The Veiled Valley

*Ella*

Once I get over the initial shock of seeing Commander Westfall for the first time, I find I liked him quite a bit.

Stern, brooding, but with a softer edge than most men in his position, he reminds me of the commanders in my father's life during my childhood. It’s hard to get over the startling resemblance he shares with my mate, however. Even as he explains that no, he isn’t King Kane, and he isn’t in my room to murder me in cold blood, or worse, I see nothing but my mate in the sharp lines of his face. In the shadows that dance in the unforgiving sunlight. In the way his smile ticks into the smirk I find so familiar.

Only then, after sensing my shock and fear, does he explain who he is. A commander, and the man who trained my mate to wield the powers they share.

Now I’m walking beside him along a bridge, following behind Granger and Amanda as we explore the city I now rule, apparently.

Commander Westfall doesn’t speak unless spoken to directly. He prefers a yes or no questi