudden upshot of his mood.

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“I hope you like French onion soup,” he says, winking as he deftly spins a knife in his hand before starting to chop a mountain of onions.

I laugh, shaking my head.

“Goodness, I didn’t peg you as a show-off.”

His eyes flick up to mine, a teasing glint in them.

“Oh, I can show off. But only for the right audience.”

I bite my lip, watching him move. There’s something effortlessly smooth about the way he works,

his reflexes impossibly sharp, much like a celebrity chef putting on a performance.

“So, do you do this a lot?” I ask, propping my chin in my hand, smiling as I watch him with

fascination.

He suddenly smashes a clove of garlic with the side of his knife before answering.

“Not really. I’ve made other soups more often,” he replies, before realising what I actually meant. A slow, knowing grin spreads across his face, “I told you, I love to cook. I try to do it as much as

possible-much to my father’s annoyance, of course.”

“But I don’t care anymore. I’m of age, I’m my own man now,” he shrugs.

I hum in amusement.

“Oh, yeah, nothing screams ‘rugged alpha wolf’ more than watching you chop a kilo of onions.”

Austin pauses, glancing at me with a playful smirk.

“Oh? So you do think I’m rugged?”

Heat creeps up my neck, but I only flash him a coy smile in response. He chuckles at my reaction,

shaking his head as he stirs the simmering soup. After a few minutes, he moves to clean up the worktop before switching on one of the many ovens.

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Curious, I slide off my stool and wander over to peek into the pot.

“So” I murmur, standing just beside him, “how do I know this is actually good? Maybe I need to taşte-test it first?”

“Oh… just you wait,” Austin murmurs, a promise laced in his voice.

Clair

He dips a spoon into the simmering soup, lifting a small sample before holding it out toward me. His keen, green eyes never leave mine as I lean in, my lips brushing the edge of the spoon as I

taste.

A burst of rich, deep flavor coats my tongue, and I let out a mhmm in approval.

“Wow, that’s incredible,” I say, genuinely impressed.

Austin’s expression softens, his gaze turning impossibly tender as he reaches forward, tucking a

loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingertips linger, tracing along my cheek before cupping my face, his thumb grazing my skin. He exhales softly, as if simply touching me brings him peace.

The air shifts instantly, as a firey tension suddenly crackles between us.

Without thinking, I grasp the sides of his hoodie, tugging him toward me, gently at first, but he

doesn’t need much encouragement.

The spoon clatters to the floor, long forgotten as his mouth crashes onto mine in a kiss that is noth

ing like the ones before. This isn’t soft or teasing, this is raw and urgent, a feverish hunger neither

of us seems capable of resisting. My magic surges the moment our lips connect, the intensity of it

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