Chapter 11: The Scent That Calls Me

Chapter 11:

Damian's POV

“Respectfully, Alpha, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Jason’s voice was steady, but there was a small crease between his brows. He stood near the edge of my desk, hands folded behind his back, waiting for my answer.

I leaned back in my chair and studied him. I knew where this was leading. I knew his complaint was going to fall back on Ivy no matter what.

“Why not, Jason?”

“Investing in Sterling Heights College as a patron feels… unnecessary,” he said. “With all due respect, Alpha, there are safer places to put our money. The school is drowning in debt, and if it fails anyway, we will lose more than we gain.”

I tapped my pen against the folder in front of me as the sunlight from the tall windows slid across the polished floor of my office, catching the edge of Jason’s boots.

“That’s exactly why it’s smart,” I said. “The place is close to falling apart. If we step in, we get it for a fraction of its worth. It stays alive because of us. And nothing beats academics, Jason. Education builds loyalty.”

Jason shifted his weight. His eyes flicked up to meet mine, then away.

“Forgive me, Alpha,” he said quietly. “Sorry to say this, but… is it still about that girl?”

I set the pen down and gave him a flat look.

“Jason.”

“Yes, Alpha,” he said quickly, bowing his head.

“Why don’t you find out what Lucien plans to throw at us next?” I said. “That will keep you busy.”

He nodded, bowed again, and walked out, closing the door behind him. The silence that followed pressed in on me, and I leaned back and stared at the ceiling for a moment.

I tried to work and I tried to focus on the reports spread across my desk, the contracts waiting for my signature, but every time I moved my eyes over the numbers, I saw her face instead. The girl from the gala, Ivy. Her wide eyes when I spoke to her, and the faint scent of her skin that clung to me long after I’d walked away.

I honestly could still smell her scent as if she were right there in the room with me.

I cursed under my breath and rubbed my temples. She was human, and there was no way around that fact. Humans didn’t belong in our world. They didn’t survive it. They didn’t bind to us the way wolves did. And yet when I saw her, the mate bond slammed into me so hard I almost lost control right there in the school hallway.

Why would the moon goddess do this? Why tie me to someone I could never claim? It was cruel. It was a mistake. It had to be. But even knowing that, I couldn’t shake the ache that sat heavy in my chest. I had spent years building walls against weakness, and now a single look from a girl I barely knew had torn them down.

A knock sounded on the door. I straightened.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Jasper stepped inside. Young, sharp-eyed, dressed in black. I’d sent him to keep an eye on Ivy. To stay in the shadows, make sure she was safe.

“You have something for me?” I asked.

“Yes, Alpha,” he said. “I thought you should know. Last night I saw Lucien near the apartments where the girl lives.”

Everything inside me went still.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“I’m sure,” Jasper said. “He was there for a while. I didn’t see where he went after.”

I stood slowly, the chair scraping back.

“You didn’t see him enter her building?”

“No, Alpha. He stayed close to the shadows. Then he was gone.”

I looked out through the glass wall of the office. The city stretched out below, lights starting to blink on as evening fell. A pulse of anger moved through me, cold and sharp. Lucien near Ivy’s home could only mean trouble. He never moved without a reason.

“Good,” I said. “Keep your eyes open.”

“Yes, Alpha.” Jasper bowed and left.

As soon as the door shut, I grabbed my jacket from the back of the chair. My driver was waiting near the elevator, but I waved him off.

“I’ll take the car myself.”

He looked startled.

“Alpha, are you sure…”

“I want to be alone,” I said.

The ride down to the garage felt too slow. I slid behind the wheel, started the engine, and let the low growl settle something restless inside me. The city passed in blurs of light and shadow as I drove. My hands tightened on the wheel.

What was Lucien doing there? Was he trying to reach Ivy? To use her? I hated not knowing. I hated the idea of Lucien’s scent anywhere near hers.

By the time I reached the street where she lived, the sun was gone. A few weak lamps cast pools of yellow on the cracked pavement. I parked and got out, breathing in the cool air. Her scent was easy to find. Sweet, warm, threaded with something that made my wolf stir.

I followed it up the narrow stairs to the second floor. The hallway was quiet, lined with doors and peeling paint. I stopped in front of hers. For a moment, I just stood there, staring at the wood, fighting the need clawing up inside me.

Then I knocked. Not hard, just enough.

There was silence. I waited. After a few seconds, I heard soft steps inside. The door opened.

She stood there, framed by the dim light of her apartment. Her hair was loose around her shoulders. Her eyes widened when she saw me.

I couldn’t look away. My wolf surged forward, pushing against the control I’d kept all day. I felt it in my blood, hot and fierce. Before I could stop myself, my hand lifted. My fingers brushed the side of her face, tracing the line of her cheek…