Chapter 93 Hate To Admit - Damian's POV
I hate to admit it, but someone in my own pack might be the culprit. Someone had broken into my office before, and even then I clung to the hope it wasn’t one of them. I convinced myself it was some freak coincidence—an outsider, a random mistake. But now it’s all too clear.
And yet, I don’t understand what they hope to gain by doing this.
My grandfather’s note laid the curse and prophecy bare. Taking a mate is the key to breaking the curse. If they are following my father’s twisted theories, then our days are numbered. We may have weeks, but more than likely, it will be days.
“Well, at least you see the light now,” Maya remarks, her voice soft, but laced with confusion. “But Simon. Why would he do this? What could he possibly want? It didn’t make sense.”
I roll my eyes as I think of what it might mean. None of it makes sense and I’m not sure it ever will. “Let’s just focus on the now and training. I’ll keep an eye on the two of them.”
Deep down, I know that is only a small bandaid on a weeping wound that won’t close. It may hold it for a little while, but eventually it will overflow and break through. I know deep down that Maya and I may have to run away together just to keep our lives.
“So, are we going to the training grounds?”
I give her a nod as my eyes dart to the door. “Yes, get ready, but stay close.”
Neither of us says much as we each take a turn in the bathroom getting ready. She dresses in a light gray t-shirt and black yoga pants. I’m happy to see she remembers what she needs to wear. It definitely makes it easier to move.
She glances down at my clothes, noting the basketball type shorts and no shirt. “Are you trying to distract me?”
I’m taken by surprise. “Are you flirting with me? Am I pretty enough to distract you?”
Her cheeks blush red. “Well, yes. I have always found you attractive. It’s just everything else that has made me skeptical.”
“Our world isn’t always easy. Some paths aren’t clear. But fate always knows what is best. When we lose our way, it has a plan and we find it, eventually.”
Maya looks down at the floor and I almost think she’s about to cry, but then she bats back the tears and sniffs once. “Let’s go then.”
I’m not sure if my words bother her or if it's that. Part of me says I should ask, but that other part says I should keep my mouth shut. Instead of making a fool of myself, I rush out after her into the hallway.
We’re alone. There’s not a single pack member anywhere to be found. Though it’s a little odd, I brush it off as everyone is busy.
We make it across the estate without any incidents. As soon as I open the door to the training grounds, I have this sneaky feeling something is about to happen, but then I open the doors. My eyes scan our surroundings, only to find the place empty.
Maya grips my arm, stepping in behind closer to me. “Where is everyone?”
“I don’t know.”
We step out near the balance beams and finally someone shows up. Ethan stares at us, a smile on his face.
“Everyone is in the dining hall eating, it seems. Well, except us. I guess we are a bunch of loners.”
My gaze falls to the west, only to realize the sun is setting. “Oh, shoot. Dinner. I forgot.”
Maya laughs and playfully tugs on my arm. “Do you want to go eat or do you feel like training?”
“Are you hungry?” I ask, looking over my shoulder at her.
She shakes her head. “I’ve come to train. The dining hall stays open, right?”
I chuckle under my breath. “Yes, it stays open all the time because we’re ravenous creatures. And sometimes we’re ravenous for something other than food.”
I know my wolf is at the surface just by the way she looks up at me with wide eyes. She reaches up with her right hand, her fingertips brushing across my cheek. “Your eyes.”
The corner of my lip pulls up in a smirk. “Yes.”
“I think the gold is growing on me. Will mine do the same?”
I almost reply instantly, but then I realize what she’s asking me. She means when she turns. When she accepts what she is to me. My heart flutters at the mere thought of her finally accepting what’s between us. “Yes, your eyes will glow, but I’m not sure what color yet. Your wolf will be a sight to see as well.”
My hand shakes as I lift it up to cup her cheek.
I’m leaning down, about to kiss her, when I hear someone’s throat clear.
“I’m still here,” he mutters, clearly annoyed by our display of affection.
My eyes dart to the side, eyeing him. He flinches, but then quietens down. If I wanted to, I could kiss her now and he couldn’t say a single thing about it.
“We are here to train, aren’t we?”
Maya’s smile widens. “How about if you do a good job and train me well, then I’ll give you a kiss for being a good boy?”
“A good boy?” I choke out.
Ethan breaks into laughter, but quiets immediately when I turn toward him, a low growl rumbling in my throat.
“That isn’t funny,” I say, my voice low.
Maya’s hand is on my face, turning me back toward her. “Hey, look at me. Only focus on me. I need lots of training and you’re the only one who can teach me.”
“Yes, Alpha. Be a good boy for your future mate,” Ethan says, trying to contain his laughter.
Though she has a firm grip on my face, I still turn and shoot him a look.
“Why don’t you be a good boy and do your training so you can guard correctly?”
Horror washes over his features as he recalls what I’m referring to. Instead of mouthing off, he accepts my words and nods, bowing out of it. “Fine, I will go train, alpha.”
“What was that about?”
“Oh, you know. He let you out of his sights and you almost ran away from me,” I say, a grin spreading wider. “But honestly, I just want him to stop laughing at me being called a good boy.”