Grayslake: More than Mated: Unbearable Love (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Kelly Collins

hair around his finger. “That’s believable. Look at you.”
    “Flattery might get you somewhere.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind. Go on.”
    “There’s not much to tell, she was a perfect mom, and she tried to please my dad, but she couldn’t give him the one thing he demanded.”
    Eli’s finger left her hair and trailed over her shoulder to her collarbone. The sizzle of his touch filled her with a fiery intensity she only felt with him. “What was that?”
    “A son.”
    “So, your dad’s a misogynist pig?”
    “My dad has some firm ideas about women’s worth.”
    “Sounds like an asshole. I can see why you ran away.”
    “I didn’t run away. I’m just taking a breather. Sometimes, it’s just too much.” Lily sipped at her soda.
    “I can’t imagine your father letting you go. You’re a twenty-six year old virgin for God’s sake.” Eli popped the final bite of his burger in his mouth.
    “I’m twenty–five for another week and a half.”
    “So, why take a break now?”
    “It’s not the first time.”
    “Is there a man other than your father involved?”
    Lily dropped the soda she was holding. It crashed to the table and the glass fractured into pieces, soaking her plate, the table, and the two of them.
    Eli jumped up and grabbed a pile of napkins and began the task of cleaning up the mess she’d made. All the while, Lily sat in disbelief. She’d let the mouse out of the bag.
    “Am I right?” Eli had tossed enough money on the table for the bill and an ample tip. “Are you running from him, too?”
    They were halfway to the truck when he pulled her to his chest. “Lily, you don’t have to run. You’re an adult. Have you talked to your Itan? We’ve had a few bad seeds here, but Ty does a great job educating them on how to treat a woman.”
    She leaned into his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. “It’s not what you think. It’ll all be okay. It’ll be fine.” How could she convince him when she couldn’t convince herself? She’d probably end up like her mother, sitting in her room with a gun to her head.
    Eli pressed his lips into a thin line and shook his head. “Yes, it’ll be okay because I won’t allow anyone to hurt you.” Right in the middle of the parking lot, Eli claimed her lips. This was more than a kiss; it was a promise of more.
    “Do you two need a room?” There was no mistaking that voice. It contained all the authority and strength of an Itan. Standing next to them with his family was Ty Abrams and his wife, Mia. She recognized them from the web. Mia’s hands were full, one held a beautiful baby girl to her hip. The other hand gripped an energetic little boy who was ready to bolt.
    Ty leaned over and gave his wife a kiss. “I’ll meet you inside, I have to talk to Eli.”
    “Okay, I’ll order your regular.” Mia looked at Lily. “It’s nice to see Eli has found someone. He’s a worthy man.” And with that statement, she turned around and left.
    Lily stared after Mia. She reflected on the woman who looked so happy. She had it all. She was with her fated mate. They had a life, and a family, and a future. Lily was stuck in her romance blogger’s mind, extolling the virtues of love when she heard Ty and Eli.
    “Did you say Lilo Becket?” Eli asked
    “Yes, her father has put out a BOLO on her. Seems she slipped out of town without his knowledge. I’ve got enough shit to deal with without having to worry about a spoiled Itan’s daughter.”
    Lily recoiled at the comment. Not all Itan’s daughters were spoiled or privileged. Some were pawns in a power game.
    “I was at the bar last night with Lily, but I didn’t hear anyone being called Lilo.” Eli turned to Lily. “Is there anyone named Lilo staying at the B&B?”
    “That name hasn’t been mentioned.” It wasn’t a lie, no one mentioned Lilo, which had been her nickname since birth.
    “All right, keep your ears open. I don’t want trouble coming down here, and I hear Becket is a