Chapter 170
Damon's POV
"You think," he said slowly, each word precise, "that I'm with Elena because of you?"
The question hit like a slap. "I think you're using her to get back at me. At this family."
"Interesting theory." His voice was cold enough to frost glass. "Tell me, Damon—when exactly did the engagement happen? The one where you stood her up at your own party to chase after Scarlett?"
My jaw clenched. "That's not—"
"The one where Elena asked me to escort her onstage because you'd already left her standing there alone?" He leaned forward slightly.
"You're twisting things—"
"Am I?" Something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "Because from where I stood, you abandoned her. You threw her away in front of everyone. And now you're upset that she made a choice?"
"She didn't choose you," I shot back. "She's confused. You're taking advantage—"
"She asked me to be there." Each word was a knife. "She asked, Damon. And you? You walked away. You left her."
The truth of it burned. I wanted to deny it, but the words stuck in my throat.
Because he was right. I had left. I'd chosen Scarlett over Elena, again and again, until there was nothing left to choose.
Images flashed through my mind—the hickeys on her neck. That box of condoms. These images cut through me like knives.
My fists clenched until my knuckles cracked. I wanted to roar, wanted to tear apart the person standing before me. But reason barely held back the urge to shift.
"Break off the engagement with her," I said finally, my eyes a complex mix of anger, pain, and desperation. "Your enemy is me, not her."
A resolute gleam flashed in Caleb's amber eyes.
"She's not my enemy," he said, his tone firm and uncompromising. "She's my fiancée, and soon she'll be my wife."
The words hit me like a punch to the chest.
"What I feel for her has never been about revenge," he continued, each word landing with weight. "Damon, you're too arrogant. You know nothing about my relationship with Elena."
"You would abandon her for someone else," his voice was low and powerful, "but I won't."
"In the past, now, and in the future, there will only be her."
This was the first time Caleb had expressed his feelings for Elena so explicitly. The words hung in the air, making me feel like my entire world was collapsing.
I couldn't accept it. Couldn't believe that Elena and Caleb actually had real feelings for each other. In my mind, Elena would always be that obedient, compliant girl who belonged to me. Caleb's words shook my understanding, and I had to fight back.
"Elena got engaged to you because she was angry at me," I said, my tone carrying vindictive satisfaction. "It doesn't matter if you like her—she's always had me in her heart."
I watched him, wanting to see cracks appear on his face.
"A few days ago I went to see her," I dropped the bomb. "She told me herself that she'd thought about marrying me."
I stared intently at Caleb. "Did she tell you about that?"
He froze, a flicker of uncertainty passing through his amber eyes.
I saw it. I saw him waver.
A cruel smile curved my lips as I decided to deliver the most devastating blow.
"She seems to pity you," I said, my voice dripping with mockery and superiority. "She said I used to treat you badly."
"She's just too kind," I continued. "The type who'd feed every stray dog she passes on the street."
I watched his expression, feeling a twisted satisfaction.
"If she's occasionally nice to you, it's only out of sympathy and pity," I delivered the final strike. "Don't you dare misunderstand."
I was trying to destroy Caleb's confidence, trying to make him believe that all of Elena's kindness toward him was nothing but pity.
Because if I couldn't have her, at least I could make him doubt. At least I could plant seeds of suspicion between them.
---
Caleb's POV
Damon's words hung in the air like poison.
"I broke up with Scarlett," he said, his tone almost casual. "I'm going after Elena. We grew up together—over a decade of history. You think you can compare to that?"
I kept my expression blank, but my jaw tightened. My hands curled into fists in my pockets.
"So now you remember how good she is?" I said, my voice cold. "Too late."
His face flushed with anger. "If I hadn't left on our engagement day, you wouldn't have had a chance. She's just upset right now, acting out. Give it time and she'll come back to her senses."
Something hot and dangerous flared in my chest, then I forced it down. My wolf wanted to tear him apart right here in my office.
"She belongs to me now," I said, each word deliberate. "If you think you can take her back, you're welcome to try on your own merit."
Damon's fingers curled, his nails lengthening slightly—the beginning of a half-shift. The air between us crackled with tension.
A knock at the door broke the moment. Hector stood in the doorway, his expression carefully neutral. "Caleb. Marcus is ready for you now."
---
Damon didn't move immediately. His eyes stayed locked on mine, challenging.
"He gets to see you first?" Damon's voice was tight with resentment. "Why?"
"Because I create value for this family," I said flatly. The implication was clear.
Damon's face darkened. As I moved past him toward the door, he spoke.
"I'm not giving up on her," he said, his voice low and threatening.
I didn't acknowledge him.