I turned and walked toward the cafe’s exit without looking back.
Rocco’s heart–wrenching sobs followed me, but I didn’t slow my steps.
Pushing the door open, I saw Damon standing right outside.
He was leaning against a sleek black car, the lines of his tailored suit perfect, radiating the quiet power of a true Alpha.
He was a stark contrast to the man inside, crying like a child.
This was what a real Alphia should be strong, calm, and reliable.
“Finished talking?” he asked, walking toward me the moment he saw me.
“Mmm,” I said, holding up the moonstone in my hand. “I got it back.”
He took my other hand and guided me to the car.
“Get in. I’ll take you home.”
1/2
The car was quiet, with only soft music playing.
“Damon, there’s something I want to be honest with you about,” I said, watching the scenery fly by outside the window.
“About your past?” he asked, his voice gentle as he focused on the road. “If you want to talk, I’m here to listen.”
“Rocco and I were together for six years,” I began. “The whole time, he was using me as a stand–in for someone else.”
“It was only recently that I discovered it was all a lie.”
Damon’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, but his voice remained calm.
“He didn’t deserve you.”
“Does that bother you?” I turned to look at him. “That I’m not… untouched?”
“Caterina.” He pulled the car over and turned to face me. “I don’t care about your past. I only care about your future.”
“A defeated rival isn’t worth my time,” he stated, “let alone my jealousy.”
He started the car again, a dangerous glint in his eye.
“I get to have every one of your full moons from now on. That’s more than enough.”
His words made my heart race.
Not with fear, but with a sense of security I had never felt before.
“Damon,” I said tentatively. “If you, for personal reasons, decided to absorb his pack…”
He glanced at me, the corner of his lip twitching into a cold smile.
“As your Luna,” I said, a slow smile spreading across my face, “I would support my Alpha’s decisions. All of them.”
