Ch. 611..620

Chapter 611 Talia's head guard (2)

Lulu rolled her eyes at Sandy's comment about seducing Keith. "Why would I change clothes? Is something wrong with this? I'm not going to exercise, and these are comfortable enough for the night. Not everyone is like you."

"What's wrong with prioritizing garments that don't restrict movements? Can you even run in that skirt?"

Keith looked away from them. He didn't care about Sandy's sweatpants and a sporty t-shirt, nor about Lulu's tight tank top and miniskirt. He wanted them gone. Or at least quiet.

Keith's ears perked up when he heard Lulu talking.

"When I left Shifters, Alpha Damon and Talia were dancing. They clung to each other and kissed like no one was watching. I was not needed, so I thought of coming here before I get too drunk and forget about spending the night with Keith."

Keith's irritation rose. Did she need to bring up the point of how Talia and Damon were lovey-dovey?

"How much I know, we are off duty.", Keith said dryly. "Did you go to Shifters to have fun, or to watch Alpha and Luna? Please, don't skip an evening of fun on my account. Both of you can leave. I plan to sleep."

Sandy was on her feet, packing her things into a small backpack, and Lulu plopped on the sofa that Sandy vacated.

"Why are you sending me away? Is it a problem if I crash here for the night?", Lulu asked Keith with a pout while arranging the pillows for her to rest her head on. There was a blanket as well.

Keith didn't want to talk about it. "Do whatever you want."

On her way out, Sandy asked, "Should I turn off the light?"

"Yes.", Keith responded.

"Let me know what happened after your meeting tomorrow.", Sandy said, turned off the lights, and left.

"What meeting?", Lulu asked.

"Alpha Damon called me to the packhouse in the morning."

"Just you?", Lulu continued probing.

Keith was not sure. "I assume that Talia, Caden, and Maya will be there."

"Does that mean you are our leader? Or are you in trouble?"

"From today, I am the head guard for Luna Talia.", Keith said with pride in his voice. It was not announced, but it was not a secret. Soon, everyone will know.

"Who made you the boss?", Lulu asked.

"Alpha Damon."

"Does he know about your feelings…?"

"Lulu!", Keith exclaimed, not allowing her to finish that question. "My feelings have nothing to do with my ability to protect Luna."

Lulu felt that she stepped on the invisible line, so she didn't press this further. "If you say so."

Keith placed his forearm over his eyes as an indication that he wanted to sleep. The room was dark, but he was confident that Lulu can see him.

Seconds trickled in silence, and Keith relaxed with the thought that Lulu gave up on chatter. When she came into Keith's room, he picked up perfume and alcohol, so he assumed that she fell asleep on the sofa. He didn't mind her presence.

Lulu was a hardworking warrior, but her mouth had no filter. She would say whatever was on her mind and sometimes it would come out crude. Lulu's mother passed when Lulu was young, and she was living with her father who doted on her, hence she didn't get much disciplining as a child. It was not that Lulu's way of talking deviated from other werewolves, but she had a problem holding back when it came to interacting with superiors.

In a pack, talking smack about Alpha and Luna can be considered treason, similarly to how talking back to superiors in the army is considered insubordination.

Keith wondered if Lulu was jealous of Talia. Well, any she-wolf would want to be in Talia's shoes and become Luna of the Dark Howlers pack. That position came with affection from Alpha Damon, and Talia being Damon's mate meant that she was a queen. Would Lulu do something about it? Keith didn't think so.

Keith's thoughts wandered to the upcoming meeting. Damon said how Keith will find out about the dangers Talia was facing, and Keith tried to think what they might be.

Was Talia in danger because she was the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack? Keith had difficulty wrapping his head around that information, but… don't those guys have mystical powers? If that's the case, wouldn't they be better equipped to guard Talia? Suddenly, Keith felt inadequate. He will train harder to assure he can keep Talia safe.

Keith didn't understand why Talia's well-being became his obsession, but his choices were to go with it and see where it will lead or to fight back against the urge to stick close to Talia. He reminded himself many times to keep his distance and not act too friendly, knowing that Talia won't approve, and Alpha Damon will skin him alive, but staying away was creating painful knots in his stomach.

He decided to use this inexplicable urge as a motivation to keep Talia safe.

Keith didn't get it. What kind of dangers could Talia face that Alpha Damon thought she wouldn't be able to handle herself or with him? Why would she need guards?

She was the Alpha of the mysterious Midnight Guardians pack!

It was common knowledge that Alpha females were coveted, but once mated, others would step back.

Everyone respected the mate bond because it came from the Moon Goddess, but the truth was that no one understood what it actually does to a person until they experience it. Love stricken is a mild expression for what a werewolf goes through when he (or she) meets his mate.

Keith remembered Damon hovering around Talia in the gym, and how he chased away Keith during the Summer Solstice festival, and many things fell into place. Damon was always indifferent or rude toward females, just as he was acting with Talia on that clearing before they dispelled the dark magic, but Keith couldn't deny that when Talia and Damon visited him in the hospital, Damon was caring and gentle with Talia.

Another thing bugged Keith. He was confident that Damon was aware of Keith's affection toward Talia. Why did he appoint Keith as Talia's head guard?

The more Keith thought about these, the more questions popped up, and he was not getting any answers.

Keith jolted when he felt a warm palm on his hand. He was so consumed with his thoughts that he didn't notice Lulu approaching him.

Keith removed his arm that was covering his eyes so that he can see her, and he paused when he realized that she was topless.

Nudity was not a big deal among werewolves, but that usually applied when they were shifting into their wolf form, or out in the forest, and not in a setting like a pack hospital. And the way the tips of her fingers traced the grooves between muscles on his arm was a clear indication of what she wanted.

"What are you doing?", Keith asked Lulu.

"Do you need to ask?"

She took his hand into his and lifted it toward her breast.

Keith could feel the heat of Lulu's body against his palm, but before he could touch her flesh he pulled his hand away. "Don't."

"It's just the two of us. It's obvious that you are not sleeping."

Chapter 612 Talia's head guard (3)

Lulu's brows came together in a frown as she looked at Keith who was avoiding to meet her eyes.

"Are you rejecting me?", Lulu asked.

"Do you need me to spell it out?"

Lulu clicked her tongue impatiently. "This is about Talia, isn't it?"

Keith frowned. "Not everything is about Talia, Lulu."

"You started avoiding me when she appeared."

Keith wished that they didn't have this conversation, but his silence would confirm her words. "That's not true. What we had ended a long time ago. I told you that I won't be involved with my subordinates."

Why did Lulu bring this up now? They had a few dates (and sex) about two years ago. He never promised her anything, they were not exclusive, and once he was promoted to a Lieutenant, Keith told Lulu (and other she-wolves that were involved with him) that he won't be getting romantically entangled with warriors.

In the end, they were all waiting for their fated mates, and if it was not with a mate, it was temporary fun, physical release, and almost anyone would do.

But more than the mate-business, as a Lieutenant, Keith was responsible for his squad and he made important decisions, and he didn't want his personal life to impact his judgment. Would he be able to send a woman he was sleeping with on a dangerous mission and stay cool about it? Probably not.

Keith knew that they didn't like it, who likes to be rejected? But it's been more than two years, and Lulu was quiet so far. He didn't see the reason why she brought it up now.

"I remember you saying that you won't mix business and pleasure.", Lulu said. "Yet here you are, the head guard to the woman you set your eyes on."

Keith couldn't believe this. Did Lulu think that because of his affection for Talia, Lulu had a chance with him? That was twisted.

"If your eyes are more on Talia and less on me, you will see that she is a wonderful person, worth protecting. Get your priorities straight, Lulu, or I will dismiss you as Talia's guard."

"Won't that be convenient for you to get chummy with Luna? Liam, Caleb, and Pierce are staring at her with stars in their eyes, and Sandy wouldn't know who is sleeping with the boss even if you draw it to her."

"Watch your mouth, Lulu.", Keith growled. It was one thing to say how he looks at Talia, but if Lulu starts spouting nonsense about sleeping around, both Talia and Keith might get a dose of Alpha Damon's anger. Rumors always spread faster than the truth. And how can he prove that he was NOT sleeping with someone?

"What will you do if I don't watch my mouth? Will dismiss me? How about you tell Talia that I said mean things?", Lulu challenged him. "Weren't you the one who said that we shouldn't let our personal feelings impact our duties? If you dismiss me for this, aren't you dismissing me because you don't like what I said?"

Keith looked at Lulu's pretty face which was scrunched into an ugly grimace.

"What are you trying to accomplish, Lulu? Do you want to have sex with me? Is that it? Do you think that insulting me will get me hard? Don't tell me that you want more than a hookup because even before all this, there was nothing more than sex between us. We both had our fun, and it was over. You know that. Why are you acting like a heartbroken ex-wife? Or do you have another agenda?"

Lulu glared at him for a few heartbeats, and then she snorted, walked to the sofa, grabbed her tank top, bra, and purse, and left the room.

Keith stared at the closed door. Now what?

…

Since waking up, James was hovering around Cornelia.

He helped her get ready for the day, and he obediently waited in front of the bathroom while she showered. Sure, Cornelia locked the door, but a lock so flimsy wouldn't hold James back if not for his desire to respect her wish for privacy.

When they entered the dining room for breakfast, everyone else was already there. Damon, Talia, Maya, Caden, Gideon, Mindy, Zina, Dawn, George, Petra, Erik, and Zack.

"Can you not feed me?", Cornelia asked James while looking at the piece of sausage that was hovering in front of her mouth. She took another fork and pushed his arm away. "I have hands." She allowed him to fill up her plate with food, but feeding was too much. After the previous day, she didn't feel like indulging in a lovey-dovey mood.

James' lips curved down to form a pout and he looked like a sad puppy.

He didn't mind groveling in front of an audience. He didn't care about anyone other than Cornelia.

"Cora, please, I know I messed up. Let me make it up to you today."

"That's what you said yesterday.", she responded in a hushed voice, hoping that others won't hear her. She didn't want to cause a scene in front of other people, but she didn't want to let him have his way either. Yesterday was not the first time that he left her on her own. She felt neglected.

"Today it will be different.", James said.

"I'm sure it will.", Cornelia responded. She decided to go out and see the world outside the packhouse, even if she will be on her own. On the previous day, they went to the human city, and they only started having fun when they were summoned to return.

Cornelia was determined to explore human realm or go home. OK. Maybe not go home because she was not sure what to do about James.

She had a lot of time to think about their relationship and future. No matter if she stays with James, or returns to her Coven, the fact was that James was too young to feel the bond completely which brought the question of his commitment to their relationship. What's to say that another woman won't seduce him easily when Cornelia was not looking?

Another point was that the Red Moon pack didn't sound like a good place to be. Why would Cornelia go there if she will need to hide somewhere while James does his young Alpha duties? And then she was back to questioning his fidelity.

Cornelia asked around and she knew that licentious nature didn't apply only to Alphas but to all werewolves. Was James expecting her to sit put and wait for him while wondering if he was training, studying, or indulging in some woman? That was unacceptable.

The truth was that if Cornelia didn't feel that pull toward James, she would leave after the pack run.

Was she looking for reasons to leave him? Not really, but she couldn't see many reasons to stay either.

James irritably threw the fork on the table. He woke up super early so that he can plan their day, and he wanted it to be a surprise, but seeing how stubborn Cornelia was, James realized that he will need to tell her about his intentions.

"Alpha Damon", James called in an official tone. "Today, after breakfast, I plan to take Cornelia out on a date. Please, prepare a car for us. We won't be back until evening, and don't contact us unless a war started."

Chapter 613 White and Silver (1)

Damon chewed in slow motion while looking at James with a blank expression.

James requested a car and not to be disturbed. That was not a problem, but Damon didn't want to respond right away.

One second, two, Damon could see James' impatience growing. Four seconds, five, six… Damon jolted when Talia pinched his thigh under the table.

"Alright.", Damon said and then he cocked an eyebrow at Talia while speaking to her through their mind-link. 'Why did you do that?'

'Why did you delay?', Talia responded with a question. 'Don't you see that they are having a conflict? Help him pacify Cornelia, and he will be indebted to you.'

'If I help him right away, he won't appreciate it.', Damon said. 'While he is waiting for my answer and sweating, he is thinking about what will happen if I don't cooperate, and the fact that he won't need to go through THAT will make him indebted to me.'

Talia stared at Damon while processing his words. He was right. It was so simple, yet she didn't see it. James and Damon were on friendly terms, but they were not exactly friends.

A hundred questions suddenly weighed on her.

Is that what an Alpha does? What if her ignorance causes trouble for Damon? And what about the Midnight Guardians pack? How will she lead them if she couldn't see what was happening right in front of her? She thought that Damon was mean, yet he was only making the best of the current situation.

Will she ever learn those things about interacting with friends and foes? She was not sure.

Talia didn't act on her own many times, but those few she did mostly ended up with her erasing memories of the other party. That was not a solution that could be used long-term.

Damon saw that Talia was troubled and he wondered what was going on in her pretty head. Was she overthinking things again? Probably.

Damon caressed Talia's knee under the table, and she looked at him when he gave her a squeeze.

"Eat, kitten", Damon said, and she saw a forkful of food in front of her face.

She opened her mouth obediently and Damon reminded her, "Keith will be here soon." Talia chewed faster.

On Talia's left, James was back to trying to feed Cornelia.

"Come on, Cora", James said. "Just this much."

"If I accept one, then I will need to accept every next one.", Cornelia responded matter-of-factly. "Why did you make plans for me without consulting me?"

"I remember that we spoke about it, and I promised you a date.", James said.

"That was yesterday."

James was exasperated. He knew that she was giving him a hard time because he messed up, but how can he pacify her if she was not giving him a chance to do so?

"Do you have any other plans for today?", he asked.

"What if I do?", Cornelia responded defiantly.

"Cancel them. Today is for the two of us."

"That was yest…"

She couldn't finish her word because James pulled her in for a kiss.

Cornelia's eyes widened and she couldn't believe that James' hand was at the back of her head, holding her in a firm grip, and his lips were covering hers gently, and it was at the dining table with people watching, and she hated it that her lips moved on their own to respond to his kiss. Why was her own body not listening?

When James inched away, Cornelia looked around the table to see that everyone was busy with their food or with their partners. She was grateful that no one was staring at them, even though she knew that they were aware of James kissing her right there shamelessly.

"I apologized.", James said. "But I know that words are not enough, and I want to make it up to you. Today. Stop being stubborn so that we can enjoy our date."

"And what if I want to stay stubborn?", she challenged him. Did he think that a kiss will melt her reasoning away? "What if I don't want to go on a date with you?"

"Then you will be stuck with me following you around and apologizing until you give in. It won't be pleasant for either of us but I will do it until you give up on being stubborn."

Cornelia was not sure how to respond to this. Wasn't he aware of their audience?

"Are you sure you will be able to follow me?"

Well, no. "I know that you can leave if you want, but that would break my heart and yours, and you won't do that."

Cornelia didn't want to admit it, but he was right. That was the reason she didn't leave so far. It would break her heart. And his. And she couldn't make herself hurt him.

After a few exceedingly long seconds, Cornelia opened her mouth, and when she saw that James was looking at her in confusion, she asked, "Are you going to feed me or not?"

James' face lit up and he quickly grabbed a fork and stabbed food with it. He can feed her! That was definitely progress. The date was ON!

…

James held Cornelia's hand and led the way outside of the packhouse.

Caden gave James the keys to the white Lexus that was waiting for them. James nodded in approval of the sleek sports car that came with the right dose of luxury, and James could see himself making the engine roar and impressing Cornelia with his driving skills.

James opened the front passenger door for Cornelia. "My lady", he said in a singing voice while gesturing for her to sit.

He couldn't stop his eyes roaming her body. She was wearing a simple knee-length off-white summer dress with blue flower print on the bottom hem and flat sandals, yet she was the most beautiful female he had ever seen. Gorgeous.

Cornelia observed that James sat in the driver's seat.

"I thought you can't drive."

"I can, but I am not old enough to get a license.", James responded and reached into the inner pocket of his jacket.

Cornelia looked at the driver's license with James' photo on it and James explained, "With this, I am James White, a nineteen years-old male from Pasadena, California. Your boyfriend."

Cornelia flipped the card to see the back. "It doesn't say here that you are my boyfriend."

James chuckled. "It says in here." He pointed at the middle of his chest. "Your name is etched in here, so I am yours."

Cornelia felt her cheeks heating up and she handed him the driver's license back. Why was he so flirty?

She focused on the ID that he was putting back into his pocket. "Is it easy to get one of these?"

"It's not too much of a problem if you know the right people.", James responded smugly. "This one is yours."

Cornelia looked at another driver's license that was on the name Cornelia Silver. A twenty years-old female from Pasadena, California. If she paid attention, she would notice that the address was the same as on the license with the name James White.

"I don't know how to drive.", she said.

"I can teach you if you want.", James responded and started the car.

"You can?"

James' lips lifted into a wicked smile as he hummed in confirmation.

Chapter 614 White and Silver (2)

"You can sit on my lap, and I will show you how to press the pedals and steer the car.", James said like it was a totally normal thing.

Cornelia was curious about driving, but she was not sure about sitting on his lap. Will there be space for her to sit? And how can she focus on anything if her behind is on his thighs? Won't that be too intimate?

Cornelia wanted to do many things with James, but first, she wanted to know, "Where are we going?"

"To have fun. Just the two of us."

He took her hand into his and kissed the back of her palm, pleased that she was not pulling back.

"Cora, do you trust me?", he asked.

"About?"

James shook his head. "You were supposed to say, yes, but I understand. I disappointed you too many times. From now on, I will not give you a single reason to doubt me."

"You didn't tell me where we are going."

James inched closer without breaking eye contact. "Tell me, Cora. Tell me, honestly, does it matter where we are going?"

Cornelia blinked rapidly. Why was he so close? She couldn't think.

James reached behind her and she held her breath as he pulled the seat belt to buckle her in.

The buckle clicked into place, but James didn't straighten his posture. His eyes moved to stare into her lips.

"Cora", he called.

"Yes?"

"Can I kiss you?"

"Why are you asking now?" Didn't he kiss her many times without asking? And he did it in front of an audience!

Her eyes widened as he inched closer, and when their lips connected, she closed her eyes. His kiss did funny things with her insides, things she didn't really hate, but she was not sure what to do with them.

The kiss ended and James moved away to see that her eyes were still closed. It took her a few long seconds for her eyes to flutter open. He loved that he had such an effect on her.

James chuckled. Today will be a good day, and he was determined to make it one of many.

The engine roared and the white Lexus slid down the driveway with ease.

Erik, Petra, and Zack were standing at the main door of the packhouse and looking in the direction where the white Lexus disappeared.

"We should pack our things and leave before they kick us out.", Petra said sourly, and she got silence in response.

The three of them were summoned to the packhouse to entertain James, in exchange for benefits that would enhance their education and training, and Alpha Damon also hinted that there will be some gifts. On top of that, the opportunity to make friends with the future Alpha of the Red Moon pack was something many coveted, and staying in the packhouse was worth bragging rights.

No one told them that they were not needed anymore, but it was obvious that James was not spending time with them. Did this mean they failed their mission?

Since Cornelia appeared, James was with her if not busy otherwise. The teenage trio hoped that their usefulness will extend with all five of them going to the human city, but then James and Cornelia left them early, and now James and Cornelia went on their own, confirming that there was no need for Petra, Erik, and Zack to linger around the packhouse.

They loved staying there, but they were embarrassed to freeload.

Petra, Erik, and Zack dragged their feet to their rooms to get their stuff. It was time to go.

…

Talia, Damon, Maya, Caden, Dawn, and George were in the lounge.

Zina pushed in a three-layered serving cart that was filled with trays that held small pastries, cheese, crackers, and fresh fruits for snacks. There were also pitchers with chilled milk and orange juice, and a pot with coffee.

After arranging all those on the bar counter together with empty plates and napkins, Zina returned to the kitchen to finish cleanup and start planning for lunch. With guests in the packhouse, she was always busy.

Gideon and Mindy were not present because they went to Gideon's cottage to pack so they can move into their new house.

"What do you want to discuss?", Caden asked Damon.

Damon summoned them there after breakfast, and they were all seating on sofas and munching on food (like they didn't have breakfast previously), and no one was talking.

"Talia and I are planning to be away for a few days.", Damon said.

They will visit the Midnight Guardians pack and the Silver Flame Coven. Damon and Talia were not sure how long they will stay there, but they wanted to make preparations if things happen in their absence.

Damon also hoped to sneak in some alone-time with Talia, like a vacation. He really wanted one, and with the time difference between realms, he hoped it will happen.

"I want us to discuss our current situation, short-term plans, and how it relates to the Red Moon pack. However, we are waiting for one more person."

"If it's related to the Red Moon pack, James should be present.", George said.

"James is on a date with Cornelia, and he said that unless there is a war, he shouldn't be disturbed.", Talia reminded everyone.

George shrugged. "There is always a war, somewhere."

"We should let James and Cornelia have their privacy.", Dawn said. "They won't have much time to be together after we go to the Red Moon pack."

Well, George agreed with this. He wondered if he should take Dawn on a date. Since they recognized each other as mates, they are mostly in the packhouse. George took a mental note to ask Damon about fancy restaurants in the area and see if he can secure a reservation for tonight. He will treat Dawn as his queen.

"While we are waiting for another person to arrive, I want to share some good news.", Maya started. "The first pack run in a decade was a huge success. People are energized, and their morale is high. They were all pleased with the ceremony, and they saw it as a sign of Alpha Damon mending his relationship with the Shaman."

Maya pulled a paper from her back pocket and unfolded it before placing it on the coffee table that was in front of her. "We have confirmed seven pairings of mates and three second-chance mates."

Talia didn't understand how so many mates could be found. Weren't all participants from the same pack? Was it possible that they all lived in the same territory and didn't bump into each other?

Talia had a feeling that Maya will use these pairings to boost Talia's matchmaking ability-nonsense.

Maya grinned knowingly. "Do you want to hear all the names, or just the important ones?"

Everyone looked at Maya with curiosity other than Caden, indicating that he already knew whatever Maya was about to announce.

"You probably have someone on your mind.", Damon said. "Let's start with that."

"Steph found her second chance mate!", Maya exclaimed, getting everyone's attention.

"Eeeh?", Dawn made a silly sound and her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Who is it?"

"Robert the blacksmith.", Maya responded, and Dawn nodded, indicating that she knew who he was.

Talia had no idea who Robert was, but she was happy for Stephanie. Dawn and Maya were smiling, so he was someone they approved. It also meant that Stephanie won't leave Darkbourne. Will Steph move in with the guy? Probably. But… "What about Lisa? Is she OK with that?"

---

Chapter 615 Talia's head guard (4) [Bonus chapter]

Maya waved with the paper in her hand. "Lisa is also on the list."

Dawn inhaled audibly. "Are you saying that Lisa found a mate? Who is that unfortunate soul?"

"I don't know.", Maya said, obviously displeased by this. "I was making calls to congratulate newly mated couples and to inquire if they will need help with relocations, or maybe a new place to stay because some of them were in single-bedroom apartments. That's when Steph told me that Lisa found her mate and she went with him. Steph didn't know more than that."

Talia's brows came together as her instincts told her that something was wrong.

She should be happy for Lisa. Didn't this mean that Lisa's negativity will end? But after remembering Lisa's attitude that got her into the dungeon, Talia couldn't relax. She looked at Damon. "Can you use your connection to the pack and find out who he is?"

Damon's eyes lost focus for a moment, and then he shook his head. "Lisa shut down her mind-link, or she is far away, and I can't reach her."

Talia didn't like this. As an Alpha, Damon was able to reach any pack member within his territory, and he should be able to force his way into anyone's mind. Talia heard how seasoned werewolves with strong will can keep Alpha out, but Lisa was neither strong nor trained. Was Lisa out of the Dark Howlers territory? Why would she leave?

"Is her mate from another pack?", Talia asked.

"That's possible.", Caden responded. "Our borders are open to the Spring Leaf pack, and the Blue River pack. Their members shouldn't come here without announcing their intention to do so, but everyone was excited about the pack run, and slipups were possible."

"We can't blame people for wanting to join their pack in the run.", Damon said, even though he didn't like lapses in security. He could understand that no one wanted to miss the pack run because they had to be on duty, and he heard that some patrols joined the run for a short stretch, but he didn't want to punish them for doing so.

How Damon saw this, the biggest asset of the Dark Howlers pack was their members. Children and elders were secured in Darkbourne, and others were all participating in the run. If someone used this window of opportunity to steal, at most, they would take some items that can be replaced.

Talia had another concern, "Don't you think it's suspicious that Lisa didn't tell her mother who her mate is?"

Maya didn't think it was a big deal. "When mates find each other, they seek solitude. Lisa probably didn't want to say much to avoid Steph coming to check on her. And don't forget that Lisa grew up in the Lightclaw pack where females are more obedient. The fact that Lisa contacted Steph to explain her absence was more than most of the females from the Lightclaw pack would do."

Talia wondered if she was worrying for no reason. Everyone seemed relaxed and happy that Lisa found her mate. Surely, it was a good thing.

Talia hoped that Tony and Kalina will change the Lightclaw pack because it was not fair for a female to forget about her past because she found a mate. However, wasn't that what Talia was doing?

She didn't only leave her past at the Red Moon pack behind after finding Damon, but she refused to accept her identity as Talia Moonrider also, completely disregarding Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia as her parents. Would she act differently if they showed remorse and asked forgiveness for abandoning her when she was a baby? Talia was not sure.

Keith cleared his throat from the door to announce his presence, and Damon waved at him to enter and take a seat.

"I believe you all know Keith.", Damon said. "Since yesterday, Keith is Talia's head guard, responsible for Talia's safety."

Keith tensed under the weight of his new responsibility, Talia's safety. Did that mean he will get to live in the packhouse? Keith left those thoughts for later.

"Did you have breakfast?", Talia asked Keith who took a seat on a sofa chair.

"Yes.", Keith lied. He was anxious about coming here and he couldn't eat.

"Help yourself with those.", Talia said to Keith while gesturing to snacks that Zina previously arranged on the bar counter. Keith said that he ate, but she saw him eyeing the food.

Seeing that he didn't move, Talia insisted, "Fill up the plate, so that we can start."

Keith stood up and turned to face Damon with a determined expression. "Alpha", Keith called. "Before I start as Luna Talia's head guard, I want to do one thing."

Talia didn't like that he was so formal. "What do you want?", she asked.

Keith glanced at her, but he spoke to Damon. "I want to do a blood oath."

Talia's stomach dropped. That was such a big responsibility. "Why?"

This time, Keith spoke to Talia. "Alpha Damon said it. I will be responsible for your security. I don't want you to have any reasons to doubt me. I will do my best to keep you safe, or it will kill me."

Before Talia could object, Damon said, "Alright. We will arrange it with the Shaman."

Keith nodded in agreement and moved to the bar to grab food.

Talia looked at Damon helplessly. They spoke about Talia's guards taking the blood oath after Gideon suggested it, and Talia was firmly against it. Damon wanted all her guards to take the oath, but Talia thought that they can protect her without putting their lives on the line. Actually, Talia didn't want any guards because she didn't want any of them to be harmed in her place.

'Is that necessary?', Talia asked Damon through their mind-link.

'Keith thinks it is. As a warrior, he is used to putting his life on the line. This oath will be a show of his sincerity. By denying his request, you will look down on his resolve and insult him.'

The truth was that Keith was unsettled by the idea of the blood oath. Who would be alright knowing that one can seriously harm him, and maybe even cause death, with a mere thought?

However, as Talia's guard, Keith would be responsible for her safety, which meant for her life. A blood oath was a way for Keith to prove his loyalty, and it will also serve as a reminder of his place whenever his mind wanders where it shouldn't go. Keith will be Talia's guard, her servant, and nothing more.

Their talk lasted until mid-morning.

Damon didn't go into too many details because of the wide audience, but he wanted everyone to know that Maya and Caden will be in charge of the Dark Howlers pack while Damon and Talia were absent, and they also discussed several scenarios related to the Red Moon pack and Alpha Edward.

Talia hoped that Dawn won't leave with George before they return, but just in case they do, she made a point that they can't go without Nora. As expected, Dawn and George were not excited about anything related to Nora.

Damon and Talia were planning to head out the next day, and with that, Dawn, George, Maya, and Caden went to deal with their matters.

This left Damon, Talia, and Keith in the lounge, and Keith was not prepared for what he was about to hear.

 

Chapter 616 Talia's head guard (5)

Talia started talking to Keith about the Midnight Guardians pack and how they are in a different realm that can be accessed through a portal.

Keith had a question that was burning him since he found out about that pack, "How come no one discovered the portal?"

"They tried.", Talia responded. Axel was telling her about it when she was there. "Portal is surrounded by a natural maze and traps. Paths are enchanted to lead you away from it and energies are preventing electronic devices from working properly. Due to the terrain, the only way to reach it is on foot and unless you know the way, you will find yourself walking in circles. And even if you are right in front of it, you might miss it. It's fantastic, you will see."

Talia told Keith about different passing of time, and how through there they can reach the portal to the realm of witches. She warned him to be cautious of his behavior because the Midnight Guardians pack is aware of the human realm (how they call it), but the witches were isolated in their realm for centuries, and their way of doing things is different.

Keith didn't show any visible reaction when Talia told him how all witches in the Silver Flame Coven are females who wear scarce clothing.

Talia wondered if Evanora will try to strike another deal in order to keep Keith there and other male guards, how she tried to keep Axel with a "mate for mate" nonsense. What about Damon? Maybe Talia should leave males in the Midnight Guardians pack. Just in case.

While Talia worried about witches trying to get her hands on males, Damon was telling Keith about Guardians and Alpha Edward coveting Talia, then Talia said that she is really Axel's sister and that her parents gave her away when she was a baby because of a prophecy, and then Damon told Keith that Talia was far away from the Dark Howlers pack on the first night they were guarding her, and Keith was not sure which one was more shocking.

When Damon and Talia spoke about Talia being the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack, Keith thought that they were oversharing, but now he realized how that version barely scratched the surface.

Will he be able to protect her? She was awesome, and that meant many will want to get Talia on their side or eliminate her. But the biggest problem was Talia's recklessness.

Keith didn't dare to look at Damon, but he looked at Talia grumpily. "You escaped through the window? And Beta Maya covered for you? Do you know that Alpha Damon would make us suffer and not let us die if anything happened to you? How can I keep you safe if you are acting like a toddler? Are you invincible? Why don't you dismiss me or kill me right away? Give me a quick death so that I can avoid endless torture by Alpha Damon…"

Talia was shrinking in her seat while Keith ranted, and Damon chuckled. Damon wouldn't let anyone talk to Talia like that, but he knew that this was Keith's way of showing that he cared, and it was a confirmation that he will guard her right.

When Keith let out the steam, Talia apologized.

"I was not thinking. It won't happen again."

Keith was not sure if he should believe Talia, but he couldn't be angry at her either. This was the first time she apologized to him. And she was cute.

"I will believe you.", Keith said. "This time."

"We will get Shaman to conduct the blood oath tonight.", Damon said. These things worked better under the moonlight, and he wanted it done by tomorrow.

Keith nodded in agreement, and Damon continued, "As Talia's head guard, it's your responsibility to manage other guards. Tell them to get ready by morning. We will be heading out after breakfast. Have a few changes of clothes ready. It might be a few days here, but for us, it will be weeks. Maybe months."

"How many guards will be needed?", Keith asked.

"All of you.", Damon responded without missing a beat. Since they were taking the guards with them, he wanted to maximize Talia's security.

Damon noticed Keith's discomfort, so he asked, "Is there a problem?"

Keith had a whole night to think about his confrontation with Lulu. He thought he had it figured out, but now that he was looking at Damon and Talia, he was not so sure.

"You said that as the head guard, I can decide who will be part of the team.", Keith said to Damon while picking his words.

"Do you want to add someone?", Talia guessed.

"No. This is about Lulu.", Keith said.

"What about her?", Talia probed.

Seeing Keith's hesitation, Damon guessed, "Are you shaking a bush with Lulu, and now it's awkward to work together?"

"No, no!", Keith denied it with haste. The shaking of bushes happened more than two years ago, and that was not relevant.

Damon didn't believe Keith. Damon had a nose for those things, and he was confident that the relationship between Keith and Lulu was not strictly professional, but he didn't want to push for it. "Then, what?"

Keith pressed his lips into a line. How can he tell them that Lulu came onto him last night and when he rejected her, Lulu assumed that was because of Keith's feelings for Talia? Or can he just say that Lulu was jealous of Talia? But they will probably ask for details. Was Lulu really jealous of Talia, or was she upset and saying mean things because Keith rejected her?

"Keith?", Talia called. "Did you fight with Lulu?"

"Something like that."

"Is your argument so bad that you want her to lose her position?", Talia asked. She knew that all six of them took great pride because they were Luna's personal guards. Those positions meant that their skills were acknowledged, and that came with raised status in the pack.

Keith didn't want Lulu to lose anything. As much as Lulu's mouth was flapping without control, she never did anything bad.

Seeing that Keith didn't respond, Talia asked her next question, "Do you think that she will put me and all of you in danger?"

"No." He really didn't think so.

Talia smiled. "Then, she will stay."

Keith was exasperated. Last night, when Lulu came onto him and said all those nasty things, he was confident that she should be dismissed. But now that he cooled off and was facing Talia's genuine smile, Keith was not so sure.

Was there a reason to dismiss Lulu, or was that his bias? Would he think of going to such an extreme if there was no history between him and Lulu and if he didn't have feelings for Talia?

Lulu was a good warrior, and Keith was confident that if she spends time with Talia, Lulu will change for the better. But he couldn't make a decision without talking to Lulu again. Unfortunately, he was running out of time.

Keith got an idea, and he asked Damon, "Can some of the guards stay behind?"

By now, Damon confirmed that Keith was doubting Lulu and even if Keith was wrong, discord in the unit could lead to failure. Talia believed that they were all a happy family and that little spats can be easily smoothed out, but Damon knew better.

Chapter 617 Talia's head guard (6)

Damon thought about how to respond to Keith's question. Were the guards even needed?

Part of Damon hoped that Talia had a matchmaking ability. Then, Keith will find his mate in the Midnight Guardians pack or among witches, and the wretched Coach will stay there and be out of Damon's hair forever. Ah, but then he will lose a Lieutenant and a guy who would put his life on the line to protect Talia and… Damon struggled to keep his jealous beast in check.

Damon reminded himself that this was business where he was an Alpha talking to his Lieutenant, and not a husband who was looking at his love rival. Love rival? How can a puny Coach be a rival to an Alpha? Keith had no chance. This thought made Damon happy and his lips stretched into a smile that sent shivers down Keith's spine and he fought mightily against his instinct to flee.

"This trip will be for you to learn about the environment where Talia is, and about the people she is working with. Unless something unexpected happens", like me forgetting about my mate, "I will be with Talia most of the time. If we are lucky, your time away will be like a vacation, but that usually doesn't happen, and Talia tends to attract trouble. Think of it as a long mission where you will need to stay alert."

Keith decided to leave Lulu out of this, and maybe someone else so that she doesn't suspect she was singled out. By the time they return, Lulu will cool off and things will get back in place.

"Should I ask other guards to take the blood oath?", Keith asked. Secretly, he was hoping they will say it was mandatory, and that Lulu will refuse. Then, he will have a reason to dismiss Lulu without making it like it was his call.

"No.", Talia responded. "You don't need to do it either. However, it's a way to show sincerity. I don't wish my guards to put their lives on the line for me because one life is not more worthy than another. I hope that we can all work together to keep each other safe."

Damon smiled at Talia's words. He knew that she didn't approve of the blood oath, but she still took Damon's words into consideration how refusing Keith's request will hurt his pride.

His kitten was learning and growing, and he loved that he got to see it happening right in front of him.

…

Keith left the packhouse and headed to the training center after mind-linking Sandy, Lulu, Liam, Pierce, and Caleb to meet with him there.

Keith heard a lot of information, and he needed to share some of it with other guards, like that they have a mission tomorrow. Which one of them should go?

Keith realized that Damon and Talia told him all that because they trusted him.

His stomach tightened. Was he worthy of that trust?

Would Talia be so friendly with him if she knew that he had an ulterior motive?

Keith had no intention of acting on his feelings. Trying anything romantic with Talia would be suicidal because Talia would reject him, possibly hate him, and Damon would definitely kill him.

But if not for those feelings, would Keith be so eager to protect Talia? Probably not.

Keith was fascinated to hear how Talia, witches, and members of the Midnight Guardians pack have mystical powers. It was also frightening to some degree. As a warrior of the Dark Howlers pack, Keith relied on his speed, strength, and skills to survive, and if someone could strip all that away with a single chant, it would turn him into a weak human. It was scary.

And it's not that there were only spells that could do all kinds of things (like sealing his wolf, what dark magic did to Damon so he forgot about Talia and he couldn't recognize her as his mate), but there were also items that could cancel the magic. And who knows what else was out there?

This meeting with Damon and Talia opened the door to many uncertainties and Keith was not sure how to deal with them.

Lulu and Sandy arrived last at Keith's office at the training center to see that Keith, Liam, Pierce, and Caleb were already there.

"What's up, boss?", Sandy asked Keith cheerfully while closing the door behind them.

As warriors, Keith was their superior, but outside work, they were friends.

"We have a mission starting tomorrow.", Keith said. "Alpha and Luna are heading out, and we will escort them."

"Where and for how long?", Lulu asked.

Keith paused to observe Lulu. She was wearing casual clothes, and her expression was calm. If he was not there last night, Keith wouldn't know that they had an argument where Lulu said mean things about Talia before storming topless out of Keith's hospital room.

Maybe she really said those in a fit of rage and didn't mean it, Keith thought. Was he overthinking it?

"Only the ones who are going on this mission will hear details.", Keith responded.

"That means, not everyone will go.", Pierce voiced his thoughts. "How many of us will go?"

"It depends.", Keith said. "I plan to take a blood oath tonight where I will pledge my loyalty to Alpha and Luna and state that I will not act with ill intentions against them. Will any of you join me?"

Keith looked at five faces that were frozen while processing this information. Blood oath was a big deal.

Lulu was the first one to react as her brows came together to form a frown. "You are asking us like we have a choice."

"You have a choice.", Keith said.

"Yeah, right.", Lulu said sarcastically. "Refusal to take this oath means that we are planning on betraying Alpha, Luna, and our pack. You say it's a choice, and I say it's forced because the other option is to declare ourselves as traitors. Don't you think that's insulting?"

"I will do it.", Sandy said before Keith could respond to Lulu.

"Me too.", Liam was next.

"Same here.", Pierce said, and Caleb nodded in agreement.

Lulu looked at them in disbelief. "How can you agree so easily?"

Sandy didn't think it was a big deal. "The Dark Howlers pack is my home. My friends and family are here. As a warrior, it's my duty to protect them and to put my life on the line when needed. A blood oath where I pledge not to have malicious intentions toward Alpha and Luna won't change how I lived so far."

"Do you plan to betray our Alpha?", Keith asked Lulu. He was pleased that others agreed easily.

"This is not about betraying him.", Lulu said. "This is about you forcing me. I am not concerned about acting against our pack because that's not going to happen. However, should I put my life at the mercy of Alpha's mood swings?"

Sandy stifled a giggle. "Come on, Lulu. Why are you so dramatic? Did you forget that Alpha CAN end us in a second if he wants to? This is just us showing good faith."

Keith didn't want this to escalate. He gestured toward the door. "Lulu, you can leave. Think about it until our next mission."

---

Chapter 618 A birthday invitation

"No one is forcing you to take this oath. I will not bring this up again.", Keith said to everyone, and then he locked his eyes with Lulu's. "If you change your mind, let me know."

Keith gestured toward the door, obviously telling her to leave.

Lulu pressed her lips into a line and after a few seconds of hesitation, she stood up, saluted, and left Keith's office.

With Lulu gone, Keith looked at Pierce, Liam, Caleb, and Sandy. "We are leaving tomorrow morning. Alpha and Luna are still figuring out details, but I'm fairly confident that we will be heading to the Midnight Guardians pack."

Sandy's eyes sparkled with excitement. The Midnight Guardians pack! She heard stories about that pack. Other than Talia confirming how they have mystical powers, members of the Midnight Guardians pack were staying pure for their mates. How romantic!

Just like many other she-wolves who still didn't find their mates, Sandy tried to get close to the members of the Midnight Guardians pack during the Summer Solstice festival when their soccer team was visiting. Unfortunately, Sandy only managed to catch a glimpse of them from the stands while the Midnight Guardians were playing. Those guys had separate lodging, they were keeping to themselves, and they left the festival after their last game was over.

If they participated in any activity other than the soccer tournament, they were doing it under disguise. Sandy couldn't blame them because more than a dozen handsome guys who were untouched could easily create a riot among a crowd of licentious she-wolves.

But this time it will be different. Sandy was going there, right at the center of coveted virgins, where will they run?

After the initial excitement dwindled, Sandy asked Keith, "Are we really going without Lulu?" Lulu was also eager to know more about the Midnight Guardians pack. Who wasn't?

"She is not in the right state of mind for a mission.", Keith responded. He was glad that Lulu left on her own, considering her temper, Keith was expecting that she will argue more.

Keith was wondering who should stay behind, and their readiness to take the blood oath helped him decide.

"Sandy, Liam", Keith called. "The two of you will come with me to escort Alpha and Luna. Our mission will be to keep Luna Talia safe. Pierce, Caleb, the two of you will stay behind with a task to keep an eye on Lulu."

Pierce was not happy to be stuck with babysitting Lulu. He glanced at Caleb to see that he was also frowning in disapproval. The chance to visit the most mysterious pack slipped through their fingers only because Lulu was throwing a tantrum. However, Keith was their superior and they couldn't complain.

Liam and Sandy were unsettled by the implication of the task that Keith gave to Pierce and Caleb. All of them knew about Lulu's mouth with no filter, but they were all friends who partied, laughed, cried, trained, and killed together. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they saved each other's lives more than once. Their bond was deep.

Liam had to ask, "Do you think that Lulu will act against Alpha and Luna?"

"I hope not", Keith said honestly. "I'm sure that Lulu has her reasons for being reluctant to take the blood oath, and I won't pry into her private matters. But I know that if she is left on her own, Lulu's dejection will grow, and I can't predict if that will be directed at me, you, or at Alpha and Luna. Maybe Lulu will realize that she overreacted and comes to apologize. Anything is possible. But until then, I don't want her to think she was singled out."

Keith instructed Pierce and Caleb, "With you being her close friends, you can be with Lulu without her suspecting that something is off. It is not your duty to prevent Lulu from making a mistake, but if she makes one, I want to know about it. I am aware that you want to visit the Midnight Guardians pack, but with Luna Talia being their Alpha, I'm confident we will have more chances of going there."

"How will she be their Alpha and our Luna at the same time?", Sandy asked.

Keith shrugged, indicating that he doesn't know. "I'm confident that Alpha and Luna will figure it out. I'm not sure what they are up to, but changes are already happening. You are aware that we opened our borders to two packs. That was unprecedented, yet days passed without incidents, and I believe that this is just the beginning…"

Pierce and Caleb left the office after agreeing to meet in the evening for the blood oath. Until then, the duo will keep an eye on Lulu.

Sandy looked at the closed door after Pierce and Caleb left.

"Are you worried about Lulu?", Keith asked Sandy.

"Aren't you?", she responded with a question.

"She is a grown woman and a good warrior. By the time we are back, she will be over this and we can talk normally."

With that, Keith decided to move to the main point. He needed to tell them about the upcoming mission.

…

After Keith left, Talia and Damon went to the study to deal with some matters.

Damon was checking his email, and Talia was also busy at her desk.

Damon smiled while looking at one email he just received. "Cristian is inviting us to a birthday celebration for his son."

That got Talia's attention. She didn't know that Cristian had a child. Didn't that mean he had a mate also? She knew that he was Alpha of the Spring Leaf pack and that he was on friendly terms with Damon, and… that was mostly it.

Talia was excited. It will be her first time attending a birthday party!

"How old is the boy?"

"It will be his sixth birthday.", Damon responded.

"Come on, tell me the details.", Talia urged him.

Damon chuckled before responding, "Party is in a month. The afternoon will be family-friendly, then there will be dinner, and evening for adults only. I want us to look good", since that will be their first time attending an official event in another pack as Alpha and Luna. "We should order our clothes. Couple's outfits."

Talia was not sure if they needed more clothes. She had other things on her mind, "What about the present? What do young Alphas get for their birthday?"

Damon shrugged. "At that age, just like any kid. Toys, clothes, a trip to Disneyland, stocks, a motorcycle…"

Talia smiled at the first two, but then her face turned into disbelief. How can those be for children? But then, Alphas of packs are rich, so even those toys and clothes Damon mentioned were probably exclusive and expensive.

Damon saw Talia's expression changing and he burst into laughter. "The little snot has everything he wants. We can show up with a happy birthday card, or with a mountain of gold. He won't see the difference. If the birthday card is shiny, and it plays a tune when it's open, he will love it."

Talia shook her head helplessly. How can a six years-old be happy with a singing card? But this reminded her, "We need to go baby shopping."

Damon froze and he stared at her as the whole world slowed down and the only thing he could hear were his raging heartbeats. It took him some time to speak.

"Are you… pregnant?"

 

Chapter 619 Family planning (1)

"Uhm, no.", Talia responded awkwardly. Why would Damon ask if she was pregnant? It took her a few long seconds to realize that Damon thought how baby shopping was for her, so she quickly explained, "Yasmin is expecting twins. Now that we are going to the Midnight Guardians pack, we shouldn't go empty-handed. I'm going to be an aunt, and that makes you an uncle."

Damon's disappointment seeped into Talia through their mate bond, and her heart cracked.

Did Damon want kids so badly? She was not aware of it.

It's not that she didn't want kids, but she never seriously thought about it. A few times when kids were mentioned, Talia brushed it off because she was young, and she only started getting to know the world. However, Damon was twenty-seven years old and Talia realized that he had babies on his mind.

Damon saw Talia's concerned gaze directed at him and he cursed internally while focusing on his computer, pretending to be busy. He didn't want to make it sound awkward or like he was pressuring her, but here they were.

Talia could feel that he was unsettled.

She swiftly moved to Damon's desk and sat on his lap. She gave him a smacking kiss on the lips and spoke cheerfully in an attempt to lighten up the mood, "I am not pregnant because I didn't go into heat, yet."

Damon was silent, so she persisted, "You know that, right?"

"I know you didn't, but so many things are different with us, and I thought…"

Talia caressed his cheek gently. "Do you really want babies?"

"I told you. Five. At least." He paused. "Don't you want kids?"

"I thought you were joking."

"Kitten", Damon called seriously. "You should know by now that I don't joke. I tell the truth. Always."

"I didn't realize how important kids are to you."

"Important? No.", Damon said honestly. The only important thing in his life was Talia. "I never liked kids. They are small, fragile, messy, and loud."

Talia stifled a giggle. This sounded like Damon, but it didn't match his feelings.

"If they are so bad, why do you want them?"

"Since I met you, and I started thinking how five stinky noisemakers with copper-colored hair and honeyed eyes would be a delight to have. We will go for walks and spend the day in the forest, I will give them piggyback rides, they can chew on my ears, wreck the packhouse, and we will shower them with our care and the best things money can buy."

Talia stared at Damon in disbelief. "You really thought about this."

Damon looked away awkwardly. For some reason, he was uncomfortable admitting these thoughts that seemed too personal.

Talia smiled and cupped his cheeks, forcing him to look at her.

"Damon", she called. "I don't know when it will happen, but whenever I get into heat, you have my permission to impregnate me."

"I don't want to if you are not ready."

"Who said I'm not ready?"

"You are not excited about the idea.", Damon voiced his thoughts. "Is it because I keep on hurting you? You know that was just dark magic, right? Now you have your guards, and I will give them permission to be hostile toward me. We will be careful and it won't happen again. Maybe I should do a blood oath, so I can't act against you. I would never..."

"No, no!", she interrupted him. What hostility and blood oath nonsense? She wouldn't allow anyone to harm him, even if he lost his mind completely. "I know that was not you. You are the best mate in the world, but..."

"But?", Damon urged her to continue.

Talia couldn't lie and say how things were perfect and she was ready.

"I am scared.", Talia admitted. "I grew up without parents, hiding. I don't know much about this world, and I definitely have no clue how to be a good mother. The closest thing I ever had to a mother was Stephanie. No one else cared about me in such a way."

Damon's heart cracked and he pulled her into his embrace, making her lean on him completely. He wanted to comfort her, to encourage her, but he was not sure what to say, so he just held her tightly, letting his emotions fill her up with the hope that Talia will realize that she was enough. She will be enough, because, for him, she was everything.

"You will be a wonderful father.", Talia continued talking after some time. "Maybe you can teach me. Tell me more about your childhood and what you did with your parents because I would like our kids to grow into exceptional individuals just like their father is."

Damon's lips lifted into a smile. Talia complimenting him will never get old. He knew that he did many cruel things. No matter what his intentions were, someone always judged him and called him names (behind his back), but none of those were important, because Talia's love and trust in him overshadowed everything.

"You will be an amazing mother.", Damon said, his voice rumbled deeply as her ear was on his chest. "You are taking care of me. You are taking care of your friends and everyone around you. I know you will take care of our kids also."

Talia released a slow breath. She hoped he was right. She read somewhere that mothers develop an instinct that tells them what their children need. Talia pushed her insecurities aside. Was there a point in psyching herself out about babies? Even if she got pregnant right that instant, it would take months until she became a mother. Considering how much she learned and had grown since she met Damon, Talia was confident that she will learn at least some basics about babies during her pregnancy.

Pregnancy.

It was a foreign term, but the thought of having a part of Damon growing within her made her feel all warm and tingly inside.

Talia lifted her head and Damon saw her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"No matter how I feel about babies, I am excited about babymaking. Does that count?", she asked with a sly smile.

Damon's eyes clouded with lust and Talia felt his erection growing under her behind.

"Show me.", he said.

Talia was not sure what he meant, but then a mental image flashed in her mind of her riding him in that chair they were sitting on and Damon's playful smirk confirmed that he sent her that.

Her heart started racing as she stood up and reached under her skirt.

"Slowly", Damon demanded. He wanted to enjoy the striptease.

Damon observed keenly as she shimmied out of her panties, letting them fall on the floor before she stepped out of them.

"This also?", Talia asked while gesturing toward her blouse.

"Only buttons.", he said, and Talia started undoing three buttons on the top of the blouse that revealed the pink bra under it.

Talia thought that Damon will remove his pants, but he didn't move a muscle.

Ah, the naughty Alpha wanted to be served. She didn't mind.

Talia got on her knees and slowly worked on his belt and buttons, without breaking eye contact. She could see his anticipation building. Desire. Approval. And it was all wrapped in an endless amount of love and lust that left her breathless.

Damon lifted himself slightly so she can slide his pants down, and his erection sprang free. He was half-hard already.

 

Chapter 620 Family planning (2) [Bonus chapter]

Damon showed Talia the mental image of what he wanted, but when his scent of the forest mixed with manly muskiness hit her nostrils, and when Talia saw glistening precum on his tip, she got another idea.

Talia released the waistband his of pants once it reached his knees and she leaned over his legs, pressing her breasts on his exposed thighs as she took him into her mouth.

Damon hissed at the same time she hummed, both in pleasure.

He loved the way her tongue wrapped around his cock, and she loved the sensation of him growing in her mouth.

"Yeah, kitten… just like that…", he breathed when her head started bobbing.

Talia knew what he liked, and she did it for him with satisfaction because she could make him feel good. The big and powerful Alpha was vulnerable and exposed, gasping and groaning in the rhythm her tongue set and the biggest turn-on was that he willingly lowered his guard in front of her.

Damon was staring at Talia as possessed, her every move sent a stream of electric current from his groin to his brain, and when she pressed her tongue to slide along the crack at his tip, Damon threw his head back. She could suck his soul out of him and he won't resist, not even a little bit.

Talia enjoyed the feeling of his hot and hard flesh in his mouth, but she enjoyed the most that she was in control. She looked up to see Damon leaning in his chair. His chest heaved as he panted, his firm muscles tightening the white shirt to give her a hint of the magnificent landscape that laid below that fine fabric. Damon was at her mercy, totally enjoying it, and she love it!

Without slowing down the movements of her mouth and tongue, Talia's hand reached just below his scrotum, and she pressed the magic button that was hiding there, giving him that last push he needed to reach Heaven.

The armrests of the chair creaked under the pressure of Damon's grip when he groaned as he shot his hot seed deep into her throat.

Damon loved the fact that she swallowed it all greedily, and then she licked him clean, to make sure not a single drop was wasted.

She told him once that he tastes like dark chocolate, and Damon was not sure if she was messing with him or if that was the mate bond. But then, she tasted citrusy sweet, unlike any other woman (and he tasted many), so he didn't question her about it. Talia enjoyed his flavors, and that was all it mattered.

Talia couldn't believe this. She was pleasuring him, but the fact that his hot and hard cock was in her mouth was arousing. And then there were sounds, and the scent, and the sensations that she could feel through their mate bond, and she was close to orgasm herself. She needed just a bit to reach that high, and she was eager to get there.

Damon was still catching up his breath when Talia straddled him.

"Make me feel good, Damon", Talia demanded while grinding herself on him.

Her skirt was bunched around her waist, exposing her lower half of the body completely. Damon's pants were down, so he could feel her drenched folds gliding over his cock that was still twitching from the orgasm. Damn, he was sensitive.

"Give me a moment, kitten", he pleaded.

Damon hated that he needed a breather, but what she did was magnificent, and if he could have just a minute, no… thirty seconds... fifteen…

"Ahh…", a shaky breath escaped his lips, followed by a throaty moan when her lips latched on his neck. She was licking and sucking on her mark, sending electric currents all over, and just like that, he was fully hard again.

Talia smiled victoriously against his flesh, and she raised her ass to reach between her legs for his cock and to hold him in place.

They both released lustful sounds as he made his way into her hot and moist flesh that welcomed him.

Talia gripped the backrest of the chair for support and her hips moved with urgency. She was almost there. Almost.

Damon groaned like never before. He just came, his orgasm making him sensitive, and his kitten knew exactly how to drive him crazy, crazy for more of her.

Damon wished to have her breasts in his mouth, but the blouse was partially obstructing him, and there was a bra as well. After a second of hesitation, Damon gripped the fabric and tore it with ease. Now there was nothing to obstruct him from enjoying two bouncy peaks of his mate.

Talia was too consumed in chasing her release to notice that her garments were ruined. But she definitely noticed when his lips latched on her nipple and he sucked harshly.

"Oh, God!", Talia exclaimed and pressed herself on his face. "Harder", she demanded, and she moaned loudly when his teeth tightened around her hard bud, sending just the right amount of pain to amplify her pleasure.

Talia's movements became jerky, but she gripped the backrest and kept on going, knowing that her orgasm was approaching rapidly. And there it was, with stars and rainbows, and delicious sparks that tingled her body into numbness.

'SLAP!'

Damon spanked Talia's bare ass when she slowed down, but she barely noticed.

Damon was not happy. Sure, the ride was good, but he didn't finish, yet she stopped moving!

Next time, he will order her to hold it in until the time is right so they can come together.

Talia was resting limply on Damon and catching her breath when he stood up with her, without pulling out, and she felt the cold surface of his desk on her buttocks when he put her to sit there.

Damon swung his hand haphazardly behind Talia over the surface of his desk, sending pens, papers, mail from that day, and a cell phone to fly through the study, and then he pushed her to lay back on the cleared area with her ass on the edge, nearly dangling off it.

"Ahh…", Talia moaned breathlessly when he started rocking into her.

She was sensitive, and her body was buzzing, but her position didn't allow her to move much. Did she want to move? Not really. She was at his mercy, and she didn't want it any other way. Damon knew how to make her feel good, to deliver the right amount of addictive torture which put her right in the middle between wishing for it to stop and to never end.

Damon held Talia's legs and lifted them up straight to connect at the ankles in front of him, and then he thrust into her vigorously. The height of the desk was just right for such activities.

Talia gasped for air, unsure what do to with her hands. She wanted to hold onto something because the whole room was spinning, but she was in the middle of a massive desk, with nothing solid in her reach, and Damon was too far away. What should she do? She couldn't think because every Damon's thrust brought her a dose of mind-numbing sparks and she left her arms on her sides to do whatever they wanted but her hands moved to her body, searching for her breasts to touch her nipples.