Ch. 121..130

Chapter 121 - Good Morning Kisses

Damon woke up, pleased to see that Talia was sleeping soundly with her head on his shoulder.

He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and then he observed her sleeping form. No matter from which angle Damon looked at Talia, she was perfect. Her scent, her warmth, the way her palm rested on his bare chest… everything was perfect. Perfect for him.

Another thing that made this experience several folds better was that Talia was wearing his t-shirt.

Last night, Talia wanted to go to her room and get something to sleep in, but then Damon gave her his t-shirt which she reluctantly accepted.

He never saw a woman sexier than Talia in his t-shirt, and her bashful smile when she exited the bathroom stirred him more to devour her. Vixen.

The most seductive thing was that Talia was absolutely ignorant of how gorgeous she was.

Talia was unspoiled and Damon was itching to introduce her to the lusty side of life. Soon.

As much as he was impatient to go all the way, Damon enjoyed watching Talia open up slowly, with eyes full of wonder at every next step of their increased intimacy.

Damon frowned when he noticed two plush toys at the edge of the bed. Didn't he kick out of the Keith-related pooch last night?

If Cinna is back on the bed, does that mean Talia woke up and put her back on? Damon would do anything for Talia, but this was not acceptable.

Just how he did last night, Damon moved his leg carefully and one swift flick later, Cinna found herself on the floor.

Damon smirked with satisfaction. There! Try to get on the bed one more time, and I will kick you off the balcony!

Talia stirred from her sleep and Damon greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning, kitten."

Talia blinked lazily. "Good morning."

It took her a moment to realize that she was resting on Damon's bare chest. Didn't he wear a t-shirt last night?

"Why are you naked?", Talia asked while trying to distance herself from Damon, but his strong arms held her in place.

"Do you want me to be naked so badly that you won't acknowledge how my lower half of the body is not exposed? Should I remove the rest of my garments and fulfill your wish? Hmm?"

Talia couldn't believe his cheekiness. Who said that she wished for him to be naked? "That's not what I meant. The top. Where did your t-shirt go?"

"Oh, that…", Damon said innocently. "I remembered your desire to get used to touching me, so I removed it."

"My desire to get used to touching you?", Talia repeated robotically.

"Mhm", he confirmed with a hum. "At the lake. Remember?"

Talia's eyebrows twitched. She remembered that she ruined his shirt while crying, and then he removed it and she told him that she was uncomfortable touching him, but… how did that translate into her desire to touch him?

"I see you forgot. But that's fine. I remembered it for you." Damon took her hand that was hovering above him and pushed it down until it pressed against his chest. "There. We will get you used to touch me in no time."

Talia was flustered. "Why would I get used to touching you?"

"Your memory is flaky, Mrs. Blake.", Damon said with a smirk. "As my wife, I expect you to touch me. Everywhere."

Talia's mind stuttered. She filtered the 'Mrs. Blake' and 'wife' parts as Damon spouting nonsense, but she had a feeling that the touching part was not a joke.

Everywhere?

He doesn't mean… there… also? Her eyes subconsciously darted lower, and of course, Damon didn't miss that.

"I like that we are on the same page.", he said with amusement in his voice. "I was thinking about going below the waist later, but if you are so eager, feel free to help yourself. I am all yours."

Before Talia could recover from this fatal blow, Damon put his next demand forward, "Now fulfill your duties as Mrs. Blake and give me my good morning kiss."

Talia's mind was spinning. This was just one thing after another. And why was his face so close to hers? Talia was unable to think. She just woke up!

Ah! Last night Damon kissed her, more than once! And it was amazing! But she was exhausted after a super-long day and ended up falling asleep without a chance to reflect on it.

Damon was still inching closer to her. Will he kiss her again?

Talia's face exploded in fierce blush.

"A k-kiss?", she stuttered.

"Mhm…", Damon hummed in confirmation. "Not just one kiss, Mrs. Blake. I need lots of them. Kiss me for good morning and for goodnight. During the day it's preferable, but optional, depending on the situation."

When he saw that Talia didn't respond, Damon cocked an eyebrow at her. "Did you forget how to do it? We did it last night more than once. Should I remind you?"

"No, no…", Talia said in a squeaky voice.

She really needed a moment to process all this. What was this unstable Alpha saying? He was half-naked, and he wanted daily kisses, more than one, and he was so close, and…

Her brain stopped working when Damon's lips pressed against hers.

"Talia", he called in a low voice and then he kissed her again. "I never tasted anything sweeter. Unless you hate it, don't deny me this, kitten."

He smiled a little when he kissed her again, and she kissed him back. The moment Talia responded, the kiss became longer, and Damon enjoyed taking her lips between his, kissing, sucking, nibbling... exploring. Yes, these were good morning kisses he craved for.

Talia melted into an emotional puddle while holding onto Damon's back firmly like he was the only solid thing that prevented her from dissipating into nothing. Was this happiness? Lust? Talia was not sure, but she knew that she craved for more, more Damon, and more of his kisses that made her feel like she was floating.

These kisses were gentler compared to the ones from last night but now she was in bed with Damon, his body pressed on hers a bit, and whenever a growl rumbled in his chest, her toes curled in response.

It was too stimulating. Her brain shut down from overload, leaving her only with immense pleasure that smelled of forest with a flavor of chocolate.

…

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...

'Awake?'

Damon groaned when Caden's voice sounded in his head through the mind-link. It was such a mood killer.

Damon gave Talia one more quick kiss before inching away from her.

'What!?'

Caden could hear that Damon was not in a good mood. 'I thought we will meet before breakfast to go over reports from the interrogation of prisoners.'

'We can go over the reports after breakfast. An hour or two won't make a difference.', Damon responded.

'Alright. But you should check on Alphas who are not pleased that you walked out of the meeting before it was over', Caden said. 'They left last night, and they were grumpy. You need to call them and explain.'

'Sure. Compile a list with the angriest ones on the top.'

Damon looked at Talia and he was not happy that their morning snuggles and kisses were interrupted. He was really looking forward to this.

"Did something happen?", Talia asked Damon.

She learned to recognize changes in his eyes when he was mind-linking someone. His gaze would be unfocused.

"Just Caden. He is reminding me that it's time to start the day."

Talia didn't want to leave the bed. It was warm and cozy, and it smelled of the forest and dark chocolate, the same flavors that were still lingering on her lips and she wanted more, even though she didn't want to admit to it.

Starting the day means returning to reality where he is Alpha Damon and she is Talia, a nobody. But it had to happen.

Also, Talia had her own tasks for the day. "I need to help with breakfast."

Instead of letting her go, Damon tightened his hold on Talia and leaned his forehead on hers.

"I wish that we can stay here the whole day.", he said.

Talia wished for the same thing, but that was only wishful thinking.

"Talia", Damon called. "Do you enjoy working in the kitchen?"

"Yes", she responded right away.

Damon let out a long breath. He didn't want her to work in the kitchen. She is not an Omega. But if it makes her happy, he won't stop her.

"If you don't like it, you don't need to do it."

Talia didn't understand why he said that. "Everyone needs to do their part. I can't do much, so at least I should help in the kitchen. It makes me feel useful, and I'm learning, so it's good for everyone."

"Don't forget that I want to eat what you make.", Damon reminded her.

Talia had no idea why he insisted to eat what she makes. She is learning, but still mostly following Stephanie's instructions. But Talia understood that this was important to him, so she decided to take initiative and pick a few dishes to master so that she can make a meal for Damon.

She really wanted to do something for him.

 

 

Chapter 122 - The New Normal

Damon remembered that Travis gave a medicinal book to Talia. Instead of working in the kitchen, Damon would prefer Talia to study. That reminded him... "I guess you didn't go to school. I would like you to think about formal education, at least until you get a high school degree."

Talia blinked at Damon. She didn't expect this topic change, but she didn't hate it. She knew that education means knowledge and knowledge is a good foundation for independence. She was touched that Damon brought this on his own.

"I would love that.", Talia said.

Damon nodded in approval. "There are in-person and online options, and we can always work out a mix with tutoring involved."

Of course, Damon will be tutoring Talia personally, even if it means that he needs a refresher on the content. He became Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack when he was a seventeen years-old highschooler, but he finished high school and college by taking online courses, so he knows very well how that works.

Damon was pleased to see the excitement in Talia's expression.

"We will talk more about it later. Are you reading the book that Travis gave you?"

Talia guiltily shook her head, indicating that she was not reading it.

"Why? Are you not interested in medicine anymore?"

"No, no.", Talia was quick to say. "It's just that I'm not finding the time." She didn't dare to say that this Devil was the main reason she was not getting time. He would either barge into her room, or snuggle, or take her places, or give her a task… yeah, he is the culprit, but Talia was not bold enough to call him out.

Damon cocked an eyebrow at Talia. She is not having time to read a book? What is she doing the whole day? Yesterday was the festival, but what about the day before, and the one before it?

"I'm not going to tell you what to do, but prioritize things that make you happy.", Damon said.

Talia smiled dreamily. She really felt taken care of and she wanted to hold onto that feeling and never let go.

Damon gave Talia one long lingering kiss with just a bit of tongue, and left the bed reluctantly with, "I need to get ready."

Damon wanted to get Talia into his bathroom and maybe they end up showering together, but he didn't have time, so he left those plans for tomorrow. Their first showering together experience should definitely not be rushed.

Talia stared at the marvelous landscape of Damon's back until the bathroom door closed behind him. She couldn't believe that only a minute ago her hands were right there, touching him boldly.

And then she pressed her fingers against her lips, confirming that the throbbing is real. Damon really kissed her thoroughly for a good morning. She grinned like a fool. Was this happening? Was this her new normal?

By the time Talia got out of her daze, the water from the shower was running and she reminded herself that she shouldn't be in the bed when he comes out of the bathroom.

Talia scooted out of the bed and went to check the flowery garland that she left last night next to the open balcony door to air dry. She promised Damon that she will preserve flowers, and she was determined to do a good job.

It was the first garland he received, and the first garland she gave, and when she gave it, she got her first kiss. Maybe the story is true, and the Moon Goddess blessed the garland. Why else would Alpha Damon show her his passionate and gentle side?

Before heading to her room to get ready, Talia noticed that Cinna was on the floor.

Considering that Blackie was still on the bed, Talia dismissed the idea of Damon not liking toys on the bed, so she picked up Blackie and Cinna, and carried them across the hall to spend the day in her room.

…

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...

Talia was moving about in the kitchen robotically while her mind replayed scenes from last night and that morning.

Damon hugged her and they kissed, and he said some sweet (and some outrageous) things, and then they kissed more.

Oh, my! Talia's face was on fire, and she spilled milk on the counter.

Talia was wiping the mess she made while reminding herself to focus. Damon will get another mood swing and forget about it. It didn't mean anything.

Talia chided herself. Why was she so out of it? She shouldn't get clingy. No matter how good it was, it was just kissing. Werewolves do it all the time. And it's not just werewolves. Even humans don't think that kissing is a big deal.

Maybe if she kisses a few more guys she will get used to it?

But she didn't want to kiss anyone other than Damon.

Talia wondered, when did she become a greedy person? She was confident that all unmated she-wolves in the pack want to kiss Damon. Did she really think that she can have him for herself?

"Maybe you should sit this one out.", Stephanie told to Talia.

"No, no. I can help.", Talia said quickly, and she gaped at the mess. Instead of wiping the spilled milk, she was just spreading it around with a paper towel that was completely soaked, and the milk ended up dripping on the floor and on the nearby chair. How embarrassing.

Dawn and Zina snickered.

"At this rate, you will help us by not doing anything.", Dawn said while mixing scrambled eggs that were on the stove. "If I didn't see what you were doing, we would end up with sweet scramble because you were about to put sugar instead of salt."

Talia bit her lip guiltily. Is she really so absentminded?

Seeing that Stephanie, Dawn, and Zina had no intention of letting her touch anything related to breakfast preparation, Talia puffed her cheeks in protest. "There must be something I can do."

"Entertain us.", Zina said. "Tell us about your evening after you escaped from us. Do you know that Alpha was scolding us for losing you at a critical moment? It was a safety drill, SA-FE-TY. The moment we lost you, we failed."

Talia pressed her lips into a line. She really didn't want to bring them trouble. And she apologized several times already. Well, she should apologize again.

"I'm sorry. But the bag was important, and nothing happened. Alpha found me in the town square…" Talia stopped her explanation because she remembered that Damon hugged her right there. She cleared her throat. "It all ended well, and I returned to the packhouse with Alpha. Safe and sound."

"I see…", Dawn said in a singing voice. "Safe and sound, with Alpha Damon." Dawn inched closer to Talia and asked in a hushed voice. "What's going on between the two of you?"

Talia opened her mouth to respond, but Zina cut her off with, "Don't tell us there is nothing because there is definitely something."

"Girls!", Stephanie snapped. "More work, less gossip. Unless you dare to ask such questions in front of Alpha Damon, don't talk nonsense that can spark rumors."

Talia looked at Stephanie gratefully. She really didn't know how to answer questions about Damon.

She can't say that he is unstable and that whatever happened is not important.

Did anything happen? They just kissed.

Sure, it was wonderful, and it was the most Talia ever went with a guy, but in a society of werewolves where promiscuity is normal, just kissing doesn't count as much.

Besides, considering Damon's mood swings, he probably forgot about it and who knows when he will remember that Talia exists? If she tells Dawn and Zine that she kissed Damon, and then he ignores her, those two will probably think she was lying or worse... they will think that she was abandoned and feel sorry for her.

And what if she tells them about it and Damon doesn't ignore her? That was even worse.

Talia was confident that she is not a girlfriend material for someone like Alpha Damon, so the best course of action is to stay quiet. The fewer people know that she is close to Alpha Damon, the easier her life will be once she moves out of the packhouse.

"Talia."

Talia jolted when she heard Damon calling from the door. He was dashing in jeans and a light gray polo t-shirt that stretched tightly over his pecs, and his damp hair slicked back was a giveaway that he showered recently. But the hottest part about him was his eyes that soaked in Talia's presence greedily like she was the only woman on the planet.

Talia forgot how to breathe.

"Are you done with food preparation?", he asked.

"She is.", Stephanie responded instead of Talia.

Damon extended his hand toward Talia, palm up. "Come."

Talia glanced nervously at Dawn and Zina who did their best to look busy.

She didn't want to give them more materials to gossip, but Damon's hand was still in the air, waiting for hers, and she didn't dare to leave him hanging.

Talia gingerly walked to Damon and put her hand into his. She would go with him anywhere, but she had to ask, "Where are we going?"

"Breakfast…"

---

 

Chapter 123 - Breakfast With Guests

Shortly before Damon stepped into the kitchen…

Damon exited his study after finishing the last phone call with Alphas.

A list of four names was waiting on his desk and just as Caden said, they were upset that Damon left the meeting without explanation.

Four phone calls didn't take long because Damon had a story ready.

Damon explained that he had to leave abruptly because there was an urgent situation, and the fact that they caught spies only supported Damon's case.

After Damon promised to share relevant information from reports, all Alphas were pacified. Actually, they ended up thanking him for handling the situation efficiently.

Their pack members were at that festival as well as delegations from other packs, and if things escalated, everyone would be in danger.

Damon was pleased with this outcome. It was the almost-truth, and he didn't need to mention Talia.

The more he downplayed the importance of Alpha Richard's query to find out information about the girl with copper-colored hair that was close to Damon, the more it looked like Alpha Richard is shooting in the dark.

Damon knew that Talia was in the kitchen, and he wanted to eat with her, but he remembered one small detail, so he headed for the dining room first. There, he saw that Caden and Maya were at the table with Axel, Maddox, and Mindy. Mindy was sitting on the left side of where Damon was supposed to sit (aka Talia's spot).

Damon approached Mindy and leaned to speak only for her to hear. "I will appreciate it if you move to some other seat."

There were twelve chairs at the table in total, so she had many other choices.

Mindy blinked at Damon. "Good morning, Alpha Damon. Do you mind explaining why? I already got myself coffee."

"Because that seat belongs to someone."

Mindy didn't believe him. Since they arrived, she was sitting there for every meal, and no one said anything. "Belongs to someone? To whom?"

"You will find out in a minute. Now please… move.", the last word came with a dose of Alpha pressure that made Mindy break into a cold sweat.

Mindy didn't like this treatment. Why was Alpha Damon unreasonable? But they were guests, so she obeyed without fussing. She will complain to her brother later about this outright bullying. She was also curious to see who that mystery person is.

Mindy took her cup of coffee and went to sit on the opposite side of the table, next to her brother.

With that, Damon went to the kitchen, to fetch Talia. He had no intention of letting her eat in the kitchen, or wherever. She will not hide anymore.

Damon was determined to keep Talia close to him for several reasons, and one of them was that when he was around, Talia wouldn't hear all kinds of rumors about him. Most of the rumors were true, but he didn't want his past to ruin the pretty future they will build together.

What if she hears nasty stories and leaves again with a Keith-like guy? What if she leaves for good? Damon won't allow such a thing to happen.

Damon decided to wait for the right timing to reveal that they are mates (hopefully, when her wolf awakens), but until then, everyone can see that Talia is with him and that messing with her means messing with him.

Back to the present…

Damon and Talia held hands while approaching the dining room.

Talia heard voices, and she tried to pry her hand free from Damon's grip, but it was all in vain. By the time they reached the door, Talia thought that her soul is about to leave her body. Why was he not letting go of her?

Axel and Maddox were discussing with Caden the security issue and spies that were captured, while Maya and Mindy spoke about the festival in general, but Talia was confident that soon they will notice them and… sure, there it was… the chatter stopped, and everyone looked at them.

Damon led the way and the two of them ended up walking to the table while holding hands. How embarrassing.

Damon finally let go of her in order to pull a chair for Talia to sit, and all eyes were on her. She really wanted to disappear.

Damon sat on his spot, and Talia stared in disbelief when Damon reached to hold her hand, this time on top of the table. Their fingers were not interlaced, but it was still an attention-grabbing gesture.

Damon used this silence to speak.

"I believe that everyone here knows Talia. She was the MVP at the tournament. In one way or another, I mentioned her to each of you, but to summarize, Talia came to the Dark Howlers pack less than two weeks ago and she is staying in the packhouse. Talia is under my protection, and I will appreciate it if you treat her with the respect she deserves. As you know, there are individuals who are trying to find out information about people who are close to me. I believe that we are all friends here and you understand that if you tell them about Talia, you will put her in danger."

Everyone at the table nodded in understanding, and Maya offered her an encouraging smile.

Talia had no idea how to react to this official introduction. She was confused, intimidated, but mostly happy.

Damon spoke about her with Axel, Mindy, and Alpha Maddox? What did they talk about?

And he told everyone that she is staying in the packhouse, so there was no risk of someone accusing her of stealing food (a thousand miles away, Cassie sneezed and wondered who was remembering her).

And Damon also said she is under his protection and that everyone should treat her with respect.

She didn't care much about the danger part, believing how that was related to the Red Moon pack and Alpha Edward causing trouble to Damon if he finds out Talia's whereabouts.

Dawn and Zina entered with a three-level cart that was full of serving trays, so people got busy with food and Talia could feel Dawn's and Zina's gazes on her. Ah, how is she going to explain this?

The only good thing was that Damon let go of her hand after his little speech so two Omegas didn't see that.

"What are you going to drink?", Damon asked Talia.

Talia wanted to say that she will help herself. After all, just having a seat next to him is probably too much, considering that there are guests present. But the way Damon looked at Talia told her that he was determined to serve her.

"Orange juice."

Damon gave her more than just a beverage. He also piled food on her plate and Talia was not sure how to behave. Are others watching? Are they finding this unusual? It can't be normal for an Alpha to serve someone. Will they say something?

Talia focused on the food in front of her and pretended that no one else was there.

She jolted when she felt something on her knee under the table and she didn't need to look to know it was Damon's hand, waiting for hers. Well, at least it was under the table.

Talia let out a long breath and her right hand sank under the table to meet Damon's.

Their fingers interlaced and Talia couldn't prevent her lips from lifting into a smile when his thumb moved slowly over the back of her palm.

Holding hands under the table. That was their little secret. Talia liked that.

"So, Talia…", Mindy called. "I apologize for taking your seat. I didn't know it was yours."

Talia blinked, unsure what Mindy was talking about.

"Mindy!", Alpha Maddox hissed, warning her to be quiet.

Mindy rolled her eyes at her brother and continued talking to Talia, "We are all friends here, right? I want to apologize for causing inconvenience. I didn't know that was your place. Alpha Damon made sure to tell me that the seat is taken."

Talia turned to look at Damon. He told Mindy that the seat is taken? It was obvious that Mindy was not pleased. Damon offended her. Why would he do that?

As if he can hear Talia's unspoken questions, Damon spoke to Mindy, "Don't try to cause drama and twist this as me bullying you. Since Talia arrived here, this is her place. There are plenty of seats at this table to accommodate everyone." He glanced at Talia. "I don't want Talia to give her spot to anyone, regardless of their background."

Damon's expression was unreadable, but the way he gave a gentle squeeze to Talia under the table made her heart melt.

Talia reached with her free hand for some of that orange juice because she felt lightheaded.

Damon said that she doesn't need to give her spot to anyone. Why did it sound like he was talking about more than just a seat at the table?

The rest of the breakfast passed without any waves, and Talia was glad that Damon didn't ask her what she made because she didn't make anything.

Mindy and Maya were chatting about the festival and Alpha Maddox was saying how he plans to visit two more packs with Mindy and after that, they will head home to the Blue River pack.

Axel was his usual self, quiet, observing, his eyes frequently moved to Talia, but he didn't try to start a conversation.

After breakfast, Alpha Maddox and Axel went with Damon to his study. They wanted to go over reports from interrogation and Maya and Caden joined them.

Mindy bobbed her head while approaching Talia and Damon was quick to block her path.

"Where are you going?"

Mindy frowned at Damon. "You guys will be busy, and I want to spend some time with Talia." Mindy made a face. "Don't worry. I won't eat her."

Damon turned to Talia. "Do you want to talk to her?"

Talia was flabbergasted. How was she supposed to answer that? Mindy was right there!

"Yes, Alpha Damon.", Talia responded respectfully, using his title to remind him that everyone was staring at them. He can keep his odd behavior for when it's just the two of them, or when Talia was not present because this was uncomfortable. "Mindy is my friend."

"A friend?" Damon glanced at Mindy suspiciously. "Since when are the two of you friends?"

"We spent some time at the fair yesterday.", Mindy said smugly and made her way around Damon toward Talia. Mindy hooked her arm with Talia's. "Let's go to the garden. The weather is nice…"

Damon watched as Mindy and Talia walked down the hallway and he had an urge to go after them.

What if Mindy says to Talia something damaging? They made such good progress with hugging and kissing and if Mindy ruins it, Damon will use Mindy's blood to wash away those grievances!

 

 

Chapter 124 - Confronting Betas

Damon went through the report on what the spies revealed under interrogation, without hiding anything from Maddox and Axel.

Caden already told Damon that there is nothing top-secret and the Blue River pack and the Midnight Guardians pack are closest allies to the Dark Howlers pack. They share a relationship of trust and mutual respect where they are collaborating on several initiatives, and whenever they face problems, they are quick to assist each other without questions asked.

"My men are still working on them, but I believe they spilled most of it.", Damon said. "In case anything else comes up, I will let you know."

Maddox wanted to address one point. "The girl that Alpha Richard is inquiring about, that's Talia. Right?"

Damon didn't deny the obvious. "Yes. I believe that's the case."

"Did you reconsider my offer that she comes to my pack?", Maddox reminded Damon of the talk they had on the previous day.

Damon narrowed his eyes at Maddox. "She will not leave so I suggest you give up on that."

"If Miss Talia needs protection, my pack is better suited for that role.", Axel chimed in, and Damon gritted his teeth.

"Didn't you hear what I said?", Damon asked stiffly. "Talia is NOT leaving."

Axel tilted his head and observed Damon like he was looking at an unreasonable child. "You will force her to stay here even if that puts her in danger?"

"I'm not forcing her.", Damon was quick to respond.

"Is she aware of the danger she is in by staying here?", Maddox asked.

Damon couldn't believe this. "Why are you set on taking her away from me?"

"I will interpret your answer as a, 'no'.", Maddox said smugly. "Why are you set on keeping her here?"

Maddox could see that Damon was hiding something related to Talia. Is it her ability to conceal her presence? That would be very handy for spies, scouts, and warriors in general.

"I have my reasons, just how you have yours.", Damon said. "I can assure you that Talia is not mistreated, and I will do my best to ensure her safety. Talia is getting necessities to live comfortably, and she is learning things she is interested in. If you doubt my words, you can talk to Talia, but don't put crazy ideas into her head or scare her needlessly."

With that, Maddox and Axel left the study and Damon asked Maya and Caden to stick around.

"Both of you are aware that Talia is my mate, and you knew that from the day she arrived here.", Damon paused and when both Caden and Maya nodded, he continued. "I hope you will keep that information to yourself. Talia doesn't know we are mates because her wolf is not with her."

"Do you plan to make her your Luna?", Caden asked.

"I'm not planning anything.", Damon responded. "For now, I hope that she can heal her body and her spirit while pursuing her interests. Everything else can wait."

Maya frowned. "You will not tell her?"

"Tell her, what? That she is my mate and set to be my Luna? I can tell her, but she is insecure and timid. I will be lucky if she doesn't run away."

"So, you will lie to her?", Maya continued probing with displeasure obvious in her voice.

"Not lie.", Damon responded. "I will reveal the truth gradually while assuring Talia that she can rely on me. I need her to trust me."

"How can she trust you if you are lying?"

Damon was irritated with Maya's stubbornness. Why is she set on making him the bad guy?

"Beta Maya!", Damon addressed Maya officially and she felt her stomach tightening even though Damon didn't use his Alpha aura.

Damon is not used to explaining himself, but he wanted Maya and Caden to support him, so he decided to share some bits.

"Travis believes that Talia's wolf will awaken as long as she is in a supportive environment. Do you think that blurting out how she is going to be the Luna of the largest pack in North America is something that Talia can handle right now? She doesn't see me as her mate and no matter what I say will change that. At best, she will think that I'm joking."

Maya wanted to retort, but she felt Caden giving her hand a squeeze, so she held back. Of course, Damon didn't miss this nonverbal exchange between Caden and Maya.

Damon continued talking to Maya. "I am aware that you are responsible for Talia getting drunk in the Shifters nightclub and that you took her to the training center where she met coach Keith and a number of soccer players."

Maya swallowed hard. Somehow, she knew that Damon was going to bring this up.

"I took her out to a nightclub and to the training center, yes.", Maya admitted while trying to make it sound as innocent as possible.

"Why?", Damon asked.

"I wanted Talia to familiarize herself with surroundings and make friends."

"Friends…", Damon repeated, and his voice was rising with every next word, "You were aware that she is my mate, yet you wanted her to make friends with men behind my back? Tell me, Maya…", Damon now spoke through his teeth as anger swelled within him. "What kind of friends can my mate make at the gym where everyone is scarcely dressed and sweaty, or in a nightclub which is full of horny drunkards?"

"It was all innocent.", Maya said quickly.

Damon's eyes stirred with madness. "Innocent? If it was so innocent, why did I pry Talia out of the hands of a drunk guy in the Shifters? And why did I find Talia with Keith, drinking beer at one of his hookup spots? Do you know what would happen if I didn't arrive in time?"

Maya inhaled a choppy breath. "Nothing would happen."

"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT!", Damon roared.

"Alpha!", Caden stood up in Maya's defense and Damon glared at him.

"What!? Are you going to justify what she did?", Damon's voice was low, but he was shaking with anger. "If I didn't step in at the Shifters, Talia would be manhandled by some bastard who was not willing to take 'no' for an answer. Even if her drunk friends intervened, Talia would be caught in the middle of a fight. And can you guess what would good coach Keith do with Talia at his hookup spot after they finished a sixpack of beer? Tell me, Caden, how would you feel if I put your mate in a situation where a bunch of unmated guys surrounds her? What would you do if you find Maya with a random guy laughing and drinking, and I label it as making friends?"

"That wouldn't happen if Talia knew she is your mate.", Maya said, and Caden facepalmed. Why can't she stay quiet?

Damon was obviously angry, and an angry Alpha doesn't listen to reason.

Did Maya forget that werewolves are possessive?

Caden will start a fight in a heartbeat with a guy who dares to make a move on Maya, and Alphas have stronger animalistic instincts compared to other werewolves. Actually, Caden was surprised how Keith walked away unscathed after Damon caught him with Talia in a secluded spot.

Damon looked at Caden with an icy expression and spoke in a flat tone, "Take your mate from here because I don't want to ruin our friendship by crippling her."

Caden knew that Damon is more dangerous when he speaks calmly in monotone than when he is raging, so he pulled Maya up to her feet and practically pushed her out of the study with haste.

…

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...

Damon's shoulders heaved as he tried to get a grip on his anger.

First Maddox brought up the point of taking away Talia, and now he remembered that Maya was the one who put Talia among unmated guys, more than once. What the hell? What was she thinking?

Maya would know how to extract herself from the situation where a drunk guy is making unwanted advances, but Damon saw Talia's panic when she tried to push away the guy in the Shifters nightclub and the drunk bastard wouldn't budge. And then that cheery lovey-dovey mood with Keith at the lake. What would Talia do if Keith made a move on her? Would she refuse? What if Keith didn't want to hear 'no' for an answer?

Just winning over Talia was hard enough because he had to chip away her insecurities carefully.

If people who are close to Damon are against him, what can he expect from his enemies?

Damon wanted to find Talia and snuggle until he calms down, but he didn't want her to see him in this state. Rage rippled through him in waves, and he didn't want to scare her.

He walked to the window and opened it. A fresh morning breeze hit his face, but he didn't care to enjoy it.

Damon pulled the gray polo t-shirt over his head and jumped out of the window.

Four paws landed on the neatly trimmed lawn and a majestic black wolf dashed into the forest, leaving rags of what used to be Damon's jeans behind him.

A good run will help him let out the steam. Hopefully.

 

 

Chapter 125 - What’s The Right Punishment?

After Damon's aggressive display, Caden and Maya went into their room to regroup.

"I messed up, right?", Maya asked Caden.

He responded with silence.

Caden told her more than once that she was going too far, but she responded with, 'you guys always stick to each other', and continued doing her thing.

Maya is the smart one, and her schemes usually work without a hitch, but this time her own Alpha took the burn of her actions.

Both Maya and Damon are hardheaded and willful, but Damon is above Maya in the hierarchy, even though Maya is above Damon in Caden's heart.

To say that Caden is torn between the two is an understatement.

"Aren't you going to comfort me?", Maya asked.

Caden sat on the sofa and patted a spot next to him, for Maya to join him.

Once Maya was in Caden's embrace, she spoke, "You know that I didn't mean for Talia to sleep with some random guy, right?"

"Your intentions don't matter, sweet cake. What matters is that you took Talia out twice, and both times Damon found her with some guy getting his hands on her. If it was any other girl, we could find a way to pacify him, but Talia is his mate and things are not simple."

"Why doesn't he tell her they are mates? Don't tell me you believe his crap how Talia will run away?"

"I don't know how she would react", Caden said with honesty. "But I know that she is his mate. And I also know that I wouldn't want anyone to meddle in our relationship. Damon can feel the bond and he is probably aware of her emotions so…"

"You are coming up with excuses for him.", Maya cut him off.

"Excuses? At the end of the day, it's his relationship. Will it fly or sink, it should be his doing. Or do you want to be responsible?"

Maya pressed her lips into a line. Of course, she didn't want to be responsible.

To be honest, Maya didn't think that things will escalate like this, but she didn't like how Damon was raging like it's the end of the world. And he threatened to cripple her. That was a hard pill to swallow.

"Now what?", Maya asked irritably. "Am I to hide until our Alpha calms down?"

Caden let out a long breath. "I hope that will be enough."

"What do you mean?"

"Damon is an Alpha. He might take your actions as insubordination; acts against Alpha and future Luna."

Maya couldn't believe this. "You are kidding, right?"

"Do you think I would joke about something like this? Talia and Damon are mates and you exposed Talia to quite a number of guys."

Maya didn't deny it, but… "How is that insubordination?"

"You acted against your Alpha. Damon has a small circle of people around him because he prefers trust compared to submission and you…"

"I blew it.", Maya finished Caden's sentence. "My intention was for Talia to see the world on her own, without Damon's shadow above her."

Caden knew that Maya was thinking about Talia, but she made a mistake by neglecting Damon's existence. In a pack where Alpha's word is law, Maya ignoring Damon's interests could be costly.

Maya was always a rebel, a free spirit who does what she thinks it's right, and Caden loves that side of her. As her mate, he loves every side of her.

Caden hoped Maya will understand that as a Beta, she needs to consider how her actions are impacting the pack.

A pack is like an army and a lieutenant can't act without considering the consequences.

"Damon was backstabbed too many times and he has scars to prove it. On a scale of getting a girl out for some fun, what you did, was not much. But you are Beta, and your actions were against your Alpha." Caden paused and picked his words for the next part. "If I'm Damon, I would think about a variety of scenarios. What if we are facing a crisis with rogues, and you decide to do what you believe is best without considering how that might impact Damon? If Damon is indisposed, the whole pack will be vulnerable. We are not prioritizing Damon because we worship him as our tyrant. Alpha is our pillar, and we are the foundation. In order for the pack to stay strong, it's our duty to support our Alpha."

Maya pouted at Caden's words. Why is he making everything so dramatic?

But it's true that Damon is overly cautious and that he will rather cut off suspicious people than have them nearby and risk their betrayal; and for Damon, what Maya did, might be interpreted as a betrayal.

"So, now what?", Maya asked dejectedly.

"Now we wait and hope that Damon will give you another chance. In the meantime, try to stay low."

"What will you do if he wants to punish me? Send me away? Banish me?"

Caden didn't want to think about it. "Let's hope it doesn't come to it."

…

-- This work is published on NovelFire (w e b n o v e l . c o m). Don't support illegal copies! Read from the original site to support the author --

...

While his paws dug into the dirt and winds whipped through his black fur, Damon thought about his predicament.

The only thing that can calm him down is a solution, a plan.

Damon knew that Maya was hardheaded loose cannon, and he waited for a day when it will come to bite him.

If Damon uses his Alpha aura and issues an order, Maya will submit, but that is not the type of Beta that Damon needs.

Actually, Damon never gave Maya the title of a Beta. She became Beta as Caden's mate.

During the mating ceremony, when Caden marked Maya and injected her with his venom, Maya got a power boost which granted her an aura of a Beta. She was Caden's mate, with Beta qualities, so Damon didn't object when Caden suggested that Maya acts as a Beta in the Dark Howlers pack.

Damon trusts Caden (and Stephanie) to act in his best interest, regardless if Damon is present to issue orders or not.

Maya is different.

Maya came to the pack only a few years ago, and if she is not Caden's mate, Damon would never let her close to him.

Damon's parents were ambushed and killed because someone close to them betrayed them, Damon is certain of that. Yes, the official report says that it was rogues, but only a few people close to Damon's parents knew that they were heading for that trip. Unfortunately, many people had access to the packhouse, and they could sneak into Alpha's study to get access to important documents.

Damon has no intention of repeating the same mistake.

He will rather work with a few trustworthy people than hundreds who will backstab him when he is not paying attention.

Damon and Maya don't share history or a bond of friendship, and now Damon confirmed that she doesn't see him as her Alpha either; if she does, Maya wouldn't dare to bring Talia anywhere near unmated guys. To make things worse, Maya knew Talia was Damon's mate.

Without Caden, Damon would see Maya as a spunky (above average) warrior. There are plenty of those around and are easily replaceable.

However, Caden is indispensable.

Damon trusts that Caden has his back in any case, other than one… when Maya is in question.

Talia and Damon didn't go through the mating ceremony, yet Damon would put Talia above anything and anyone, and Damon was confident that Caden feels the same for Maya.

Can Damon allow Maya to stay close when he doesn't trust her? But if he pushes Maya away, he will lose Caden also. Damn it!

…

After returning to the packhouse and tidying up, Damon went to search for Talia.

He calmed down significantly, but he craved her proximity. All that talk with Maddox and Axel about Talia leaving him and his thoughts about messing up their relationship made him needy for cuddles. And kisses. Yes. A lot of kisses.

Talia was not in her room, nor in the garden, nor in the kitchen. Ah, finding Talia would be so much easier if she had a mind-link.

Damon's steps halted when he saw Mindy in the living room, reading some fashion magazine. She was sideways on the sofa, with her legs up. She definitely made herself at home.

The last thing Damon knew was that Mindy and Talia went to chat.

"Do you know where Talia is?", Damon asked.

"She left.", Mindy responded casually.

Damon's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets as his worst nightmares replayed in his mind. "Left? When? Where?"

Mindy lifted her gaze from the magazine while wondering why was Damon freaking out.

"I didn't check the time, but it can't be more than half an hour since Talia left for some training session. I'm not into sweating, so I stayed behind…" Mindy's voice trailed when she noticed that Damon's expression worsened. Did she say something wrong?

Damon's mind was racing. Training session? Sweating? Does that mean Talia went to the training center? Does that mean WITH KEITH!?

Mindy guessed that Damon was worried about Talia. After all, Mindy already knew that Talia is skinny and weak, and Damon announced that she is under his protection so… "Don't worry about Talia. She is in safe hands."

"What hands?", Damon asked stiffly.

"Max and Axel went to accompany her…"

Damon didn't hear the rest. He saw black and red spots in front of his eyes. It's not only Keith but Maddox and Axel also? What the hell!?

Mindy stared in disbelief at the empty doorframe from where Damon dashed like the wind, without an explanation.

Her brother has a temper, but Alpha Damon tops the charts.

Mindy shook her head in disapproval and decided to continue reading the magazine.

She always said that Alphas are nothing good. Yes, they are powerful and packed with muscles, but that also comes with the baggage of being willful and moody, and sometimes violent. It's not their fault, it's just that their animalistic urges are too strong and sometimes they take over. Mindy knows it very well because one of those difficult-to-get-along Alphas is her brother.

---

 

Chapter 126 - Picking The Best Trainer

Damon's appearance at the training center caused many eyes to turn toward him.

The gym area was fairly filled with only a few machines being free.

It was a usual day as many warriors come to train unless there is something else going on. Because warriors were using the equipment, a number of Omegas were also on duty to keep it clean, and it all added up to how many people were present. Even the lounging area upstairs was lively.

The noise quickly simmered down and almost everyone stopped what they were doing in order to bow toward their Alpha.

ALMOST everyone.

The far right corner had several people chatting around the punching bag that was suspended from the ceiling, and Damon didn't need to think twice before heading in that direction.

Just as he suspected, Alpha Maddox and Axel were there with Talia and Keith.

Damon's mind stuttered at the sight of Talia who was wearing dark blue biker's shorts and a blue sports bra. The clothes fit her snugly. Why was so much of her skin exposed?

Wasn't Talia aware of her hotness and how many horny guys were in the visual range?

Damon really wanted to wrap her in a towel, a bathrobe, a winter coat… anything that will cover her up. The thicker, the better.

Luckily, the three guys that were closest to Talia were at least one step away from Talia, so Damon was able to control his temper. As a bonus, because of Alpha Maddox and Axel's presence, other guys had to keep their distance from the group.

Damon cleared his throat to get their attention. "I was wondering where you left."

Talia's head whipped in Damon's direction, and her heart fluttered when she confirmed that it's really him.

Keith was writing down something on his tablet and he didn't notice Damon until he spoke. All color drained from Keith's face when he realized that his Alpha is present. The memory of Damon's murderous intent from the previous night was still fresh and Keith felt sweat dripping down his back in an instant.

Actually, Keith was contemplating not to come to the training center today, thinking that it's for the best if he hides at home for some time; probably until his Alpha forgets about his existence.

However, yesterday Keith promised Talia that he will be here, and he even told her that he will teach her some fighting moves.

Keith's conscience didn't allow him to bail on Talia, not after leaving her last night, so he came.

He wanted to ensure that she was safe, and to apologize for his impotence on the previous night, hoping that she will forgive him for leaving her with Damon and for bringing her to that place.

Keith really didn't think about getting frisky with Talia. Sure, if she made a move, he wouldn't resist, but his intentions were only to spend time with Talia. She was the one who was looking for time alone and Keith took her to a spot he knew no one will disturb them. But then Alpha Damon showed up and within seconds, Damon managed to make Keith's image flip from a kindhearted guy into a molester. Keith hoped that he can clarify that misunderstanding by coming to the training center.

Keith was relieved to see that Talia came without Damon, even though Maddox and Axel made him nervous.

Keith was hoping to catch Talia on her own and talk, but Maddox and Axel were sticking to Talia, and Keith was still waiting for his chance to apologize and inquire about her wellbeing.

Now that he looked at Talia, Keith realized that he met a lot of women but he never met one that would attract so many Alphas.

Maddox and Axel were friendly, and Keith relaxed somewhat. Who knows, maybe they agree to taste his protein shakes and endorse them? That would be a huge popularity boost for Keith's business.

Keith was thinking that this day won't be so bad, but now that Alpha Damon made an appearance, Keith realized that a calamity is coming.

"We caught Talia on the way out of the packhouse. She said that she wants to train, and I wanted to see your training center. Not bad.", Maddox said to Damon, and Axel nodded in agreement, like that applies to him as well.

Damon knew that Maddox lied. They definitely tagged along with Talia. Why can't they leave her alone?

But if Maddox and Axel left Talia alone, then Keith would have Talia for himself, so in this case, Damon welcomed those two nosy Alphas.

Ignoring others, Damon made his way to Talia. "Why didn't you tell me about your plans to come here?"

Talia was not aware that Damon wanted to know her plans for the day. After breakfast they dispersed, and she assumed that he will be busy with meetings and whatever else Alphas do.

"I agreed with Keith to come here today for training.", Talia responded.

"What are you doing?", Damon asked while gesturing toward the big sandbag that was in front of Talia.

"I just finished warmup and Keith was about to show me some moves."

"Coach Keith is teaching you to fight?", Damon asked stiffly.

Didn't they talk about training when she went to see Travis? And Damon said that he will teach her, and she said fine, and this… just what is this? How come Keith took Damon's spot?

Unaware of the storm that brewed inside Damon, Talia nodded earnestly. "Keith is my personal trainer. Who will teach me if not him?"

"I will.", Damon said without missing a beat.

Talia blinked. "But you are not a trainer."

"I know how to fight.", Damon said matter-of-factly and threw a dangerous side-glance at Keith. "I can crush him with one hand behind my back."

"But… you are busy."

Damon was getting irked that Talia was finding reasons for him not to teach her. Why can't she just say, 'yes, Damon. I would love it if you teach me'? Is she really so set on spending time with Keith?

"I'm coming to this place to train frequently. It's not a big deal to show you a few moves and while you are practicing them, I will do my thing."

Talia opened her mouth to retort and then closed it. She was out of arguments, and she realized that she was kind of bickering with an Alpha in front of a large audience.

Most of the people present didn't dare to look openly at the group of five, but Maddox and Axel both looked at Talia with renewed curiosity. It was obvious that Talia was talking back to Damon. Any submissive wolf would lower her head and thank her Alpha for the care he was offering, yet Talia was resisting, and instead of using his Alpha aura on her, Damon was negotiating.

In this case, both Talia and Damon showed uncharacteristic behavior.

Unaware of Maddox's and Axel's gazes directed at her, Talia looked at Keith with concern. Why was he drenched in sweat?

"Are you alright?", Talia asked Keith, and he nodded stiffly in response.

Talia turned to look at Damon. She was still not convinced that he is the best choice to teach her how to fight. Not because he doesn't have the skills, but his behavior is unpredictable. What if she agrees and he changes his mind tomorrow?

Yes, they kissed last night and in the morning, but kissing in bed and training in the gym are two different things. Just how Talia had no confidence that they will kiss again, she didn't know how long Damon's commitment to training her will last.

But she couldn't call him out on his instability. Not will all of Damon's warriors around. She needed a different strategy.

"I heard about your abilities. You can defeat anyone."

Damon smirked at Talia's words.

His face fell when she asked, "Will you be able to teach a novice like me?"

Damon rubbed his chin for a moment before coming up with an idea. "I am the most capable fighter, however, I'm not the strongest nor the fastest…" Damon threw a side-glare at Maddox when the latter snorted. Damon continued talking to Talia. "I rely on my technique, and that's exactly what you need to learn."

Seeing that Talia was not convinced, Damon decided to try something else.

"How about this? You came to learn a few moves. Right?" When Talia nodded, Damon continued, "I will teach you one move, and coach Keith will teach you one move also. Which teaching is more effective will determine who will be your trainer."

Talia had no idea why Damon was so adamant about training her, but she was really out of arguments. "Sounds good."

Keith's legs trembled like they had a vibration built-in, and it was on at the highest setting. Did Talia just put him to compete against Alpha?

"Talia…", Keith called. "If Alpha wants to teach you, then…"

"No, no.", Damon interrupted Keith. "Talia deserves the best. Let's show her who is the best."

Damon's eyes sparkled with a dangerous glint that made Keith feel chills like he was at the death's door.

Damon turned to Talia. "You pick, which one of us should go first?"

Keith exhaled helplessly while wondering what's the point of this show. It's obvious that if he loses, he lost. And if he wins, Alpha Damon will break his legs, so he lost. In any case, Keith will lose, and he will be lucky if only his legs are broken. Can he just admit defeat and save his legs? Or is his neck in danger?

Last night Keith got the hint that Alpha Damon is interested in Talia, but Keith never dreamed that it would go this far. If he knew, Keith would stay home. For a month or maybe longer.

Keith wondered, is it possible that Talia is oblivious to Damon's intentions? Or is she not interested? Keith dismissed that idea. Any unmated female would be interested in Damon. Or is Talia interested in girls?

Keith whimpered silently. Regardless of what was going on between Damon and Talia, why was he getting dragged into it? At this rate, he will die as a collateral casualty.

Oblivious to Keith's internal cries as he was confident that death is approaching, Talia responded to Damon with an enthusiastic smile. "Keith was already here, and we were about to start, so he will go first. Besides, you need to go and change, right?"

Damon nodded in agreement and Talia turned to Keith. "Teach me well, coach! What are we doing?"

Keith really wished to disappear. Maybe he can develop a sudden stomachache?

---

 

 

Chapter 127 - The Competition

Keith didn't see the point in competing against Damon when there is no way to win, but Talia's serious expression motivated him to do his best, and with Damon leaving to change clothes, Keith's courage swelled.

If he needs to go down, he will do it with his head held high.

"Come here…", Keith beckoned Talia. "I will show you a kick that can take even the biggest guy down if done right."

Talia was not sure if she can bring anyone down, but she still obeyed without voicing her doubts.

Keith faced Talia with one step of space between them.

He extended his leg and touched the outer side of her left knee.

"The move is to kick here but instead of pulling your leg away, hook your foot behind your opponent's knee and jerk him toward you as you pull your leg back. That will make him lose balance, and once you achieve that, it's up to you if you will continue to fight or flee…"

Talia nodded earnestly while thinking that this is a good strategy. If she can make an attacker lose balance for a moment, that moment can be enough for her to escape.

But kicking in a knee meant that she would need to face her attacker and be really close. Can she hit a moving target? Can she keep her cool if a baddie gets that close?

An image from the amusement park flashed in Talia's mind. What if there is more than one baddie? What will kicking one achieve?

Looking at Keith who was ready to accept her beating, Talia hesitated.

This will be a problem.

She didn't think about kicking her trainer when she imagined how she will learn to fight.

Whenever someone attacked her before, Talia would curl into a ball while trying to minimize damage received from the hits. She never thought of fighting back or fleeing.

Talia told herself that she needs to cross this hurdle. Somehow.

She pressed her lips into a line and gave Keith a small kick.

Keith paused for a moment and then chuckled. She was so gentle. He barely felt it. Adorable.

"Give it your all, Talia. Start with a kick, and we will add the hook-and-pull later."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Even if you hurt me, I will heal in a day or two. As a trainer, it's an honor to have a bruise from my student. Think of it as a sign that I taught you a good move so it will be worth it. Now come on, show me what you've got…", Keith encouraged her.

…

-- This work is published on NovelFire (w e b n o v e l . c o m). Don't support illegal copies! Read from the original site to support the author --

...

Damon changed his clothes with haste and he got out of the dressing room to a scene of Talia focusing on Keith and kicking him in the knee.

He cocked an eyebrow. How was that kicking? There was no strength behind the hit. But that feeble attack paired up with Talia's serious expression made her super-cute.

Damon really wanted to tackle her on the exercising mat and kiss her all over.

Alpha Maddox and Axel were sitting on a nearby bench and observing Talia's training.

Damon joined them.

"The two of you are not even pretending to train anymore.", Damon grumbled, and Maddox chuckled while Axel didn't show any visible reaction.

"Talia is an interesting one.", Maddox said with amusement in his voice. "I can see why she got your attention."

"Don't even think about it.", Damon spat at Maddox.

Maddox's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh? And what am I thinking about?"

"Nothing good." Damon knew that Maddox was persistent in taking Talia with him to the Blue River pack. It didn't matter why because that was not happening.

"How protective.", Maddox retorted. "You should probably worry more about this guy who is silent."

Damon knew that Maddox was talking about Axel. Axel was suspicious and for some unknown reason, Axel also offered Talia to go to the Midnight Guardians pack. But Damon was aware that all members of the Midnight Guardians pack are waiting for their mates, and since Talia can't have two mates, Damon didn't see Axel as his rival while Maddox was a potential scoundrel who would want to get into Talia's panties.

"I'm not worried about either of you.", Damon said coolly. "Actually, continue talking like that. Talia is a gentle soul, and your coarse jokes will make Talia keep her distance from you."

Maddox was offended. "What's wrong with my jokes?"

Damon waved casually, indicating that the conversation was over.

Maddox was saying something, but Damon got lost in the image of Talia assuming an offensive stance and kicking Keith. She was beautiful.

"Good. Good.", Keith praised Talia. "Feel free to kick harder…"

'Yes, harder', Damon thought. Maybe she could break Keith's leg. Open fracture.

"OK. Ten minutes are up.", Maddox said.

"Did we set a time limit?", Keith asked Maddox and Damon perked up with curiosity.

Maddox shrugged. "Do you need more time?"

"Not really.", Keith admitted. But he hated to part from Talia. He didn't know what Damon prepared for this pointless competition, but Keith knew that he will lose.

With that, it was Damon's turn.

He stood in front of the little woman who looked at him apprehensively, and he thought about what to show her.

It took him a minute to decide.

"Punch me in the throat."

Talia's eyes widened. "What?"

Damon gave her an encouraging nod and repeated while pointing at his Adam's apple. "Punch me in the throat."

"That's a killing move.", Keith said from the side with a frown.

Damon didn't deny it. "If Talia is in danger and needs to physically defend herself, she shouldn't hesitate in taking down her opponent." He really meant it. Anyone who attacks Talia deserves to die.

Damon saw Talia's shocked face and backtracked. "With your strength, you probably can't kill a guy, but he will have trouble breathing. Come on. Right now, I'm the enemy and I will attack you. Defend yourself."

Without any warning, Damon moved toward Talia and yanked her arm, pulling her toward him.

Before Talia realized what's going on, Damon hugged her from behind and her back pressed against his chest as he arched slightly above her.

Talia sucked in a sharp breath at this sudden invasion. But why did it feel so intimate?

Damon spoke to Talia in a low voice, "If a guy is openly making a move against your will, he won't hesitate to restrain you and harm you. Do you want to defend yourself? You need to decide if you want to be a timid victim or a fierce fighter. Do you have it in you to fight back, or will you go to the safe house and let warriors handle it?"

Talia knew that Damon was talking about the last night's incident. He said that she should go to the safe house, yet she didn't listen. With her gentle mentality, Talia couldn't bear to harm anyone, and she also knew that if the bad guys came to the town square instead of Damon, she would be an easy target. A victim. A hostage. A liability.

Damon held her without any force, yet she couldn't budge.

Now she understood why Damon was so relieved to find her last night. He feared that she was captured or hurt. Would he be able to fight against the baddies if they had her in their hands? She didn't have an answer to this question.

Talia pressed her lips into a line as the gravity of the situation weighed on her.

"I'm sorry.", Talia said.

Axel bolted to his feet. He couldn't take it anymore. "You are scaring her!"

Damon cocked an eyebrow at Axel. "Scaring? I think that before learning how to kick an immobile target, Talia should understand what she will be facing. Don't tell me that you learned how to fight by being coddled."

Axel's frown deepened, but he didn't argue. Damon was right. If anyone wants to learn how to fight, they need to get out of their comfort zone.

Damon grabbing Talia from behind and holding her in place was nothing compared to what Axel went through while training. Even now, as a seasoned fighter, Axel ends up with cuts and bruises after heated spar sessions. It's normal for werewolves. Actually, they enjoy a good challenge because one can learn only by facing strong opponents.

Axel knew that he shouldn't meddle, but for some reason, Axel didn't want Talia to fight. He wanted her to live in safety and comfort and… she didn't belong on the battlefield.

Seeing that Axel gave up on interfering and that Maddox observed all this with amusement, Damon lowered his head and continued talking to Talia. "I can teach you as many moves as you want, but none of them will be useful if you are not willing to fight. Didn't Keith show you how to kick? Kick me. I told you that you can punch me in the throat. Do it. I won't retaliate. Make me let go of you."

'Easier said than done', Talia thought.

Out of all the people in the world, Damon is the last one she would be able to harm. Not because her punch won't be more than a mosquito bite to him, but because he was the person she cherished the most.

Yes, Damon got that spot in her heart, and even if he abandons her, regardless of the circumstances, Talia will cherish their every moment together as a precious memory.

Talia turned her head to see Damon whose chin was rubbing on her shoulder as he spoke, and she blinked when she realized how close they were. So close.

Just a bit closer and they could kiss.

Inappropriate thoughts.

Damon observed Talia's cheeks that were getting increasingly red, and he chuckled.

"Kitten…", he whispered. "Like this, I will never let go of you."

Talia's lips didn't move, but her smile was clearly visible in her honeyed eyes. She didn't want him to let go. Ever.

---

 

Chapter 128 - Talia’s New Trainer

Keith was timid from the moment Damon showed up in the training center, and things went downhill when Damon announced that there will be a competition to determine Talia's trainer.

Keith was confident in his skills, but in this case, he was going against his Alpha. No one wins when he goes against Alpha. That's why Damon is Alpha; he is the best. In everything.

However, seeing that Damon was unusually non-intimidating and he was not even trying to train Talia, Keith found a bit of courage in the back of his heart as his competitive spirit urged him to speak up.

Keith showed Talia an effective kick and she practiced, while Damon only held her from behind. The victor was obvious. Right? RIGHT!?

Wouldn't it be glorious to have a victory against an Alpha as a badge of honor? And Damon has a fierce reputation as an Alpha who never lost a fight.

"I thought that the competition was about teaching Talia a defensive move.", Keith reminded everyone in his business tone.

Without letting go of Talia, Damon directed his gaze at Keith.

On the inside, Damon was irked that Keith interrupted his Talia-time. He was hugging Talia and inhaling her scent while enjoying the sparks of the bond, and they were having a moment, damn it!

"Yes, we were to teach Talia to defend herself. You went with a kick, and I went with a punch in the throat.", Damon said with a straight face.

Alpha Maddox and Axel were nodding at Damon's words, and Keith had to agree that what Damon said was right. But something was fishy.

"So, how do we know who won?", Keith asked.

"The criteria was that the winner is the one whose teaching is more effective. Talia will decide.", Damon said and glanced at the clock that was hanging on the wall. "There is no need to decide yet. You practiced with Talia for ten minutes, and I still have five more minutes to go."

With that, Damon lowered his head and rested his chin on Talia's shoulder.

Keith's mouth hung open. Did Damon say that he will just stand there and hug Talia for another five minutes?

Alpha Maddox and Axel were also staring at Damon in disbelief and Talia would probably laugh at Damon's shameless behavior if she was not in the middle of it with the audience watching.

This was the playful Damon she would always welcome. This Damon made her happy, but she was painfully aware of all the people staring their way; there were many eyes directed at them, and not just from the three guys who were in the vicinity.

Seeing that Damon had no intention of letting her go and that he didn't care about people who were staring at them, Talia gave up. "OK. I admit. Your teaching is better."

"Hm? You need to be more specific.", Damon said with a smile as he could smell the victory. It smelled citrusy sweet, like freesia.

Talia wiggled a bit and Damon released her from his hold.

Talia turned to face Damon. "I want to learn to fight, and I believe you know best what I'm lacking."

Damon grinned victoriously and before he could respond, Talia spoke to Keith, "Alpha Damon will teach me how to fight, but I also need to build my strength and stamina without straining my body, and for that, I will rely on your assistance, coach Keith."

Damon frowned at this. How come Keith was still in the picture? But he didn't want to fuss about it. He got Keith out of the training where he would have physical contact with Talia, and Damon was pleased with this small victory. For now.

"I want to have access to your schedule of training with Talia.", Damon said to Keith.

There was no way Damon will allow Keith to have alone time with Talia. Damon will come up with an excuse to be at the training center when Talia is with Keith, but he couldn't reveal his petty reason, so he came up with something else, "I need to know about her physical condition so that I don't overdo as I teach her how to fight."

"Yes, Alpha.", Keith responded respectfully.

Damon moved closer to Talia, and he put his hand on her back, pushing her to move toward the dressing rooms. He really wanted her to cover up.

Damon already decided to use one of the rooms in the packhouse for training, so that others can't see Talia like this… exposed. Omegas can clean up the room, add a mat or two, a mirror on the wall, and a few machines. That can be done by tomorrow.

Ah, it will be just the two of them, and he can tackle her on the mat and kiss her until their lips go numb! Damon was excited.

Talia was confused. Why is Damon making her go into the dressing room?

When Talia looked at Damon questionably, he explained, "Your lesson for today is over. As your newly appointed trainer, I want us to have a good chat so that I can understand your needs and expectations. Let's talk this afternoon…"

Axel observed all this in silence while Maddox's interest in Talia increased.

Seeing how Damon was acting around Talia, and knowing that Damon has a short fuse, Maddox was confident that there will be a scuffle, or at least that the poor coach will suffer a miserable defeat.

Unexpectedly, Talia managed to solve the situation without any blood getting spilled. To make it even more unbelievable, no egos were hurt and both Keith and Damon seem to be content with this outcome.

What kind of magical power she has? Maddox was not sure but Talia being able to achieve this feat was absolutely fantastic.

…

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...

Shortly before lunch, in the packhouse…

Alpha Maddox went to check on Mindy, and he found her packing. They were planning to leave the Dark Howlers pack in the afternoon.

Knowing that Mindy spent some time with Talia, Maddox asked what she thinks about Talia.

To Maddox's disappointment, Mindy didn't know anything noteworthy, but when she told him that Talia is helping in the kitchen, Maddox perked up.

He knew that Axel was with Damon in Damon's study, so this was a great opportunity for him to talk to Talia without Damon hovering.

Just as Mindy said, Maddox found Talia in the kitchen.

"Talia…", Maddox called. "Can we have a word?"

Talia glanced at Stephanie only to see the latter nodding for her to go.

Talia wiped the seasoned breadcrumbs from her hands and removed the apron before heading for the door.

She didn't dare to look at Zina and Dawn. Talia knew that those two were close to bursting with questions since breakfast, and the only reason why they didn't jump on Talia so far was thanks to Stephanie's presence.

But now Alpha Maddox came looking for Talia and she was confident that Zina and Dawn just added another bunch of inquiries related to Talia's situation.

Talia followed Maddox into the garden while wondering what he wants.

"I spoke with your Alpha about you coming to the Blue River pack.", Maddox said.

Talia's eyes widened as her stomach tied into painful knots. Is Damon sending her away? "What did he say?"

Maddox smirked in amusement. Talia's anxiousness was easy to read.

Maddox had several theories about Damon's behavior related to Talia, but now he confirmed that whatever is going on, it's mutual.

He didn't want to tease her. "Damon refused my offer."

Talia relaxed visibly at Maddox's words. It was his offer, which means that Damon didn't want to send her away. Actually, he refused. Talia liked that. But why would Alpha Maddox want for her to come to his pack?

Her brows furrowed in confusion when Maddox gave her a business card.

"This is my personal number. Call me if you need help."

Feeling that it's rude to refuse an Alpha, Talia took the card, but she had to say, "I am aware that you and Alpha Damon have a close relationship. If I am doing well here, I won't need help from you, and if I plan to escape, you will be the second last person I would call, with the last one being Alpha Damon."

Maddox was surprised by this answer. But then he put that in the context of Talia being abused before coming to the Dark Howlers pack, and he understood her reasoning.

"You can call me if Damon needs help."

"You think that he will need help and not contact you?"

Maddox hummed in confirmation. "Damon is a prideful person."

Talia flipped the card a few times before asking, "Why don't you give this to Betas? Why me?"

"Betas will obey his command. You are different." Maddox looked at Talia thoughtfully before adding, "Damon is different when he is with you."

Talia had so many questions, but before she could ask any, Damon's angry voice reached them, "Do I need to install some tracker on you? Didn't I tell you to stay away from Talia?"

Maddox winked at Talia when he saw her putting his card in her back pocket, and he raised his hands defensively toward Damon.

"We were only talking. Chill. It's not like I was about to steal the girl."

Damon snorted irritably and stood in front of Talia to visually examine her.

"Did he do anything to make you uncomfortable?"

"No. We were just talking.", Talia responded to Damon before turning to Maddox. "If that's all, I will return to the kitchen…"

Without waiting for a response, Talia scurried back into the packhouse.

She really wanted to know what Maddox meant when he said that Damon is different when he is with her, but she had a feeling that another chance for a private chat with Alpha Maddox won't come easily. Even if she finds herself alone with him, how is she supposed to just bring up that topic?

Thinking about the card that Alpha Maddox gave her, Talia smiled a little. Adding to Axel's and Mindy's numbers, this was her third phone number, and she didn't have a phone yet! And the awesome thing was that all three numbers she had belonged to impressive characters.

Talia decided to talk to Stephanie when she gets a chance and to figure out how she can get a phone. Maybe she can ask for a salary because she is helping in the kitchen... at this thought, Talia felt like crying. She didn't really help much because someone would often call her to step out, or she would make a mess. Ah, it seemed hopeless.

 

 

Chapter 129 - Nora’s Ruse

~ the Red Moon pack ~

Marcy was reading a book before lunchtime when she heard several quick knocks on the door of her room.

Before Marcy could respond, the door opened, and Nora peeked in.

"Busy?", Nora asked.

Marcy's lips stretched into her well-practiced smile.

Ever since Damon left the Red Moon pack, almost two weeks ago, Marcy is aware that Nora is after Damon.

Normally, Marcy wouldn't care what Nora and Damon are doing in their private time, but Nora was supposed to be her best friend in the Red Moon pack, while Damon was her fiancé-to-be.

How can Marcy not have grievances after finding Nora's panties tucked under the bed in the room Damon was using?

Sure, Alphas have a reputation of leaving a trail of women behind them but what's Nora's excuse?

But Marcy knew better than to spill everything. Since then, Marcy was watching Nora and waiting for the right chance to strike back.

"How can I be busy for you? There are no secrets between us.", Marcy responded. "I assume you are here with a reason."

Nora nodded and handed her phone to Marcy. "Look at this…"

Marcy checked the phone that had a photo open. It was a picture of Damon and someone in his embrace... the two of them are in the crowd... under the tall black clocktower.

"What am I looking at?", Marcy asked.

"Don't you recognize the guy?"

Marcy rolled her eyes. "Of course. That's Alpha Damon." Marcy was about to scroll to the next photo, but Nora snatched her phone away.

"There are a few more photos, but there is no clear one that would show the girl's face. Photos show her as a petite female with light brown hair, but her face is either obstructed by Alpha Damon, or by the people around them.", Nora explained. "I'm trying to find out if any of my contacts were there and if they know who she is."

"Out of all the women swarming around Alpha Damon, why is this one important?"

"Do you really not get it?" Nora gave Marcy a meaningful look. "This was taken last night." She made a dramatic pause before continuing, "When Alpha Damon kicked out Cassie and banned her from coming to his pack, we assumed that he is taking your engagement seriously. He postponed your visit with an excuse how he didn't have time to meet with you, but this photo is the evidence that he had time for some random girl. He is your fiancé. This is blatant disrespect."

Marcy sneered at Nora's hypocrisy. If she didn't know that Nora screwed Damon less than two weeks ago in this same packhouse, Marcy would believe that Nora is actually thinking about her interests.

"He might be handsome and popular, but his behavior is inexcusable.", Nora continued her rant.

Marcy knew that Nora was up to something. "What do you suggest?"

Nora's eyes lit up when she confirmed that Marcy was interested in hearing more.

Nora had a plan ready.

Ever since Damon left the Red Moon pack, Nora can't stop thinking about him and she would do anything to get back into his visual range. She can still feel him pillaging her insides and she really wants to experience that again. Surely, if it was amazing for her, it was good for him also, right?

Unfortunately, Nora is powerless to get in touch with Damon herself, but Marcy is different and Nora plans to use that even if it means that she needs to scheme and suck up to others.

With every passing day, Nora's hate for Marcy is growing. Before Marcy showed up, Nora was the highest-ranking female in the Red Moon pack among the younger generation and everyone looked up to her.

But then Marcy returned and everything is about Marcy now. Whoever talks to Nora, it's about how they are hoping that Nora can put them in touch with Marcy. Marcy-this, Marcy-that... princess Marcy. Hmph!

Nora despises Marcy for many things, but the most hateful thing Marcy did was that because of Marcy's incompetence, Alpha Damon left! If Damon stayed longer, Nora was confident that she would get more chances to interact with him. And he left without prior notice. Nora didn't even get a chance to say goodbye.

Nora's smile didn't falter while looking at Marcy and wishing for a bucket of tar and chicken feathers to fall on her finely combed blonde hair.

"You shouldn't be so calm after seeing this photo, Marcy. Alpha Damon's Luna can't be a pushover.", Nora said matter-of-factly. "Actually, I already showed this to Alpha Edward, and he agrees that you shouldn't wait for another week until you go to see him…"

Marcy's stomach formed knots as the realization sank in; she underestimated Nora. She knew that Nora was scheming, but she didn't think that the blasted backstabber will actually go to the Alpha.

Handling Nora is one thing, but Alpha Edward is a whole new level of difficulty.

Did Nora say that Marcy should go to the Dark Howlers pack earlier?

Alpha Damon is easily irritable and if Marcy pushes again to see him sooner, he might bail out of that engagement completely. Actually, maybe that will be a good thing. As much as being a Luna of the largest pack in North America sounds like a glorious title, a lifetime with a guy like Alpha Damon will be a punishment.

Alpha Damon refused to see her last time. What will they do to change his mind?

Or do they plan for Marcy to just head to the Dark Howlers pack without announcing her visit? What if they don't let her in? That would be embarrassing.

Nora was still talking when Marcy got a message through the mind-link from her father. He was waiting for her in the study.

…

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...

Marcy noticed that it was only her father in his study.

"Sit, Marcy…", Alpha Edward said while gesturing toward the chair that was on the other side of the desk from him.

"I believe that Nora told you about Alpha Damon being seen with some woman last night at the festival at the Dark Howlers pack."

Marcy nodded at her father's words, unsure how she should react.

Should she be high and dignified as a future Luna, or should she throw a tantrum because her so-called lover was seen with another woman?

"We need to speed up our plans.", Alpha Edward said. "We can't allow him to spend time with random women."

"What's the plan?", Marcy asked reluctantly.

"Beta Caden told me that Alpha Damon is not available today. Tomorrow morning, I will call and tell them that you have another trip planned, to visit your aunt, and the Dark Howlers pack is on the way. You will have dinner with him, make sure it's in public and that someone takes photos…"

Marcy was surprised that her father already planned for all this. He also had a scheme where an incident will happen with her aunt, so Marcy won't continue her journey and will remain in the Dark Howlers pack. Of course, a visit to her aunt is just an excuse. If Marcy says that she is just passing by, Damon won't have a reason to refuse her for a get-together that won't last more than a few hours. When she tells him that her aunt had an accident, Damon will be heartless if he doesn't let her stay longer. He might even comfort her. Smart.

"… If you go on your own it will be suspicious. Nora volunteered to accompany you."

"Did she?", Marcy asked. "How nice of her."

Alpha Edward nodded solemnly. "She is very supportive. You are lucky to have her by your side."

Marcy felt like throwing up. Lucky? It seems that her father doesn't know that Nora slept with his future son-in-law while he tried to negotiate a marriage for his daughter. Marcy wondered if her father would even care about it. Probably not.

The more Marcy thought about this, the more she realized that Nora is behind this push for Marcy to go and visit Damon as soon as possible.

But what's Nora's agenda?

Damon is known for not repeating his hookups, or does Nora think that she is different?

Nora can't be delusional to think that she is a candidate to be Damon's Luna. Or maybe she plans that when Marcy is only one step from the goal, Nora can do something so that Marcy can't attend the wedding and Nora takes her spot? Or maybe she drugs Damon and ends up tricking him into marking her?

Each idea was crazier than the previous one, and Marcy had no way to confirm the truth, but Marcy was certain that Nora was not her friend and that she shouldn't dance according to Nora's tune.

"Can I speak freely?", Marcy asked. When her father nodded, she continued, "What if Alpha Damon is just letting the steam before tying the knot? He should know that once I become his Luna and we complete the mating ceremony, he will lose interest in other women. After all, he didn't reject the arrangement, he only said that he had other priorities currently and he even promised to make it up to me when I visit him one week from now."

Alpha Edward paused. "You think so?"

"I can't be certain, but to be honest, I will prefer if Alpha Damon gets his last kinks out before I show up. What if he has few women with him now? Do I need to compete with those nobodies for his attention? Or will he chase them away and be irritable because his plans were altered due to my unexpected visit?"

 

 

Chapter 130 - Guests Are Leaving

~ the Red Moon pack ~

Alpha Edward thought how Marcy's words made sense, but he still wanted to confirm, "You are fine with waiting until our previously arranged date to go to the Dark Howlers pack?"

What Marcy really wanted was to return to Paris and continue with her life outside of these power-hungry games. Was that an option? Of course, not.

Marcy told herself that she feels this way only because she didn't see Damon in nearly two weeks. When they reunite, she will fall under the spell of attraction caused by his domineering aura.

Every she-wolf is weak toward powerful men, and Damon is at the top of that desirability ladder.

But no matter how powerful or attractive Damon is, it's undeniable that Luna of the Dark Howlers pack is in an amazing position, and she shouldn't delude herself that she can return to how her life was. Her father wouldn't allow it.

Once Damon puts his mark on her, the bond will form between them and Marcy will have eyes only for him, and then she will be happy there.

Sometimes, Marcy would wonder, after Damon marks her, will she feel the same attraction she felt for George? Her heart still aches whenever she thinks about those Adonis-like features. His scent. His touch. Everything about George felt right, made for her. Everything, except for his status.

Marcy reminded herself to focus. Her father was watching, and she can't get lost in daydreaming about a guy who was her whole world for a few short minutes until she rejected him.

When facing Alpha Edward's suspicious gaze, Marcy realized that she needs to tread carefully.

Refusing to participate in his plans related to her becoming the Luna of the Dark Howlers pack was not an option. Her father was always greedy for more, and disobedience leads to punishments.

"I don't mind going earlier to the Dark Howlers pack, but I don't see an urgency to push for it.", Marcy said. "Is it worth endangering our shaky relationship with Alpha Damon in exchange for only a few days? It won't serve any good if he believes that we are forcing him into this marriage. What if he holds a grudge? I believe that we should let him have his way until the deadline he set himself. How about you give him a reminder that his last night's debauchery went viral and that he should do it low-key in order not to offend me?"

After a moment of thought, Alpha Edward agreed with Marcy's suggestion. He wondered, why did he allow Nora to spur him into thinking how Damon is slipping away? After all, it's just one woman. Even if it was five women at the same time, it wouldn't be a big deal. Every Alpha has his share of women before he settles with his mate, and Damon is not different.

To Alpha Edward, this showed Nora's impatience and immaturity, while Marcy demonstrated a good head on her shoulders. He approved. By staying calm and thinking rationally, Marcy will be useful, as long as she prioritizes him and the Red Moon pack.

He was aware that now he can control Marcy, but what will happen when she becomes Damon's Luna? She will be part of a different pack, with a power of her own. If she plays her cards right, Damon will do whatever she wants, and Marcy was smart.

Alpha Edward spent a lot of time and effort to get Marcy engaged to Damon, with the goal of getting more influence and power, and if Marcy turns her back on him, it will be all for naught.

Because of this, Alpha Edward told himself that he should treat Marcy right so that when the time comes, she doesn't alienate herself from him.

"I like that you think long term.", he praised her. "Don't worry about this and focus on getting yourself pampered. No matter how well Alpha Damon treats you as his Luna, nothing compares to the home where you grew up. You will go to the Dark Howlers pack in a week. Make use of your time here."

Marcy smiled at this small victory and thought about pushing her luck a bit more. "Daddy, can I ask for one thing?"

Alpha Edward gestured for Marcy to go ahead.

"I'm not sure if Nora should accompany me to the Dark Howlers pack."

"What's wrong with Nora? Did you have an argument?"

Everything is wrong with Nora. Backstabbing whore! "It's nothing like that, daddy. I am the princess of the Red Moon pack, and I'm going to spend some time with my future Alpha, and what's Nora's role? My moral support? A good Luna doesn't need moral support. Will she be the third wheel? I'm confident that Alpha Damon and I don't need one of those. Or is Nora going as security? She doesn't look like a warrior."

Seeing that Alpha Edward frowned, Marcy quickly backtracked, "I don't mind Nora going, but we should think about the message we are sending. If you can give me a few of our warriors, that would be for the best. Get someone you trust; you know that there are many who won't be pleased that I'm Alpha Damon's Luna. What if I get attacked?"

Alpha Edward contemplated this in silence for some time before agreeing. "Safety comes first. I will let you know who will accompany you once I pick suitable candidates."

Marcy was almost happy with this outcome. She was back to not rushing to meet with Damon, and the only thing she needed to figure out was Nora.

It's one thing to sleep with Alpha Damon, but why was Nora adamant about going with Marcy? And it seemed that Nora wanted just the two of them to go. Why? So that she can get rid of Marcy without witnesses?

Actually, Marcy could see that happening. And her father is so power-hungry that he won't think twice before telling Nora to continue with the plan instead of Marcy.

Maybe Marcy can't remove Nora from the group, but if there are more people going, it will be difficult for Nora to do whatever she is scheming.

…

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...

~ the Dark Howlers pack ~

Later that afternoon...

Maddox and Mindy were next to their car, in front of the packhouse of the Dark Howlers pack. They were exchanging some last words with Damon before leaving, and Talia observed the scene from the door.

Before stepping outside, Maddox shook hands with Talia, and Mindy gave her a hug. Both of them told Talia to stay in touch and that she is welcome to visit the Blue River pack anytime. It was the first time for Talia to go through such a parting ceremony and she was content with staying at the door and giving Damon privacy. He must have some Alpha things to talk about, and Talia was planning to wave as Maddox and Mindy drive away.

As a bonus, Talia got the pleasure of looking at Damon without appearing rude or out of place. Caden and Maya were a few steps away, also looking toward the trio.

Now that Damon was in his business mode, dashing and dressed up in black trousers and a crisp white shirt, talking seriously to Maddox and Mindy, Talia wondered if their morning cuddles with kissing were just figments of her imagination. Is it possible that she was in Damon's embrace? His hands were in her hair, his lips on hers, and he was telling her how she tastes sweet, and he can't have enough of her kisses. His voice was deep and magnetizing and everything smelled of the forest and the dark chocolate. It was surreal.

Just thinking about Damon's icy-blue eyes that were burning with unknown fire made Talia press her legs together. Oh, God! She was getting aroused just like that! How inappropriate.

With her peripheral vision, Talia noticed movement, and she turned to see Axel coming down from the second floor with his Beta Kai and Gamma Tyler by his side.

Kai and Tyler are about Axel's age; their fathers are respectively Beta and Gamma in the Midnight Guardians pack where important roles are being inherited from parents to children. When Axel officially becomes the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack, Kai and Tyler will take over the roles that their fathers are currently holding.

Kai and Tyler are decent fighters, but their real strengths are in managing people, analyzing situations, and loyalty to Axel and the Midnight Guardians pack.

From the day they were born, Kai and Tyler were groomed for serving their Alpha and the pack, and they are very good at what they are doing.

Since they arrived at the Dark Howlers pack, Kai and Tyler were in the common building with other members of their pack who came to participate in the Summer Solstice festival, and they joined Axel in time for lunch with everyone.

During lunch, Talia noticed that Kai is the chatty one, while Tyler's personality aligns with Axel's (the quiet type). They were polite and Talia admired how Kai and Tyler treated her with respect, and at the same time, they were talking to Alphas as equals. It's a difficult balance to strike as most of the werewolves would either submit to Alphas or get drunk on power and look down on the weaker ones.

Seeing that the trio was approaching her, Talia realized that in just a bit, all guests will leave, and the packhouse will return to its previous quiet self.

It was hectic, but Talia saw the last few days as a valuable experience. After all, since she came to the Dark Howlers pack, she was never bored.