Ch. 511..520

Chapter 511 Together as one (2) [Bonus chapter]

Author's note:

Thank you, Peaches1, for the Magic Castle gifted on April 14, 2022!

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Now back to the novel... :)

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Talia and Damon enjoyed their current intimacy. They were lying side by side on the bed, naked, and gazing into each other's eyes. It was cheeky and comforting and the silvery glow around them made the moment much more special as proof that their bond reached the next level.

They relished the present while silently exchanging emotions and it was the best thing ever. However, Talia was aware that there were many things she needed to tell him, so she decided to start with one.

"There is a prophecy in the Midnight Guardians pack that speaks about a child blessed by the Moon Goddess who will bring calamity. Axel and his parents believe that's me."

Damon's brows came together in a frown. Talia didn't tell him anything about what happened at the Midnight Guardians pack, or with Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia. The only thing he knew was that two Alphas lost their positions and that Axel was now in charge of that pack. But one thing bothered him more than that Alpha family.

"Calamity? You?", Damon asked while shaking his head. How could the kindest person he ever met be the bringer of bad things? "I will show them calamity when I get my hands on all the people who dared to harm you and get between us."

Talia was touched by Damon's words. There was no questioning, no doubts, no fear, only acceptance.

"Aren't you worried that my abilities might get out of control?"

"No.", Damon said right away. "The only thing that worries me is that one day you will realize I am unworthy of you, and you will leave me."

"That won't happen, silly.", Talia said and poked his chest with her index finger in fake anger. "I didn't leave you when I didn't know we were mates. How could I leave you now when I know that you are mine?"

Damon pursed his lips. "True. You shouldn't abandon me. I will be lost without you."

Talia looked at the Alpha who melted her into an emotional mush with a few words. But a second later his mood worsened.

"What's wrong?", Talia asked.

"I want you to tell me who gave you hard time or looked down at you. They can't be left alone."

"You know I can take care of myself, right?"

"I do. But I hope you will allow me to take care of you. I am your mate and making sure you are safe and happy is my right and duty.", Damon said earnestly before asking, "Will you allow me to do it?"

"Only if I can take care of you in return."

Damon's lips lifted into a smile. "I will be counting on that, Mrs. Blake. I want to announce to the whole world that the Dark Howlers pack will be led by two Alphas, as equals."

Talia's heart soared. She thought that being Damon's Luna was an honor, yet here was Damon, wanting to place her on a pedestal as his equal, and change the structure of his pack that was there since its founding by Damon's ancestors. Can he be any sweeter? But there was one technicality... "Let's leave that announcement for after the dark magic is dispelled. Our pack should know about it first, and then the rest of the world."

'Our pack', words echoed in Damon's mind. "I think that I saved a planet in my last life to deserve such an amazing mate."

"And you probably destroyed a few while saving that one because you have Marcy and so many others clinging onto you.", Talia said without missing a beat.

Damon was not discouraged, not now when he had a plan to take care of Marcy. And when the world finds out that Talia was not only his fated mate but also his equal, other women will be nuts if they still feed their delusions of being worthy of him. No one was better than Talia.

Damon nuzzled Talia's nose with his. "There can be millions of them dreaming about me, but those will stay dreams because I have eyes only for one woman."

"Mine.", Talia said.

"Mhm…", Damon hummed in agreement. "Yours, kitten. And you are mine."

He touched her neck with his index finger and Talia's eyelids became heavy. He loved her reaction.

"My mark is showing.", Damon said with pride, and Talia's eyes snapped open.

"What?"

"It's faint, but it's there."

Talia scooted higher to check his neck and she smiled a little.

"Is there something?", Damon asked and a moment later an image flashed in his mind, showing his neck with an irregular light pattern on the skin that looked like an old scar, but Damon knew that he never had scars there. Talia's mark was forming there.

"Show me mine.", Talia demanded and a second later she frowned. "It's a hickey."

Damon narrowed his eyes in protest. "What do you mean, a hickey? Don't you see the lines? Normally it takes a few days for a mark to take shape."

"If you say so.", Talia responded and moved closer to plant small kisses at the base of his neck. She didn't really think about Damon wearing her mark, but now that it was there, she was happy and eager to see how it will look when it was done forming.

Damon shivered at her butterfly-light kisses on his skin. It aroused him almost as much as Talia's naked body sticking to his. His eyes widened when he felt her teeth there.

"What are you doing?", Damon rasped.

"If I bite you again, I might speed up the process. I want everyone to know you are mine.", Talia said cheekily.

A hearty laugh ripped from Damon's chest. He really loved that she was claiming him as hers.

In one swift move, he rolled them over, ending on top of her.

"Did you forget that marking is the sweetest when I'm deep inside you? Should we start?"

"Aren't you just sweet-talking your way into sex?"

"For sex with you, I will do anything. Sweet talking included. But that is only for you, kitten." Damon cocked an eyebrow when Talia pursed her lips. "There is no point in faking grumpiness because I can feel your emotions, and there is this…" Damon took Talia's hand into his and lifted it at their eye level, both hands glowed in rhythmical pulses of silvery light like the rest of their bodies.

"What about it?", Talia asked, unsuccessful in suppressing her smile.

"The bond between us is stronger. I can feel it inside me and all around me, just like this glow. It's magical. You are magical. Mine. And I know you want me just as much as I want you."

Before Talia could respond, Damon captured her lips with his, and she realized that she didn't want to talk because there was no need for words between them. They could feel each other's emotions, and the sense of belonging and acceptance was overwhelming, making their love swell to another level, igniting the passion that came with arousal they were eager to quelch, even though they knew it will never be enough.

Chapter 512 Unpleasant breakfast (1)

During their morning shower, Talia checked Damon's condition.

There were no black runes visible on his body, Sapa was unreachable, and their bond was solid.

Witches told Talia that the black runes were unpredictable, and she really hoped that the full moon ritual will be effective and that Sapa won't suffer any permanent consequences.

Damon assured Talia that he was fine, other than not being able to reach his wolf.

After double-confirming that both of their necks still had remnants of the last night's marking (even though they didn't mark each other again in the morning), Talia and Damon reluctantly left the bedroom in time to join others for breakfast.

They enjoyed the privacy that the third floor of the packhouse provided, but they had guests and many important things to handle. Lovey-dovey time was over. For now.

Talia and Damon descended the stairs into the lounge on the main floor to see Cornelia sitting on the sofa. She stood up and looked at them, as an obvious sign that she was waiting for them.

Cornelia saw Talia and Damon coming down the stairs and holding each other tightly like they didn't want to put a single fraction of space between them. Cornelia never met Damon, but she knew that he was Talia's mate because he looked at Talia in the same way Axel looked at Yasmin.

Cornelia hid the dejection that grew inside her behind a stiff expression. Will she ever get to experience that feeling of intimacy that only a mate could provide? Before last night, Cornelia believed that her mate was out there, and they will meet eventually, but now that she met him and the magic didn't happen… Cornelia was not sure what to expect.

'That is Cornelia. She is a high-ranking witch.', Talia told Damon through the mind-link. 'Thanks to her we have the potion and spell to remove dark magic.'

Talia was happy that the mind-link came in handy already. It was like their little secret and it made her feel even closer to him.

Damon knew from memories Talia shared who Cornelia was, but he appreciated this reminder because any female other than Talia was not important, hence, in danger of being forgotten.

When Damon and Talia reached the bottom of the stairs, Cornelia called, "Talia, may I have a word?"

Seeing that Damon had no intention of letting Talia out of his hold, Cornelia added, "I will appreciate it if I can talk to Talia in private." Damon was Talia's mate, but to Cornelia, he was a stranger.

Damon frowned, but he didn't object, so Talia took that as an OK.

"Let me introduce you first. This is Damon, my mate."

And just like that, Damon's sour mood was gone. This was the first time for Talia to announce him as her mate!

"Damon, this is Cornelia, the Priestess in the Silver Flame Coven. Until we officially open the passages, and our people start mingling, we will be introducing her as Gideon's cousin."

Cornelia and Damon exchanged a few pleasantries and then Cornelia went with Talia to the living room, leaving Damon to stand in the lounge.

Damon didn't want to go to the dining room without Talia and he also didn't want to leave Talia out of his visual range but sneaking on them didn't seem right.

Damon got an idea.

He took his phone and turned on the feed from the security camera in the living room, and then he put a Bluetooth earpiece in to listen to what was going on there. With that, he went to the dining room.

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In the living room…

"It seems that the potion worked.", Cornelia said.

"Yes, thank you. Is that why you wanted to talk to me in private?" Talia didn't want to waste time on chit-chat because being away from Damon was making her nervous, and Marcy might be there any moment.

Damon told Talia the plan and she knew Damon got this under control, but still, she needed his proximity.

"I want to leave.", Cornelia said.

Talia was confused. "Leave? Where?"

"Back to the Midnight Guardians pack, and maybe home."

"Why? Did something happen?", Talia continued probing. She remembered that Cornelia was enthusiastic to explore other realms, so this request came as a surprise.

Cornelia was not willing to talk about James and what happened between them. Or maybe it was better to say what DIDN'T happen.

Last night, Cornelia spotted many mated couples, and right here in the packhouse were Mindy and Gideon, Maya and Caden, Dawn and George, and now Talia and Damon. They were all couples, and the fact that James couldn't see her as his mate was gut-wrenching. After a night of no sleep, Cornelia's resolve to leave this place firmed. She wanted to go far away from James.

"I feel homesick. That's all."

Talia didn't believe her, but she also didn't feel it was right to probe into Cornelia's private matters. They were not close and if Cornelia didn't want to open up, there was nothing Talia could do about it.

"I understand.", Talia said. "But will you consider staying another day or two? Tomorrow evening is the full moon, and I would be at ease with the knowledge that you will be here in case something goes wrong with the ritual or if Damon relapses."

Cornelia was not willing, but she remembered Evanora's words that since Cornelia was going with Talia, it was her duty to represent witches and leave a good impression. With that, Cornelia agreed reluctantly. It was just one extra day. "Alright. After the ritual, I will leave."

"Thank you, Cornelia. In the meantime, if there is anything you need to make your stay here more pleasant, just let me know. If you want, we can arrange for someone to show you around. Darkbourne is nearby, and there is a human city a bit further. The human city is bigger and has many things you didn't see."

Cornelia thought that going sightseeing would be nice. It will definitely be better compared to sitting in the packhouse and waiting for the time to pass, and she didn't want to risk lingering in the area and bumping into James again. "Yes, please. I would love to see the town with someone." Maybe she could go into the restaurant or a sweetshop and try local delicacies.

Talia was happy with this. "Excellent. We can assign you a few warriors to act as guides and for protection. Let me think about this and we can talk more after breakfast." Talia was eager to join Damon and she could mind-link with him about who would be the best to escort Cornelia.

…

Talia and Cornelia entered the dining room and Talia quickly scanned the people present, releasing a breath of relief when she confirmed that Marcy was still not there.

Damon was already on his feet, holding a chair for Talia to sit, on his left.

Cornelia's brows came together at the sensation of a familiar pull, the same one she felt last night. Her sight fell on the back of a head full of blonde hair and she couldn't believe her luck. James. What was he doing there?

Cornelia met him last night in the garden, and then in front of the packhouse, but she didn't imagine that he would actually be here!

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Chapter 513 Unpleasant breakfast (2)

Talia led Cornelia toward the dining table where others were seated.

"I guess this is your first time eating here with everyone, so let me introduce you", Talia said to Cornelia before turning to speak to others in a louder voice, "To the ones who don't know, this is Cornelia. She is Gideon's cousin from far away and she is not used to our customs. I hope everyone can be civil and open-minded."

Talia spoke to Cornelia, "No one here has bad intentions, so if they offend you, it's not intentional. Keep in mind that our ways of living are different. If anything is making you uncomfortable, you need to say so." Talia glanced at other people. "It goes both ways."

Talia gestured while talking to Cornelia, "You met Damon, he is the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack. He owns this place, so if you are not pleased with something, you can tell me or tell him directly. You should be familiar with the next few faces, George, Dawn, Gideon, Mindy, Maya, and Caden. I don't think you met the others. That's James, he is visiting from the Red Moon pack with George, and the others are locals, Petra, Erik, and Zack."

With that, Talia told Cornelia that she can sit at any available spot, and Talia moved toward the chair that Damon was still holding for her.

Dawn, Maya, and Mindy were looking at Damon anxiously, and only when they confirmed he was treating Talia well did they relax. After last night's dinner where Damon allowed Marcy to get close, no one knew what to expect.

Cornelia took her seat on Damon's right without engaging in pleasantries.

If Cornelia knew that James will be right there, at the same table, she would skip breakfast, and ask for food to be brought to her room.

Cornelia shook off the unpleasant feeling. James or not, she will be here for another day or two, help with dispelling the dark magic, and leave.

Talia noticed that Cornelia's mood dropped once they reached the dining room, and she took a mental note to ask Cornelia if someone from the people present offended her somehow.

James gripped the knife in his hand, hoping it will conceal the fact that his hands were shaking.

The whole night he couldn't sleep. James wanted to think about Marcy's unexpected appearance in the packhouse, and what it meant to their plan, but he couldn't focus. His mind was wandering toward the chocolate-colored beauty that appeared out of nowhere and disappeared in the same way. Her absence created a longing he never experienced before.

James cursed himself for allowing Cornelia to leave like that, and he wondered if he will really need to wait two years until he can see her again. The thought that he won't see her ever again was disturbing. Yet here she was, right in front of him, at the same table.

He felt like facepalming. Didn't she go into the packhouse last night? Why didn't he think about the possibility that she was staying here?

James thought of himself as a levelheaded guy whose biggest strength was his brain, but when it came to Cornelia, he turned into an idiot.

Did Talia say how Cornelia was from far away? Maybe she really didn't know about James' background. Even if she knew, it wouldn't change the fact that his heart was thundering against his chest, and he was so anxious that he feared that whatever he ate so far might come out the same way it came in. If he actually vomits, that would be so embarrassing!

James grabbed his glass of water and started sipping anxiously, counting silently from one thousand backward and praying that he won't puke his guts out and make a total ass of himself.

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Damon was busy putting food on Talia's plate and Talia noticed that Cornelia didn't look far from the food items that were closest to her.

"Let me know if you need help with anything.", Talia said to Cornelia.

"This is fine.", Cornelia responded, but Talia was not convinced.

"You must taste these sausages."

Damon piled up quite a bit of everything for Talia, but the serving plate with sausages was on the other side of the table already.

"James, can you pass the plate with sausages?", Talia asked, and James was quick to drop his glass of water and grab the plate Talia requested. His grip was shaky, and the sausages nearly spilled on the table, but Petra's nimble hands grabbed it and saved the day.

"Let me do it.", Petra said, and James let go in favor of returning his focus on the glass of water.

At the sight of Petra passing the plate, Talia thought of something.

"Where are you guys going after this?", Talia asked Petra.

"James said that he has some matters to handle after breakfast. Erik, Zack, and I were planning to hang out in the town square until James is done, and then the four of us will head to the human city for the day."

Talia knew that the work James had after breakfast was related to Marcy.

"Cornelia", Talia called. "Petra, Zack, and Erik will be in Darkbourne and head to the human city later with James. They usually have some fun activities planned. You can consider joining them if you wish." She glanced at Petra. "That's not a problem, right?"

Petra shrugged with, "The more, the merrier."

Cornelia looked at Talia blankly. "I thought you will give me a few warriors for protection."

Damon felt that it was his turn to speak. "Petra, Erik, and Zack might appear young, but they are capable. With them around, you don't need to worry about safety."

Petra, Zack, and Erik exchanged worried glances. Them to keep Cornelia safe? Ah, their Alpha didn't know that Cornelia froze them with a wave of her finger, but they didn't want to talk about it.

"That's not what I meant.", Cornelia said and turned to Talia. "I don't want to look like a grownup taking youngsters for an outing."

'COUGH! COUGH!', James coughed violently, nearly choking on the water he was drinking. Was she talking about him? Damn it!

Talia thought about Cornelia's comment, and she realized that it made sense. Cornelia's appearance put her in her early twenties, and even though James, Zack, Erik, and Petra were not little kids, it was obvious they were younger.

Talia turned to Damon. "What do you think? Can you get two warriors to escort Cornelia for the day?"

"Absolutely.", Damon said and glanced at Caden. "Can you take care of that?"

Caden nodded and his eyes lost focus. A second later, he spoke, "They will be here in half an hour."

"Great!", Talia exclaimed. "Petra, if you can suggest a few spots nearby for a total newbie who wants to experience our way of living and human customs, that would be great." She turned to Cornelia. "I'm sorry, I would give you a tour personally, but with everything going on…"

"It's fine.", Cornelia assured Talia. She knew that Talia was busy, and it didn't matter who accompanied her, as long as she gets out of this place and it was not with James.

 

 

Chapter 514 Unpleasant breakfast (3) [Bonus chapter]

A stifled gasp from the door of the dining room got everyone's attention, and they didn't need to look there in order to know who it was. Marcy.

Earlier that morning, Caden told Marcy that Alpha Edward was asking about her and that she should contact her father before breakfast because she will have a busy day ahead of her. "Alpha Damon will share more information with you..."

Marcy was not happy that this request came on such short notice; she will be late for breakfast! But Caden was unusually respectful, making her feel important, and the thought of a busy day with Alpha Damon improved her mood.

Marcy was happy to hear the approving tone of her father, and she got carried away while explaining how things were going better than expected. Marcy told him that she was staying in the packhouse, Damon's Beta was treating her as his superior, last night the wretched assistant (aka Talia) was nowhere to be seen, and after dinner, Marcy and Damon went for a romantic walk in the garden. Marcy didn't mention George interrupting them because that was not important. The highlight of her report to Alpha Edward was that by the end of the day there will be big news for him.

Alpha Edward wanted to know the details, but how could Marcy tell him when she didn't know herself? However, she assured him that things were great and that he shouldn't worry.

"Wait until evening, daddy!", Marcy said excitedly. "By then, you will know everything and I'm sure you will be pleased."

"Alright.", Alpha Edward agreed, Marcy's enthusiasm was promising. He had a few questions.

"How is James doing? Is he behaving?"

Marcy almost mentioned the exotic beauty from last night, but then she thought how that might steal her spotlight, so she decided to skip it. "I don't see James much. With Alpha Damon's warriors protecting me, James and George are mostly away. I guess they are training but you know that I don't go to those dirty and smelly areas." She also didn't want to talk about George or his mate.

Alpha Edward was pleased to hear that George and James were busy. "What about Nora?"

Marcy's insides tightened. Normally, Marcy wouldn't think much about this. After all, her father was asking about everyone's status, like a good Alpha. But Marcy knew that Nora was sleeping with Alpha Edward and Marcy responded stoically with, "Nora knew why we came here, and even with that, she tried to seduce Alpha Damon, my future husband. Nora is in the dungeon and will stay there until she says that she is sorry, and she is convincing enough for me to believe her."

Alpha Edward didn't want Nora to suffer, but the priority was for Marcy to secure her position. "Make sure she is not mistreated. Explain that if she behaves, you will let her out before your Luna ceremony. We will come as a family, and Raymond will be upset if his daughter is locked up. People might ask questions, and we want to avoid negative publicity."

Marcy rolled her eyes while wondering who will be more worried, Nora's father or Nora's lover? But Marcy agreed with the point that if Nora is not present, it will be bad for them, and she can't let Nora be seen with bruises either. "I understand, daddy. I will talk with Damon about this when I get a chance…"

After her talk with Alpha Edward, Marcy fixed her hair and makeup, and she picked the perfect dress. She was already late, and she could at least be visually pleasing to her future husband.

What Marcy didn't expect was to see that the wretched assistant was back and sitting right next to Damon! And was Damon cutting the food on Talia's plate?

They were all quiet now, but Marcy heard lively chatter before she appeared. They were like a cohesive unit that stopped functioning the moment they became aware of Marcy's existence. Was that how they will greet their future Luna?

Since Marcy didn't move from the door, Damon glanced there and gestured with his knife toward several empty chairs. "Sit and eat something, Marcy. After breakfast, we will go to the study to discuss a few important matters."

Marcy pressed her lips into a line and walked toward one of the chairs. She was not hungry. She didn't want to eat. She wanted Talia out of there! Did he really expect her to enjoy a meal in that setting?

Was there a need for Talia and Damon to hold hands? And it was right there on the table, for everyone to see!

Marcy told herself to calm down. This was just another test. Alpha Damon wanted to see how his future Luna will behave in unexpected and unpleasant situations, and Marcy was determined to show him that she was up to the task.

Marcy was not the only one who had trouble swallowing the delicious meal that Stephanie and Zina prepared.

Mindy didn't like Marcy, and her irritation bounced on Gideon. The poor Shaman was confident that he will end up with heartburn after this.

"Eat, princess…", Gideon urged Mindy while offering her extra strawberries and whipped cream on a waffle with the hope to distract her. The food didn't do much, but the way he squeezed her thigh under the table got her attention and Mindy opened her mouth obediently to accept his offerings.

It was a similar situation with Dawn and George. Dawn was on pins and needles from the moment Marcy appeared, and no matter how much George acted like Marcy was not there, Dawn was not happy.

James was jumpy because of Cornelia, and Cornelia was mirroring James' emotions.

Maya and Caden feared that this plot to use Marcy against Alpha Edward will explode into an all-out war, and the three teens could feel the tension in the air, but they didn't dare say anything about it.

It was not a pleasant breakfast.

'Relax, kitten…', Damon's voice sounded in Talia's head. 'You know that this is Marcy's last meal before her world collapses.'

Talia didn't remove her gaze from her plate while responding to Damon, 'What if she doesn't cooperate? What if she decides that since she is going down, she will drag us with her?'

The truth was that James advised Damon to keep the charade going until they spill the truth to Marcy, but after the incident of forgetting about Talia, Damon couldn't make himself ignore his mate or pretend that she was not important. Damon knew that Talia needed comforting and assurance, and he needed it as well. If things collapse, there will be war, and Damon was ready for it.

How Damon saw this, Alpha Edward was set on getting his hands on what's Damon's, and Damon had no intention of giving it willingly. Whatever they were doing was only postponing the inevitable: an open confrontation between two packs.

'I know that this can backfire', Damon responded, 'But will you prefer that I go with their plan and make her my Luna? I would rather cut off my dick than be with her.'

Talia knew that this was Damon's attempt to put her mind at ease. 'It must be serious if you are willing to cut that off.'

Damon shifted into his seat. 'I am not willing. That's why I won't do what they want.' He was already holding her hand, and he lifted it to place a kiss on her knuckles while continuing through their mind-link, 'Every part of me is yours and yours only. Other women are not allowed close.'

Talia smiled at the cheeky Alpha who suddenly became romantic. Sure, others couldn't hear his words, but they definitely saw him holding her hand and kissing it.

Marcy did her best not to look at the lovey-dovey couple, but it was hard. Damon was all around Talia, Gideon was feeding Mindy, and George and Dawn spoke in whispers while eating from each other's plates. Among all couples, Maya and Caden were the most conservative one, and Marcy didn't care about Cornelia or the four teens at the table.

The only thing preventing Marcy from flipping the table and throwing an all-out tantrum was the thought that this was a test and that after breakfast she will find out the exact time when Alpha Damon will announce her as his Luna, and they will decide on a date when her Luna ceremony will happen, and after that, she won't need to endure.

Chapter 515 James' plight

Cornelia was first to leave the table. She grabbed an apple and went to her room with, "Let me know when warriors are here so I can head out."

On instinct, James was about to stand up and head after her, but then he stopped halfway. Why would he go after Cornelia? What would he say? Reluctantly, James returned to sit in his chair.

James didn't get it. He met many beauties, but none made him irrational. It was not like him. He rubbed his forehead with force while trying to understand what was going on. He was restless while Cornelia was there, and now that she was gone, it was worse. Or better. He was not sure.

"James, can we have a word?", Petra called.

James glanced to see that Damon was still busy feeding Talia before responding to Petra, "Sure", and then he followed Petra into the garden.

"What are you doing?", Petra asked.

James had a feeling that Petra was poking her nose in his non-existent relationship with Cornelia. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. Are you OK with Cornelia going out with some warriors?"

Was he OK? No. But what could he do? "You don't understand. Things didn't work out."

"What is there to understand? You shouldn't let her go without looking into it thoroughly. What kind of Alpha stays away from his fated mate?"

James paused. Petra hit a sore spot. "Is this only because I'm the future Alpha?"

"Of course not. Everyone is looking for their fated mate because that's the only way we can be truly happy. You are not of age, but she obviously is. Will you wait two years until you seek her? What will you do if you find her and confirm she is your mate, but she already has a man?"

James' temper flared. "Why are you meddling?"

"Because…", Petra paused and pressed her lips into a line. "It was my older sister. She was 15 years old when a guy approached her, and she chickened out. She was attracted to him, but the idea of a mate and spending the rest of their lives together scared her. And do you know what happened when she found him four years later?"

James could guess. "He settled with another woman."

"Yes.", Petra confirmed. "She was human. He didn't mark her, but he couldn't leave her either. He told my sister that he was lonely and drunk, and things happened, and the woman got pregnant. They had a child. He offered my sister to live with them as a second wife. Of course, my sister couldn't accept it, so she rejected the bond. Since then, she is withering away, and it hurts like hell. Our whole family is suffering."

James understood why Petra was so pushy and he wondered if his family would care if he ended up emotionally damaged. Well, definitely not. He was already damaged by the harsh training and discipline his father forced on him. His mother didn't bother to intervene, while his sister was not there.

But even with all that, how was the story of Petra's sister applicable to James' situation? "Did you expect your sister to live with a guy before she was ready?" Or should he go and start a family? He is only sixteen years old! He can't even provide for himself. And who knows how Alpha Edward would react if James brings in a woman with him?

"Of course, she was too young to live with him, but if she agreed to dating, it would be different. Mates don't hurt each other. He wouldn't force her if she was not willing and ready, and if she was by his side, he wouldn't look for other women.", Petra said in one breath. "Listen, James, I'm not saying that you should jump on Cornelia and claim her as your mate. But I am saying that if you let her go, you will regret it."

James opened his mouth to respond when a shout came from the door.

"James! It's time."

It was Caden.

"I need to go."

"Think about what I said!", Petra pleaded.

James didn't turn to respond.

Petra looked at James' departing back and she knew that the story about her sister moved him, but she also had a feeling that it was not enough. James needed proof that Cornelia was his mate.

Petra got an idea and she dashed toward the dining room, hoping that the person of interest was still there.

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"Shaman Gideon!", Petra called when she saw Gideon leaving the dining room with Mindy by his side. "Can I have a minute of your time?"

Gideon groaned. He was about to go with Mindy to their room and enjoy some alone time before they go to the tailor for the final fitting for Mindy's ceremonial clothes, and now this youngster was cutting into their time. If he knew that the packhouse would be so lively, they would stay in their cabin and come only for the ceremony. But Mindy was already facing the girl, so Gideon grumbled, "Speak."

Petra realized that Gideon was not in a good mood. "I was wondering if you have a way to tell if two people are mates."

Gideon's brows came together in a frown. "Why would they need me to tell them?"

"Because they are not of age."

"If their wolves are not telling them they are mates, it means they are not ready.", Gideon said.

"But what if one is underage, and the other one doesn't have a wolf?"

Gideon thought how this was oddly specific. "If you want my help, I need you to stop talking in riddles."

Petra glanced around, to make sure no one else was in the hallway, and then she spoke in a whisper, "I suspect that James and Cornelia are mates."

Gideon blinked. The clumsy youngster from the Red Moon pack and a witch? He would pay for a ticket to watch that movie!

Well, James was not clumsy, but Gideon saw him nearly dropping a serving plate with sausages, and then choking on water, and staring at the plate with food and... Gideon didn't have a good opinion of James.

"What makes you think they are mates?", Gideon asked.

"Cornelia approached James last night, but he bailed because he didn't feel it.", Petra said. "Is there a potion or a ceremony that will tell James if she is his mate?"

"What's with the urgency?", Gideon grumbled.

"Cornelia will spend the day with some random warriors instead of with James. What if they are mates and this day apart draws a wedge between them? James will go to his pack soon, when will they meet next time?"

Mindy's whole body was bouncing from excitement. "There must be something you can do so they realize they are mates."

Gideon turned to Mindy. "What makes you think they are mates?"

"Because of Talia.", Mindy said matter-of-factly. "She has the power to matchmake mates."

"She does?", Gideon asked with disbelief obvious in his voice.

"She does.", Mindy confirmed with confidence. "Mates are popping up around Talia like mushrooms after the rain!"

---

Chapter 516 Marcy's collapse (1)

Gideon was in a predicament.

He could deny Petra, but how can he disappoint his pumpkin-infused beauty when she looked at him with those sparkles in her eyes? But if there was a way to find out who is whose mate earlier than their wolves would allow it, everyone would be doing it. Did Petra come here to make him look incompetent in front of Mindy?

Gideon turned to Petra. "You said that James doesn't feel the bond and that's why he is keeping his distance from Cornelia. What are you expecting me to do about it? Force him?"

Petra shrunk when she realized that Gideon's mood worsened, but she couldn't give up. "I apologize. I know Cornelia is your cousin, but I saw them last night. James was flustered when he saw her. He is always calm and composed, but in front of Cornelia he was like a teenager who met his first crush."

Mindy giggled. "Well, he is a teenager, and she is his crush. Maybe not the first crush but will be his last. We will take care of it."

Petra's eyes widened. "You will?"

Gideon turned to look at Mindy. "We will?"

Mindy smiled knowingly and spoke to Petra, "Your task is for James to not leave the packhouse before Cornelia. I will let you know when things are set. And make sure he doesn't suspect anything." She turned to Gideon. "We will need Maya's help."

Gideon was curious to find out what was on Mindy's mind because it appeared that she had a plan. His mood dropped when he realized that this mate nonsense will cut into their lovey-dovey time. Ah, if he knew, he wouldn't agree to stay in the packhouse!

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In the study…

Marcy was sitting on a chair, and she looked at the other people present.

George, Dawn, James, Damon, Talia, Maya, and Caden.

She could understand that Maya and Caden were there as Damon's Betas, and James and George as representatives of the Red Moon pack, but why were Dawn and Talia there? OK. Maybe Talia was still in her role as Damon's assistant, but what about Dawn?

What rubbed Marcy the wrong way was that Talia was sitting in Damon's executive leather chair with him standing behind her. This made Talia look important, and Marcy was sitting on a regular chair, damn it!

Talia was not comfortable with being in the same room with Marcy, but Damon told her that there will be a good show to watch and that he will give Talia a choice of delivering a final blow to the woman who dared to bully her at the Red Moon pack. Until then, Talia was to let him handle things.

"Thank you for coming here.", Damon started. "I wanted us to have this conversation so that we are all on the same page about changes that are coming for the Dark Howlers pack."

Marcy lifted her chin. It's happening!

"Tomorrow evening is the full moon, and we will have our first pack run in a decade." He turned to George and James. "I hope you will join us as guests. I will be leading the run with my mate, and my future Luna."

Marcy blinked rapidly. Did he say, mate? Surely, he thought, 'chosen mate', right? RIGHT?

Marcy would feel better if Damon used names, like, if he said that he would lead the pack run with Marcy.

"We appreciate the invitation, Alpha Damon", George said. "However, we will need to refuse. Pack runs are your chance to demonstrate leadership and establish the hierarchy. Guests will only bring confusion. We will be there for the ceremony."

James nodded in agreement with George's words and Damon didn't object. It was all for show anyway.

"Do you know how you will start the run?", Caden asked.

"After Shaman is done with the ceremony, my Luna and I will shift into our wolves and…"

Marcy didn't hear the rest because her ears were buzzing. Did Damon say they will shift into their wolf forms? Problem! After she rejected George, Marcy's wolf was weakened, and after George accepted rejection, Marcy didn't feel her wolf at all. How was she supposed to shift?

"Miss Marcy, are you alright?"

Maya's question got Marcy's attention and she quickly schooled her features.

"Yes, yes. I was listening." And it will be LUNA Marcy soon!

Damon cleared his throat and repeated the last part, "As I was saying, other details will be left to my Luna to decide."

Marcy wondered how much she missed. What was she supposed to decide?

Another red flag appeared when Marcy realized that Damon was looking at Talia, and then Talia spoke, "I don't want to break traditions. I will talk to Shaman Gideon to see protocols related to the pack runs when Damon's parents were leading the pack, and unless something is against what we stand for, we will go with it."

"Good approach.", Caden praised Talia. "It will definitely score you points with older generations…"

Marcy's stomach dropped as she refused to accept this. Why were they talking to Talia like she was the star of this pack run? And they ignored Marcy completely. Marcy told herself that this must be another test. As the future Luna, she needed to speak up and take the place that belongs to her rightfully.

"Excuse me", Marcy spoke under her breath while standing up from her chair in slow motion. When everyone looked at her, Marcy asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Were you not paying attention, Miss Marcy?", Damon asked. "We were discussing how I will lead the pack run with my future Luna."

Marcy smiled nervously as an ominous feeling gripped her heart. "Shouldn't I be involved in this discussion?"

Damon cocked an eyebrow at her. "I apologize for the inconvenience, but your status doesn't qualify you to participate, not even as a guest."

"I don't qualify?", Marcy asked in disbelief. How can she not qualify? She should be the star of the pack run!

"Someone who came to my pack with an intention to deceive me and become my Luna, doesn't qualify.", Damon said in a flat voice and Marcy felt her insides churning.

"Deceive you? What do you mean?"

"I think you know exactly what I mean."

"You-you...", Marcy stuttered. "You want to do this without me? That's not acceptable!"

"This is my pack. I can do whatever I want."

"But… you promised! You can't go back on your word!" Marcy was shaking now. Why was no one helping? They all watched as Damon collapsed everything she believed was true!

"What did I promise?", Damon asked.

"You promised that today you will make me your Luna!"

"No. I said that today I will announce who my Luna will be and that's what I'm doing. It has nothing to do with you, Miss Marcy, it never did. Talia will be the one to lead this pack with me."

Marcy gaped at Damon like he was growing a second head.

Chapter 517 Marcy's collapse (2)

Author's note:

Thank you, SilaMelei, for the Magic Castle gifted on April 16, 2022!

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"You want to replace me? Your Elders won't allow it!", Marcy exclaimed desperately. Alpha Edward told her that he was working with a few Elders from the Dark Howlers pack and that Marcy will have their support once she becomes Damon's Luna.

Damon sneered. "Elders of the Dark Howlers pack barely hold any power and they definitely can't decide who will be my partner. They can accept my decision or lose their position."

Marcy looked at Damon in disbelief. Was he bluffing? That's not what her father told her, but Damon seemed confident. Now what?

It took Marcy a moment to remember an important person. "What about my father? My father won't allow it. You called me here only to embarrass me like this. My father will retaliate. Will you risk thousands of your pack members getting hurt and killed because you offended the Red Moon pack?"

Damon's anger swelled when he saw Marcy talking like she has an advantage. At first, Damon suspected that Marcy was just a pawn in Alpha Edward's hand, but now he confirmed that she was trying not only to manipulate him but actually threatened him with a war.

How twisted was her mind to think that things will end well after she said words that sounded awfully like, 'marry me or there will be a war'? She was just as power-hungry as her father.

Damon suppressed his urge to snap Marcy's neck and he kept his voice even while saying, "I am aware that Alpha Edward won't approve, but I doubt there will be a war when the news spreads how you came here to be my Luna in the company of your fated mate. What you did was showing blatant disrespect to an Alpha and you went against the Moon Goddess. No one will support such an act. Not even Alpha Edward will dare to condemn me for kicking your sorry ass out of my territory. Or would you rather that I send you into the dungeon?"

Blood drained from Marcy's face. Damon knew!

Marcy's head snapped to stare at George who looked at her with a satisfying smile on his face. But probably more irritating was that Dawn was sitting on the sofa next to George, their shoulders and hips connecting while holding hands with their fingers interlaced. Why was George allowed to sit there and enjoy with his mate when everything Marcy wanted was slipping through her fingers?

Marcy glared at Talia and spoke to Damon, "So, you will rather make this nobody your Luna instead of me who has the backing of the Red Moon pack?"

Damon narrowed his eyes at Marcy. "Just to make things clear. You should consider yourself lucky to be alive. That's how much protection of the Red Moon pack is going, but it's running thin at this point. If you call Talia names one more time, you will join Nora in the dungeon. Learn your place, Miss Marcy. No one will insult my fated mate, not even if they have the backing of the Red Moon pack."

Marcy's mind shook like a sledgehammer hit her. "Fated mate?"

Talia felt no pity for Marcy. Why did she sound like it's the first time she heard that Talia and Damon were mates? Talia was confident that Marcy should know that.

Damon's firm hold on Talia's shoulder helped Talia stabilize her emotions while facing her bully, the princess who hit her when she was at her lowest.

Talia clearly remembered seeing Marcy at the welcoming party in the Red Moon pack. People were swarming around Marcy, all with smiles on their faces, eager to leave a good impression.

Marcy had everything and what did she do? Marcy rejected her mate and came here with the intention to take Talia's mate.

Talia told Marcy that Damon was her mate. She warned Marcy to stay away, but she didn't. Talia healed Marcy so she doesn't die from breaking the mate bond, but Marcy didn't learn.

Actually, Marcy was escalating. The more Marcy thought that things were going in her favor, the more despotic Marcy's attitude was.

Talia enjoyed seeing Marcy falling off her high horse as the information sank in that she won't be Damon's Luna.

Marcy won't be Damon's anything, and Talia wanted to make sure that Marcy understood she had no chance of getting close to Damon. Not with Talia around.

Talia pulled the collar of her blouse to the side, to expose the left side of her neck, and spoke to Marcy who was staring blankly at Damon. "Just in case you forgot what I told you before, Miss Marcy..." Talia waited for Marcy to look her way before continuing, "Damon and I are mates. Fated mates. See this? Marked. Mate."

Marcy's eyes flashed in disbelief. That was a mark right there, and the way Damon's hand rested on Talia's shoulder, told Marcy that was his mark! What was Marcy supposed to do now? Give up? How can she give up when she was already here? Everyone knew that she was here to become Damon's Luna, her inbox was full of congratulations and messages how they were the perfect couple, and if she returns empty-handed, she will be the laughingstock!

Marcy turned to look at Damon pleadingly.

"But, my father…"

"Oh, for fuck's sake!", James snapped.

His emotions were all over the place because of the thing with Cornelia and he didn't have patience for this circus. He thought that by now Marcy would realize she was cornered, but it was obvious she was still struggling, and James decided to spell it out for her.

"What about father, Marcy? What do you think he will do when you go to him crying how Alpha Damon bullied you? Do you think that father will comfort you, or will he see you as failing your mission? THINK!"

Marcy's whole body jolted when James shouted, but he was not done talking.

"You should have an idea how important this was to him. Do you know how he will punish you? You grew up in Europe, so let me tell you. His favorites are silver and wolfsbane. First, he will chain you, then he will peel your skin slowly and sprinkle a mixture of silver and wolfsbane, just enough so your healing slows down but not enough to cause permanent damage, and then…"

"Stop!", Marcy shrieked and plopped back into her chair. She never saw her father doing those things, but she heard rumors. He was ruthless and there was a reason everyone feared him. But no matter how scary Alpha Edward was, it won't change her current situation. Now what?

Marcy looked around the room to see mocking smiles and eyes that were happy she was in this situation, and only Alpha Damon was looking at her seriously.

"Will you leave me like this after you had your fun?", she asked.

"Do you think I'm having fun? It was you who dragged me into your family's drama for acquiring power.", Damon spoke in a dangerously low voice that made Marcy shrink in her chair. "I don't owe you anything, but I will help you if you do something for me."

"I want you to protect me from my father.", Marcy was quick to say. "I want your guarantee that he won't harm me."

"It seems you have something on your mind.", Damon said.

Marcy nodded. "Europe. Paris. Give me money and send me there and you won't hear from me. A million euros. You can afford that much."

James facepalmed. "You really are stupid. That's the first place father will look for you."

Marcy made a face. "Do you have a better plan, little brother? One that's less stupid?"

"It will depend on your cooperation.", Damon said.

Marcy wanted to ask what their plan was, but she knew there was a price to pay, so she asked, "What do you want me to do?"

It was James who moved to give Marcy a few sheets of paper.

Marcy took the papers and frowned at her brother. "You are part of this."

James shrugged. "Part of what? Of saving your ass? Yes. You are welcome."

 

Chapter 518 Marcy's collapse (3)

Marcy was not sure what to think about this. Too many things happened, and it was difficult for her to wrap her head around current events.

After George severed their mate bond completely, Marcy thought she was going to die, but then she woke up and Damon showed up and said that she was poisoned and he will protect her, find the culprits, and make her his Luna.

Were those all lies? Was George in this from the beginning? Marcy was not sure, but her hatred toward George was tangible.

Last night's events filled Marcy with the hope that she will escape her father's grasp, and the only ways were for Marcy to disappear or to stand at the top, as Alpha Damon's Luna. Of course, the option of Marcy having it all was much more pleasing than living in the shadows.

That same morning, Marcy woke up as the princess of the Red Moon pack, convinced that she will be the future Luna of the Dark Howlers pack, yet now she felt the ground shifting under her feet with everyone in this room knowing that she came here with her mate and a bag of lies.

But... Were those lies?

Marcy looked at Damon and pressed her lips into a line. He was handsome and powerful and if he treated her well, she would do the same in return. They could have been allies, helping each other achieve their goals, but he choose Talia which left Marcy in a difficult situation.

Marcy's hatred for Talia swelled. If not for Talia, Damon would accept Marcy and everything would be fine!

Marcy was painfully aware that James was right. She couldn't go home. Her father would punish her brutally. But how will they protect her from the wrath of Alpha Edward? James seemed confident, so Marcy forced herself to focus on the words that were on the papers she received.

With every passing moment, Marcy's expression changed, and her heart beat so quickly that she thought she might pass out.

Eventually, Marcy spoke without lifting her gaze from the papers. "You want me to say that I'm abandoning my family because I'm traveling the world?"

"Yes and no.", James said. "You are not abandoning our family, just Alpha Damon, and the position of his Luna. The official story is that you grew up in Europe, and you saw its wonders. As such, you are curious about what else the world has to offer, and you don't want to be tied to the territory of one pack as their Luna. Not if the Alpha is not your fated mate. See, like that, our father will be convinced that you are not here. Alpha Damon was kind enough to provide decoys who will travel with your identity so that it looks like you left the country. If our father wants to search for you, he will look in Japan or in India where leads will point him, and not blame Alpha Damon. Actually, no one will blame Alpha Damon, so our father won't have allies to attack the Dark Howlers pack no matter how greedy he is. Everyone wins."

Marcy narrowed her eyes at James. Everyone wins except for her. "What do you get from this?"

"I get that when I take over as the Alpha, I don't need to deal with the mess of a war.", James responded and gestured toward the papers in Marcy's hands. "This arrangement is temporary. When I become the Alpha, you can return and take back your identity if you wish. Or would you rather risk going back now so our father can kill you in a fit of anger?"

Marcy knew that Alpha Edward will punish her, but killing was too extreme. "Father won't kill me."

"Let me tell you about the current situation, Marcy. Everyone knows that you have your eyes set on Alpha Damon and being his Luna. You spent days in his packhouse, and no one will believe that you didn't sleep with him. Do you think that any respectable Alpha would take you for his Luna with that reputation? Our father invested years and a lot of money in grooming you so that you can help him seize more power. The moment he realizes you are of no use to him, you will wish you are dead."

James leaned closer to Marcy. "Or do you think that father set you up as Alpha Damon's Luna because of Damon's good looks and he wished for you to have a happy life together? Any unmated Alpha would do, and if that's not an option, he would set you up to be someone's mistress. Or maybe he would keep you at home so you can entertain his guests who want to shag more than just Omegas. There are options, but none is good for you. Unless you want to be used like a sex doll for the pleasure of others."

Marcy shuddered at this thought, but for the first time, she believed James. Nora was sleeping around, and Marcy suspected that her mother was doing the same. There was no way that Alpha Edward didn't know about it, and he allowed it to happen. Heck, maybe he even encouraged it. Marcy wondered if that was the reason why Nora's mother left the pack.

Marcy turned to Damon. "Promise me protection."

Damon cocked an eyebrow. "You are in no position to set demands. But I can give you a different identity. What will you do with it, will be up to you."

Marcy knew that she was cornered. It was either to take this flaky deal or to return home and suffer punishment. Running away on her own was not an option. Maybe if she had more time, she would come up with a plan, but time was a luxury she didn't have.

Marcy cursed herself internally. If she didn't waste time daydreaming about being Luna of the Dark Howlers pack, she would be able to come up with something. But it was too late for regrets. The only thing she could do was go with it and hope for the best.

"How do we do this?", Marcy asked Damon and Maya was quick to stand and provide instructions, "You have one hour to memorize that speech and make it believable. It will be broadcasted over the live stream for everyone to see…"

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Marcy returned to her room in low spirits. She was completely defeated.

She glanced around to see that the laptop, tablet, and cell phone were not there. Of course, Alpha Damon got those removed so that she can't contact outsiders.

Marcy laughed weakly at her own predicament. Even if he gave her a phone, she had no one to call. People she knew either didn't care or would be glad she was in a pinch, but none of them would dare to get their hands dirty and risk angering Alpha Edward.

Marcy threw sheets of paper on the bed and stared at them blankly while remembering James' confidence while he explained to Marcy how she should deliver the speech, pointing out a few key words to maximize the effect of people siding with her.

"It's in your interest to appear believable. Like that, father won't dare to search for you openly, and even if someone recognizes you, they will shield you from your controlling father. Remember, you are not giving up a marriage or running away from home. You are fighting for your hopes and dreams…"

Marcy looked at her little brother and she wondered when did he start talking like a grownup. If he read that speech, she would believe him. James was amazing, and Marcy… was no one. She was unable to keep her mate and she failed in getting married, two things that come normally to most she-wolves.

Marcy slumped on the bed and cursed under her breath.

All this was such a shit-show, and only two months ago she was in Paris, enjoying her life and dreaming about travel and making macaroons as her next class that might allow her to open her bakery.

Actually, she could still do it.

Damon will give her a different identity, and with that, she could go wherever she wanted and there were many places where she could perfect her macaroon-baking.

---

Chapter 519 James' realization (1)

After Marcy left the study, others agreed to meet in about one hour before dispersing.

James didn't have much to do, so he decided to head to his room.

Dawn and George went to their room, Caden stayed behind with Talia and Damon, and Maya lingered in the hallway on the second floor while checking something on her phone.

James didn't expect to see Petra, Erik, and Zack in the lounge area at the bottom of the stairs on the main floor of the packhouse.

"You are still here?", James asked. They were supposed to go to Darkbourne and wait for him there.

Zack spread his arms. "As you can see. We got delayed, and then thought of just hanging out here until you are done, so we can all go together."

James was glad that his friends were waiting for him, but… "I will be at least one more hour."

James couldn't leave until Marcy made her public announcement, and after that, Alpha Edward will probably call him for an explanation, and James will need to pretend that he was training with George and had no idea what Marcy was up to, and he was blindsided just like everyone else. He can do that. James was feigning ignorance for years, so it will come naturally.

"That's not a long time.", Erik said. "How about we play something on PlayStation while we wait?"

James was about to agree, when Mindy's voice drifted from the side hallway, "Did you pack a change of clothes?"

James turned to see Mindy and Cornelia appearing and he forgot what he was about to say. Cornelia was wearing a cream-colored summer dress that exposed her arms and her legs knee-down, and James really wanted to put his hands on that belt that circled her waist. She was a vision of beauty.

"A change of clothes?", Cornelia asked.

To James' disappointment, Cornelia didn't pay attention to him as she passed only a few steps away, toward the main door of the packhouse.

"Yes. In your plan for today is a visit to the aquarium. They have a show with dolphins where they splash around and the audience gets wet.", Mindy explained and laughed when she saw Cornelia's confused expression. "Don't worry. It's fun. Maya told me that Theo and Mike are reliable, and they won't gape when your wet clothes stick to you, but I'm not sure about the rest of the people who will be there. So… can I assume you don't have spares ready?"

Cornelia looked at her dress helplessly. She didn't really have many clothes, only what Maya gave her yesterday.

Mindy waved her hand like it was not important. "Don't worry about it. I will lend you some of mine. But since we are here, let me introduce you to your two handsome escorts for today."

James couldn't stop looking at Cornelia who was beyond beautiful in that dress. But… did Mindy say how Cornelia will get wet to the point of needing to change clothes? And what was that about handsome escorts?

His eyes widened when he saw two warriors who were standing at the main door and they shook hands with Cornelia, each of them held Cornelia's hand for a few seconds longer than necessary.

Both guys were tall and muscular, which was not unusual for warriors. They looked to be in their late twenties, and James didn't like that they smiled at Cornelia. As escorts or security, they should be professional. Was there a need to be that friendly?

"I apologize for coming here without being ready to go. If you can give us a minute, I just want to make sure Cornelia has a change of clothes.", Mindy said and tugged Cornelia to move upstairs. "Come so you can pick something you like."

James pressed his lips into a line. Zack and Erik were chattering about the game they wanted to play on the PlayStation, but James was completely focused on Cornelia who walked by two steps away from him, without sparing him a glance. Did Cornelia forget that last night she approached him with a story about how they were mates, and then she removed her top? The shape of her breasts was still vivid in James' mind. But then he said how he doesn't feel it and she left. Did he lose her forever? His chest tightened.

"It could have been worse…", a non-enthusiastic voice from one of the warriors got James' attention. It was the one who introduced himself as Theo.

James didn't want to eavesdrop, but he couldn't help it.

Mike snorted. "Last week we were stuck with patrol on the North side, and this is so much better than those barren rocks. We get to spend a day in the human city with a beautiful woman, all expenses paid, and the fact that Cornelia is unmated is a bonus."

James frowned at this. Why would those two care if Cornelia was mated?

"What if she wants us to be stuck in a museum? Or some other boring place?", Theo asked grumpily.

"Did you forget Maya's instructions? She said that Cornelia is new and it's up to us to show her fun. I feared that she is underage or too old, but like this, it's perfect."

Theo slapped Mike's chest with the back of his palm. "You are right! Why didn't I think of that? Forget about the aquarium. Let's take her to some real grown-up fun. Skydiving? Ziplining? Bungee-jumping? Chicks love the thrill. When her legs get too shaky, we will have a nice meal to calm down with a few cocktails and we can end the day in the Shifters."

Mike nodded in agreement. "How about a bet to make this interesting?"

Theo was interested. "A bet?"

Mike confirmed. "She is of age, and free for the picking. The rules are the same. The one who doesn't score a night with Cornelia pays the tab in Shifters."

Theo's lips lifted into a knowing grin. "You think you are her type? She was obviously more into me."

Mike chuckled. "You will see when those fine legs hug my waist, and you are stuck with the bill."

"Me, stuck with the bill?", Theo asked mockingly. "What if she is like the last one, and wants to have a go with both of us…?"

James didn't hear the rest as his ears were buzzing.

He heard similar talks many times before and he knew that those were normal occurrences. After all, werewolves are promiscuous with both males and females having needs, and giving in to their urges, but the idea of Cornelia being the subject of such talks was making him nauseated.

And then Cornelia passed by James again with Mindy and he looked helplessly as two women stood between Mike and Theo and then Cornelia walked with the guys, leaving Mindy behind to wave from the door.

Cornelia now had a small backpack, obviously with a change of clothes, but James couldn't focus on anything other than the fact that Cornelia was about to leave with two men, both set on seducing her.

Cornelia was not smiling at them, but she didn't push them away either. James panicked. What if they succeed? What if they force her? She was so small and fragile compared to those two bulky guys!

Without thinking, James found himself at the door, next to Mindy.

"Where are they going?", James asked without removing his gaze from Cornelia who was about to sit in the back of a car with Mike holding the door for her. Mike and Theo had friendly smiles on, but James knew how those were masks of predators stalking their prey, and their prey was Cornelia!

"To the human city.", Mindy responded. "It's up to Theo and Mike to decide where exactly because Cornelia is new to the area." Mindy shot a side-glance at James. "They are good guys. She will be fine."

'Good guys!? How can she be fine!?', James raged when Mike closed the door and he and Theo exchanged smug smiles before moving to get into the front of the car themselves.

Graphic images of Cornelia with Mike and Theo flashed in James' mind, and he saw red.

 

Chapter 520 James' realization (2) [Bonus chapter]

"What the…?", Mike's curse was cut short when someone grabbed his arm and yanked him out of the car before he could start the engine. They were in front of the packhouse, so Mike's guard was down, and he didn't expect it.

"Stay there!", James ordered Mike, who found himself stupefied by the fierceness of the teen in front of him. Mike recognized James, and even though there was no Alpha aura, James' physical strength was surprising.

James swiftly opened the back door to say to Cornelia, "Come out."

Cornelia didn't move a muscle as she tried to process what happened.

Cornelia saw James standing in the lounge area, and then at the door next to Marcy, and Cornelia did her best to ignore his presence. Even without looking, she could feel the pull and she suppressed the urge to go to him, believing that her emotions will stabilize once they put some distance between them.

Cornelia didn't expect that James will dash to the car so quickly that there were afterimages behind him, and then he violently pulled Mike out of the car. What was that about? And now he wanted her to come out?

James grit his teeth when he realized that Cornelia was not moving. He leaned so that his head was inside the car, and he could see her. "Can you get out? Please."

Cornelia scooted further away from him. "Why? Are you going to attack me also?" She could freeze him with a thought, but Cornelia didn't want to harm him.

James cursed under his breath. "I did it for you. Now can you get out so we can talk?"

Cornelia didn't believe him. He attacked one of the men who was supposed to escort her, for her? And she was confident that they didn't have anything to talk about. She shook her head, refusing to comply.

James was irritated. Why was she so stubborn? And just like that, he sat in the back seat next to Cornelia and closed the door behind him.

"You, get out.", James ordered Theo who was sitting in the front passenger's seat. "I want to talk to Cornelia in private."

'And close the door when you exit the car.', Maya's voice sounded in Theo's mind.

Maya was watching this from the window on the second floor of the packhouse.

Maya is one of the believers that Talia has a matchmaking ability, so when Mindy asked her for help with James and Cornelia, Maya didn't refuse. She was curious if Talia's power will reach someone who is only sixteen years old (aka James), so after the meeting with Marcy, Maya lingered in the hallway, in front of the open window that provided a good view of the driveway in front of the packhouse.

At first, Maya didn't understand why Mindy requested two handsome soldiers to escort Cornelia, and what was that with required dirty talk before they leave the packhouse? But now Maya wanted to congratulate Mindy on her plan to use James' possessiveness to trigger him. Once Mindy joins the pack officially, having such a sharp (and slightly twisted) mind will definitely come in handy and Maya hoped that Mindy will accept to be Talia's ranked member.

And this officially became another notch on Talia's post for matched mates!

Maya's eyes sparkled as she was imagining the advertising campaign. They will call it, "Talia's Cupid services" and have Valentine's and New Year's specials. They will make a fortune!

In the car…

Cornelia wanted to get away from James, yet she ended up confined with him in a tight space. She glanced at the door behind her while trying to figure out how to open it, but there were several buttons and notches, and she didn't know which one will allow her to get out.

James frowned at the sight of Cornelia who was leaning away from him, how much the car allowed. And why was her hand moving over the door? Was she trying to give him a slip?

"I won't harm you.", James said. "I heard them talking about seducing you and…"

"Should I thank you?", Cornelia interrupted him. "You ruined my day. Who knows if they will be willing to escort me now?" And getting replacements will probably take time.

James couldn't believe this. Was she still willing to go with those two? But her hand moved away from the door, and that was a good thing.

"Didn't you hear what I said?", he asked.

Cornelia closed her eyes and exhaled slowly to calm down. He was too close, and it was messing with her mind. But she couldn't give in to the pull, not when he didn't feel it.

"I heard you.", she said. "Do you think I can't take care of myself?"

"It's two of them, and only one you."

Cornelia made a face. "Why do you care?"

"Because…", James paused. Why did he care? "Because I feel a knot in my chest at the thought of you going with them."

Cornelia snorted. She had no intention of finding herself random guys as romantic companions, but James' behavior rubbed her the wrong way. "You don't want me, but no one else can have me either. If I knew it will end up like this, I wouldn't say anything last night."

"Cora…"

"Don't call me like that!", Cornelia snapped. She was irritated but mostly sad. She could feel the bond, and her emotions were not reciprocated, and it was killing her on the inside.

"Even if you didn't say anything, I would still feel it."

Cornelia's eyes widened. "Feel, what?"

"This…", James said and reached to hold her hand into his. "A need to be close to you, and not to share you. I don't want you to be with anyone else because I want you to be with me."

He scooted closer to her and put his other hand over Cornelia's. He was slightly disappointed that her hand was slack between his, but at least she didn't pull it away.

"I don't feel the bond, but I feel other things.", James said. "Last night, I couldn't sleep because you were racing in my mind. That never happened before. During breakfast, I fought against my urge to sit by your side and when I heard those two guys saying how you are easy on the eyes and they wanted to seduce you, I lost it. Werewolves are this protective only when they meet their mates."

Cornelia looked at her hand that was sandwiched between James'. "Are you saying that you believe me?"

"I just met you, there is absolutely no logic in me believing what you said.", James responded without missing a beat. "But I believe what I feel, and something inside me is urging me to be with you. Will you let me?"

"Let you do what?", Cornelia asked cautiously.

James paused. What the hell was he supposed to say? That he was turned on by just sitting next to Cornelia and holding her hand? He really wanted to rip her clothes off and pounce on her, but there was no way he would say that or act on it. It wouldn't end well.

Ah! Normally, he would come up with several great ideas and a few backup ones within a second, yet now his mind was full of Cornelia and the feeling of her soft hand in his, and there was nothing else.