Chapter 128 128
Damien POV
“She will?”
Quentin gives me a knowing look, one that sends a surprising warmth through my chest.
Wait was Élodie pregnant?
It would explain everything. The quiet transition of power to her and Simon. Quentin wasn’t stepping back out of weakness he was future-proofing the pack, securing its legacy with an heir already growing in Élodie’s womb.
“We would take very good care of her,” I say sincerely, placing my hand on his arm.
“I have no doubt, dear,” he replies, smiling fondly.
“This is a great pack,” Fabrice’s voice filters through the mind-link, amused. “But still not as good as ours.” He punctuates it with a wink I can practically hear.
“Alpha Quentin has offered for us to stay a few more days,” I tell him through the link. “What do you think?”
“We could manage an extra day or two,” he answers, thoughtful. “But then we really do need to get back. There are several births coming up.”
“Of course. Whatever you think is best.”
I hesitate. “What about Florence?”
He keeps the link open, though I can feel her attention hovering close.
“What about her?”
“Do you want her to come back with us or stay here? This is her home pack.”
Before he can respond, Simon begins explaining the small school we’re now standing in, and I let the mind-link fall away.
“Fabrice,” I say aloud, keeping my voice low, “she is the rightful female beta of the Darkvale pack. What do you want to do?”
I didn’t want him repeating my past mistakes. He deserved happiness real happiness with her.
“She’s been assisting me with the births,” he replies, pride colouring his tone. “She has a real talent for midwifery.”
“Then we train her,” I say without hesitation. “The pack funds will cover it.”
“Mummy?”
A small tug on my arm breaks the moment. I look down to find Delphine hopping on the spot, panic clear on her face.
She needs the toilet urgently.
“I’ll take her back to the alpha house,” I say quickly, already scooping her up. “And actually get her dressed.” She was still in her pyjamas.
“Can you keep an eye on Dominique?” I ask, glancing at my son still in last night’s clothes, mud smudged across his face.
Goddess help me. They look like a disaster. I hope no one’s judging my parenting this weekend.
“Of course,” Fabrice replies.
We hurry toward the alpha house, Delphine squirming as I encourage her to hold on just a little longer a predictable consequence of too much juice at breakfast.
As we climb the stairs, something catches my attention.
Clémence.
She’s standing outside Quentin’s office, knocking.
Isn’t he still on the tour?
She’s dressed in a low-cut black dress that hugs her perfectly, red heels sharp against the floor. Her long brown hair is pulled into a sleek top-knot, gold earrings brushing her neck. Polished. Professional. Deliberate.
But I thought Damien was in there.
Why was she going inside especially if she was looking for Alpha Quentin?
I slow on the stairs, focusing my hearing as I watch her slip through the door, closing it behind her with a soft, flirtatious giggle.
“Mummy, I’m desperate…” Delphine whimpers, her face pinched with discomfort.
I rush the rest of the way up the stairs, my heart pounding, nausea curling low in my stomach. Even after we close the bedroom door behind us, I strain to listen.
Did she want Quentin or Damien?
Why would she need a private meeting with Damien?
Unease settles deep in my gut, thick and unwelcome. Especially after her scornful comments at the party last night. Especially after the way she’d tried to flirt with him at the bar.
Should I go back down there?
No. Aurélie, stop. He’s a grown man. He can say no.
But
What if he doesn’t?