Chapter 25 25
Damien POV
“Alpha?” Lucas’s voice pushes into my mind just as the hot water beats down on my back. I’ve barely finished a brutal sparring session with my head warriors got a little too rough, but they can handle me. A good fight is the only thing that ever quiets my wolf, even if only for a moment.
“Lucas?” I allow the mind-link to open.
“We just received word from the Saint Wolf Pack…” Irritation colours his tone.
“Spit it out,” I growl, dragging a handful of shower gel across my chest.
“They’ve joined the Darkvale alliance.”
“Fuck.” I slam the link shut before he can say another word. Darkvale. That fucking prick of an Alpha is becoming a problem, sinking his claws into every pack he can reach.
The bottle in my hand gives under the pressure of my grip, crumpling as I crush it in pure rage. What the hell does that bastard have on them? How is he convincing every damned pack to bow?
The moment of peace I had in the shower is gone. My wolf thrashes inside me, restless and snarling. I cut off the water, wrap a towel around my waist, and stalk into my room.
Of course Geneviève is perched on the edge of my bed like she owns the place.
“Not now, Geneviève,” I mutter, already exhausted.
“I was only checking if there was any news from the Saint Wolf pack,” she says, though her gaze is fixed not on my eyes but on my chest, sliding slowly downward. Her wolf glimmers in her pupils.
I’ve told her more than once these are my rooms. She doesn’t share them. Not anymore. Not like when we were young.
“They’re out,” I snap, raking my fingers back through my wet hair.
“Damien, this has gone far enough. We need to act.”
“And I will,” I bite back, her tone only irritating my already frayed temper.
“What are you planning?”
“I’m going to scout them.”
“Alone?” Concern softens her voice.
“If I take my warriors, it’ll look like I’m gearing for a fight. I just want information.”
“I can come,” she offers, her voice dipping, her tongue gliding over her lip as her eyes trail to my stomach.
“No. I’ll go in wolf form.”
She exhales sharply. “Fine. I’ll help manage the pack.”
“Geneviève, you’re not the Luna. Lucas can handle things perfectly fine while I’m gone.” I roll my eyes and pull open the wardrobe, grabbing a pair of boxers.
Before I can step away, her arms slip around my torso from behind, nails grazing lightly down my chest. Her hands move lower, slow and deliberate, tugging at the towel.
“I could be your Luna,” she whispers against my back, her lips brushing my skin as her fingers trace the lines of muscle.
Her tongue follows the curve of my tattoo black angel wings inked across my back, my mother’s name beneath them.
There was a time when that alone would have had me hard for her. Her touch used to ignite me. But now… hell, now all I can think about is Aurélie. Her face cuts through every attempt I make to move on. Every time I try to be with someone else, she’s there in my mind, haunting me.
It’s been four years. Four years since I lost my wife. And still I’m losing my fucking mind over her memory. No wonder the Darkvale Alpha thinks he can pick me apart I’m unraveling, weakening in all the wrong ways.
Geneviève’s hand wraps around my shaft, stroking, and despite myself, a rough breath slips out. It’s been too long since anyone touched me like this, and the sensation sends heat spiraling low in my stomach.
“Hm, one little bite,” she murmurs, rising on her toes to reach my neck. “One bite and I’d be your Luna.”
She can’t reach me I’m too tall so she turns me to face her and sinks to her knees. Willing. Hungry. Ready to take me in her mouth like she used to, eager and greedy.
But I don’t crave her anymore. She knows it. Her pull over me isn’t what it once was, and the way she treats my pack… it reminds me too much of the manipulations my father used to wield.
Still, she’s right about one thing the pack needs a future. I need to think of heirs. And Geneviève is the obvious choice.
But all I can think is: I need Aurélie out of my head. Or maybe I just need someone with a spirit like hers. Someone the pack could respect… someone who isn’t a ghost of my past.
“Another time,” I say firmly, stepping back and pulling on the boxers before she decides to use her teeth. “I have to go.”
I don’t alert Darkvale of my approach. If their Alpha wants to consider himself a leader, he can damn well handle an unexpected visit. Only a weak man refuses to meet another Alpha who comes to his doorstep.
And I need to see for myself what kind of poison he’s spreading through my world.