Chapter 30
“What?” I blank, my mind st
struggling to process his words. His mouth moves again, but it takes me a second longer to catch up.
“I said, I’d love to stand here all day, holding you like this is voice drops slightly as his hand tightens momentarily on my waist. Then be shifts, a teasing glint in his eyes, “but my army’s feeling a hule sore. Unless, of course, you’re comfortable. In that case. His smirk deepens. “My lap’s always an option.”
My jaw drops, heat rushing to my face at his bold words. The smug glint in his eyes tells me he’s enjoying every second of my reaction.
“O–of cour
course not,” 1 stammer, raising my hand to his chest in an attempt to push him away, but he doesn’t budge–not even in the slightest. “Please let me go.” I ask shakily, my voice barely above a whisper. But his eyes curve from his smile, and for a moment, he says nothing, holding me firmly in place.
And just when I think we’ll have to stand there forever, a cough from behind him shatters the moment.
in shock
My eyes widen as I suddenly remember we have an audience. My gaze flickers to the table where everyone is watching in shock. Martha’s eyes sparkle as she clasps her hands together in delight. Her mate, Lucas, simply shakes his head in disappointment.
Finally, my eyes land on babella. Her short red hair frames her face, and she stares back at me, her expression completely blank. There’s no hint of burt, no happiness, as if what’s happening doesn’t concern her in the slightest.
My eyes flicker back to Darien, and I catch him rolling his eyes as he finally pulls away, though not before leaning closer to whisper under his breath. “Take my offer into consideration. I’m always ready when you are.” he says with a sly wink.
1 let out a frustrated sigh, resisting the overwhelming urge to pinch the bridge of my nose
“Good morning. Alpha,” I say softly, bowing my head in respect. Despite everything, I can’t forget that the man standing before me is an Alpha–a powerful and important one. Sometimes. I forget who he truly is
He nods, extending his hand toward me. I stare at it for a moment in confusion.
“Here, let’s go and eat. These people have been waiting for you the star of today’s show!”
His words catch me off guard, and I blink, my gaze shifting to the table where everyone’s eyes remain fixed on me. I stiffen feeling the weight of their stares, Why are they all looking at me like this?
And what does Damien mean by the star of today’s show? I have so many questions, but something tells me this ha
has to do with the mate bond between Damien and me
akes me take a deep,
Hesitant to nove, I freeze in place until Damien’s piercing gaze draws me back. Something about the way he looks at me mal shaky breath, Gathering what little courage I can. I slowly reach out and place my hand in his
Damien smirks, completely unfazed by the murmurs around us, as if he’s enjoying the attention. Without a care for anyone’s opinion, he turns and strides confidently toward the table where the elders are seated, my hand still firmly in his grasp..
Ignoring the whispered exchanges and the curious, judgmental glances from the group, he stops at the head of the table. He casually pulls out the chair beside his and gestures for me to sit
“Here,” he says, and I hesitate for a moment before awkwardly lowering myself into the seat, my hands nervously smoothing the fabric of my dress as if that will somehow make me invisible,
Damien sendes beside me, completely at ease.
Meanwhile. I’m sitting there, doing my best impression of a statue. My heartbeat is pounding so hard I can hear its rehues.
“I didn’t know what your like to eat,” Darnien says elderly, bringing my attention back to the present. I glance at him nervously, only to find him watching me with a hint of amnisentent
“he continues with an unapologetic shrug. “I told them to make everything. Play in safe,”
I blink at him, “Everything?”
“Everything,” he confirens, leaning back in his chair, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
“Erm, thanke” I reply, my voice unsure, and Damien chuckles, bis eyes sparkling like an overexcised puppy basking in a compliment from its
2/2
Chapter 30
owner
I quickly look away, trying to steady my suddenly erratic breathing.
Martha leans in “You look really beautiful, Elara. And you and Damien are even matching,” she says, raising an eyebrow knowingly.
My head snaps up, and I stiffen as her words register. Finally, I notice it–Damien’s wearing red trousers and a white oversized shirt.
Something tells me this isn’t a coincidence.
Martha grins, clearly enjoying my dawning realization, her eyes sparkling with that same mischievous light Damien has. Oh great, now they match
I bite back my words, and I mutter a quiet “Thank you to Martha, who beams at me like she’s just won a prize.
Sigh. It’s going to be a long day.
No one says anything for a while–not even Damien. He just sits there, watching me like I’m some kind of puzzle he’s determined to solve. I swallow nervously, deciding 1 can’t just sit here all day without eating. Honestly, I just want to be done with this awkward breakfast and escape.
1 lower my head, focusing on the table as I reach h for the spoon. But before my fingers can wrap around it, a cold, expressionless voice cuts through the silence, freezing me in place
I look up, startled, and my eyes land on the man sitting beside babella,
Something in his gaze makes a shiver run down my spine.
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