Chapter 61 Loyalty Test

Chapter 61 Loyalty Test
Bambi's POV

I woke up to the soft light filtering through the curtains, my body tangled in sheets that smelled like him, like cedar and pine and something uniquely Dawn. My head was resting on his chest, his arm draped over my waist, holding me close even in sleep. For a moment, I just lay there, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was slower than mine, calmer, like nothing in the world could shake him. Last night... it had been everything. Intense, gentle, raw. I'd felt safe, wanted, like I belonged somewhere for the first time in forever.

But as the sleep cleared, doubts crept in again. Odessa's words echoed in my mind—how Dawn would destroy me, how he was using me. And then there was the Onyx Power, this dark thing inside him that I'd somehow anchored. What did that even mean for me? Was I just a tool to him, or was it real? I shifted slightly, and his arm tightened around me.

"You're awake," he murmured, his voice rough from sleep. His eyes were still closed, but a small smile played on his lips.

"How did you know?" I whispered, tracing a finger along his collarbone.

"Your breathing changed." He opened his eyes then, those dark brown orbs locking onto mine. "And I can feel you thinking too hard."

I bit my lip. "I'm not."

"Liar." He rolled onto his side, facing me fully, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "Talk to me, Bambi. What's going on in that head of yours again? From henceforth, I want you to tell me what you are thinking. Stop keeping me in the dark."

I hesitated. Part of me wanted to spill everything—the fears, the warnings from Odessa, the plan I'd had with Sable to find that witch Calandra. But another part held back. What if it ruined this moment? What if he got angry? "Last night was... amazing," I said instead, dodging. "I just didn't expect it to feel like that."

His thumb brushed my lower lip. "Like what?"

"Like... home." The word slipped out before I could stop it.

His expression softened, and he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You are home, Bambi. With me."

My heart squeezed. "But what about everything else? The pack, Odessa, the power... It's all so much."

He sighed, pulling me closer until our bodies were flush. "I know. And I won't lie, it's complicated. But you're not alone in it anymore. We're in this together."

"Are we?" I asked, my voice small. "Or am I just the breeder who got lucky?"

He pulled back slightly, his brow furrowing. "Is that what you think? After last night?"

"No... Maybe. I don't know." I sat up, the sheet pooling around my waist. "Everyone keeps telling me you're dangerous, that you'll use me up and throw me away. And then there's this bond, this power transfer. What if it's changing me?"

Dawn sat up too, his hand finding mine. "Listen to me. The Onyx Power—it's a curse, yeah. It was breaking me down, making me lose control. But you... you stabilized it. You're not just holding it; you're cleansing it. That's why I need you. But it's more than that. I love you, Bambi. Not because of the power, but because of you."

I searched his eyes, looking for any hint of a lie. That truth-kiss thing from before had tasted sweet, but doubts still lingered. "Prove it," I whispered. "Tell me something real. Something no one else knows."

He was quiet for a long moment, his gaze dropping to our intertwined fingers. "When I was a kid, in that rogue pack... they didn't just abuse me. They made me fight for scraps, literally. I killed my first wolf at twelve. It was him or me." His voice cracked a little. "I swore I'd never be weak again. That's why I took the Alpha title the way I did. But with you... I feel like I can let go of that. Like I don't have to fight alone."

My throat tightened. "Dawn..."

He looked up, his eyes vulnerable. "That's real. No games."

I leaned in, kissing him softly. "Thank you for telling me."

We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, the room quiet except for our breathing. Eventually, he pulled away with a reluctant smile. "As much as I want to stay here all day, I have pack business. Meetings about border security. Rogues have been sniffing around again."

I nodded, though a pang of disappointment hit me. "Okay. I should probably check in with Sable anyway. She was worried about me last time we talked."

His expression hardened a bit at the mention of Sable, but he nodded. "Just be careful. Not everyone in the pack is happy about us."

"I know." I watched as he got out of bed, his lean muscles shifting under his skin as he pulled on pants. He was beautiful, dangerous, mine. But that thought brought back Odessa's plan about stealing his power. I pushed it down. Not now.

He turned back to me, shirt in hand. "Stay for breakfast? I can have it brought up."

I smiled. "That sounds nice."

He called down to the kitchen, and soon a tray arrived with eggs, fruit, toast, and coffee. We ate on the bed, talking about nothing important, our favorite foods, silly pack stories. It felt normal, like we were just two people, not an Alpha and his reluctant mate.

"This is good," I said, popping a strawberry into my mouth. "Better than the servant meals I'm used to."

He frowned. "You won't be eating those anymore. You're with me now. Luna status, even if Odessa doesn't like it."

My stomach twisted. "What about her? She's still Luna, right?"

"For now." His tone was clipped. "But things are changing. Once the bond is fully settled, we'll make it official."

I set my fork down. "And what does that mean for me? Do I have to... fight her or something?"

He chuckled. "No, baby. It's not like that. I'll handle it."

We finished eating, and he dressed fully, looking every bit the powerful Alpha. He kissed me goodbye, lingering a little. "I'll be back by lunch. Rest if you want."

"Be safe," I said.

He grinned. "Always."

Once he was gone, the room felt bigger, emptier. I showered in his bathroom, the steam carrying his scent, making me miss him already. Dressed in one of his shirts—it was huge on me, but comforting—I slipped out and headed back to my room. The halls were quiet, most of the pack at work or training.

When I opened my door, Sable was there, pacing. She whipped around, her eyes wide. "Bambi! Where have you been? I was worried sick."

"Sable?" I closed the door quickly. "How did you get in?"

"Maid privileges." She hugged me tight. "You didn't come back last night. I thought something happened."

I pulled back, blushing. "I... stayed with Dawn."

Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh. Oh! Like... stayed stayed?"

"Yeah." I sat on the bed, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "It was... intense. Good intense."

She sat beside me, her expression mixed. "I'm happy for you, if that's what you want. But Bambi, remember what we talked about? The escape plan, Calandra?"

I nodded, the warmth from breakfast fading. "I know. Did you find anything?"

She glanced at the door, lowering her voice. "Yeah. That's why I'm here. I asked around discreetly like you said, no risks. Turns out Calandra isn't just some random witch. She's connected to the pack. Big time."

My heart skipped. "What do you mean?"

Sable leaned in. "She's Dawn's aunt. His mother's sister. Lives on the outskirts, in that old cabin by the river. People say she's powerful, but reclusive. Helps with pack magic sometimes, but only for Dawn."

I froze. "His aunt? So... if I go to her to remove the leash, the power..."

"She might tell him." Sable nodded grimly. "Or worse, she might not help at all. But Bambi, if you still want out, this could be your chance. We could go together, sneak out tonight."

I stood up, pacing now. "I don't know anymore. Last night, with him... it felt real. He told me things, Sable. About his past. And the bond—it's pulling me closer."

She grabbed my arm gently. "That's the power talking. Remember Odessa's warning? He'll destroy you. Use you for the Onyx thing and then what? You're an Omega. He's Alpha. It won't end well."

Her words hit like a punch. "But he said he loves me."

"Alphas say a lot of things." She sighed. "Look, I found her location. If you change your mind, meet me at the library after dark. Gideon's out now, Dawn released him, like you asked. He's safe, but he's worried too."

I hugged her. "Thank you. I just need to think."

She left, and I sat there, staring at the wall. The bond hummed inside me, warm and insistent, but doubt gnawed at it. What if Sable was right? What if it was all a manipulation?

Hours passed. I tried to read, but the words blurred. Lunchtime came, and Dawn returned, as promised. He knocked softly before entering. "Miss me?"

I forced a smile. "Maybe."

He pulled me into his arms. "What's wrong? I can feel it through the bond—your worry."

"Nothing," I lied. "Just tired."

He didn't buy it, but he didn't push. Instead, he kissed me, slow and deep, making my doubts fade for a moment. We spent the afternoon together, walking the grounds, talking about the pack. He showed me his office, explained some of the maps on the walls—border lines, rogue territories. It felt like he was letting me in, truly.

But as evening fell, Sable's words returned. We had dinner in his room again, simple pasta and wine. "You seem distant," he said over the meal.

"I'm sorry. Just... a lot on my mind."

"Like what?" He set his fork down, giving me his full attention.

"Like Odessa. What if she tries something?"

His jaw tightened. "She won't. I've got eyes on her."

"But she hates me. Hates us."

He reached across the table, taking my hand. "Let me worry about that. You're safe with me."

After dinner, he suggested a bath together. I agreed, needing the distraction. The water was hot, his hands gentle as he washed my back. "Relax," he whispered. "I've got you."

I leaned against him. "Dawn... what if the power changes me? Makes me different?"

"It won't. You're strong. Stronger than you know."

We dried off and climbed into bed, his arms around me. But sleep didn't come easy. As his breathing evened out, I slipped out, dressing quietly. I needed air, needed to think. The halls were dark, the pack house silent. I made my way to the library, heart pounding.

Sable was there, waiting in the shadows. "You came."

"I had to," I whispered. "But I'm not sure."

She handed me a small map. "Calandra's cabin. If you go now, you could make it by dawn. Break the bond, be free."

I stared at the paper, torn. Freedom or him? Danger or love?

Suddenly, a noise—footsteps. We froze. The door creaked open, and there stood Odessa, her eyes gleaming in the low light. "Well, well. Plotting in the dark? Perfect."

Sable stepped in front of me. "What do you want?"

Odessa smirked. "The same as you, apparently. To get rid of Dawn's hold." She looked at me. "But I have a better plan. Join me, Bambi. We take his power together. You get freedom; I get the throne."

My blood ran cold. "No. I won't betray him."

She laughed softly. "You already are, just by being here."

Before I could respond, another sound, a low growl. Dawn emerged from the dark, his face thunderous. "Bambi?"

I gasped. "Dawn... I can explain."

His eyes flicked to the map in my hand, then to Odessa.

Odessa bolted, but Dawn didn't chase her. His gaze stayed on me, hurt and betrayal mixing with rage. "After everything... you were leaving?"

"No! I mean, I was thinking... but I didn't." Tears stung my eyes. "Please, listen."

He stepped closer, the air crackling with power. "I trusted you."

Sable backed away. "Bambi, run!"

But I couldn't. The bond held me, or maybe it was my heart. "Dawn, wait—"

He grabbed the map, crumpling it. "Calandra? My aunt? You were going to her to break us?"

How did he know? The realization hit— he must have overheard, or felt it through the bond. "I was scared," I whispered. "Odessa said—"

"Enough." His voice was cold, like the Alpha I'd first met. "You're confined to your room until I decide what to do with you."

"Dawn, no!"

He turned away, the door slamming behind him. Sable hugged me. "I'm sorry."