225 [Bonus chapter] Careful Peace 

~ ELRETH ~

Elreth stared at Sasha, anger for her mate—and fear—made it hard to breathe. But she showed nothing. Sasha was human and couldn't hear her heart hammering, though the Chimera nearby likely did.

So she kept her face blank and her hands planted on her hips to stop them from shaking.

"There's a tradition in our people," she said quietly, eyes only on Sasha. "When we reconcile or agree… we offer—and receive—the hand of peace." Elreth took a deep breath. "I wish to extend the hand of peace to you, Sasha. But I cannot do it while my mate is caged.