Chapter 165 – Kindred Spirits

[Third-person perspective]

Cora entered the palace's opulent dining room, expecting a crowded table. Since arriving in Vanara, Gabriel had been entertaining statesmen and potential allies for the war, in addition to their own party. However, the room was almost deserted. Gabriel and his associates were absent, as were Ella, Sinclair, and Henry. Only Roger sat at the long, gleaming table, a glass of amber liquid in his hand.

"Where is everyone?" Cora asked, pausing in the doorway.

"The King had a prior engagement—some charity gala for the hospital," Roger replied, not seeming surprised to see her. "Father was exhausted and decided to dine in his rooms, but I don't know about Dominic and Ella."

"Oh," Cora replied, relieved at the thought of her sister's imminent arrival. After his earlier barrage of personal questions, the last thing she wanted was an evening alone with Roger. She disliked the way he looked at her—his eyes darkening, his gaze lingering with unsettling intensity. He made her feel like a scrumptious rabbit pursued by a hungry wolf, relentlessly chased and taunted.

She approached the table cautiously, acutely aware of his gaze following her every move. She sat down, carefully spreading her napkin across her lap, avoiding his gaze. "So, how was your day?" she asked, attempting small talk.

When Roger didn't respond, Cora finally looked up from her empty plate. He offered a knowing smirk. "Oh, so you can look at me," he teased. "I was beginning to worry."

She narrowed her eyes, resenting his comment. Still, averse to confrontation, she muttered a sulky, "Sorry."

"Are you?" Roger asked slyly. "Because you look annoyed."

"I'm trying to be polite," Cora replied through gritted teeth, glancing toward the door for the tenth time, hoping for Ella and Sinclair's arrival.

"Why?" Roger asked, flashing his fangs. "I hope not for my sake—I'd much rather have your honesty than false nicety."

Cora was unsure what to do. Unlike her sister, she rarely offered opinions to those whose reactions were unpredictable. She enjoyed complaining to Ella, who loved her unconditionally, but this was different. It wasn't that she feared him, per se, but she couldn't predict his response to criticism—a dangerous prospect, given some men's violent reactions to challenge.

Roger observed the emotions flitting across Cora's face, noticing her racing heart. He remembered her description of Ella's repressed feelings and self-reliance, realizing that, while their struggles differed, Cora was far from untouched by their difficult upbringing. He decided to push her. "Come on, what's the worst that could happen?" he purred, his wolfish instincts piqued by her reticence. He mentally shook his head; why was his inner wolf so fascinated by her?

Cora's eyes widened, her skin paling slightly. Roger belatedly realized this was the wrong question; knowing about human orphanages, honesty was often met with terrible consequences. Luckily, Cora recovered quickly. She crossed her arms, unintentionally emphasizing her breasts, and lifted her chin. "You know, I think you're trying to provoke me. Politeness is a perfectly normal response among strangers."

"We're hardly strangers, Cora," Roger replied smoothly, his wolfish glint intensifying. "We're practically family—in-laws, for all intents and purposes. If you can't be honest with family, who can you be honest with?"

"My family is Ella," Cora retorted stubbornly, tossing her raven curls over her shoulder. She couldn't believe his audacity; he'd betrayed his father and brother, yet lectured her about family?

Besides, his gaze lately felt far from brotherly.

Roger raised an eyebrow. "And she's all you've ever needed, hmm? You've never wanted more?"

Cora was exasperated. Why did he constantly probe her personal feelings? "Why do you keep asking me these things?" she exclaimed, looking down. "I'm trying to mind my own business. Why won't you let me?"

"Because I want to know you," Roger shrugged, trying unsuccessfully to meet her gaze. "Is that so wrong?"

"But why?" Cora repeated, finally looking up. "What interest could you possibly have in me?"

Roger leaned back, assessing her with cool detachment. "Why shouldn't I? Because you're human, or because you don't think you have anything to offer?"

Cora flushed. "I didn't say that...and you didn't answer my question." Roger's lips curved into a predatory smile, and Cora suddenly realized she might not want to hear his answer. "I find you fascinating, Cora," he confessed, noticing her startled reaction. "I see a kindred spirit. Someone who faced similar circumstances, yet instead of letting them define you, you turned them into strengths. I admire that… I want to know how you managed it." He paused. "Not to mention you're beautiful, clever, and utterly charming."

Cora resisted scoffing. "You don't know me as well as you think you do."

"So correct me," Roger invited, leaning forward. Having captured her gaze, he was determined to hold it, hoping his wolf's influence might compel her to open up.

She shook her head, emitting a disbelieving huff. "I didn't make my own way in the world, and as much as I'd like to say otherwise, my relationship with my sister defined me as much as yours did with Dominic. I achieved my career success because Ella shielded me from things that would have destroyed me, giving me the space to pursue my ambitions, the freedom to dedicate myself to my studies without any lingering trauma. I stood on her shoulders my entire childhood, and I show my gratitude by blaming her. She saved my life by bringing me here, but all I can think about is the loss of my life in Moon Valley—probably forever."

She looked away, but Roger waited patiently. "And if anything proves how messed up I am, it's that I can't even accept a compliment. Because while you might say I'm clever and beautiful, all I can think is that I'll never be as clever or beautiful as she is… plus, she's a mythical creature now—how am I supposed to compete?"

Roger didn't smile, tease, or refute her. He simply said, "I know exactly how you feel."

Cora blinked, feeling a strange sense of disappointment. "Well, there you go. Mystery solved… nothing to admire here." She attempted a laugh, but it sounded hollow.

"I didn't say that," Roger countered sharply. "The way I see it, there's even more to admire. And you better believe I'm going to keep admiring it."

Cora's eyes widened. "But… I thought…"

"I know what you thought," Roger assured her. "You thought your honesty would dissuade me; you hoped it would. Unfortunately for you, now I want you more than ever."

Cora bristled. "Want me?"

Roger cocked his head. "I'm sorry, didn't I make that clear?" He stood, his dark gaze sweeping over her. "I'm not interested in you as a friend or confidante, and certainly not as a sister-in-law. I'm interested in you as a lover."

"But I'm human," Cora objected, shocked speechless.

Roger circled the table, stopping before her. He gently cupped her chin, feeling a jolt of electricity through his fingertips. "And I'm still an Alpha, even if I don't lead a pack. It's in my nature to pursue what I want, whether it makes sense or not."

"What exactly are you saying?" Cora gasped, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She'd never felt so intensely aware of another being, so electrified by a touch. She'd always found Roger handsome, but she hadn't imagined he could affect her so profoundly.

"I'm saying that if you try to push me away, you can try, but one way or another, I'm going to win you in the end, Cora," Roger declared huskily. "So, what will it be? Do you surrender now? Or do you want to keep pretending you don't feel this between us?"