Chapter 182 182
Aurélie POV
Things were finally beginning to make sense why Damien had worn that cold, hostile shell for so many years.
His father.
Back then, I never truly questioned the kind of man my father and I had bound ourselves to through that marriage contract. I didn’t ask who Damien really was beneath the title, beneath the sharp edges. But now, I was starting to understand. He had grown up without the steady, gentle love of a mother, left instead with a father who inflicted wounds no one could see. Emotional damage layered so deeply it would take me years to fully uncover.
And I didn’t mind that at all. I had my own scars.
Still, one question lingered, refusing to be ignored.
Why had his father sent me that fake photograph?
I barely had time to chase the thought before Damien insisted I eat something after last night. He wasn’t wrong I was ravenous.
Everything about last night had left my senses stretched thin, heightened, raw. I’d even caught myself tipping my head to the side, silently willing him to mark me. My skin still prickled with goosebumps born of his hunger, my body humming where his hands had touched me. Every nerve seemed awake, alive, already aching for more.
We walked downstairs hand in hand, and before we even reached the kitchen, I could hear the low murmurs around the table. The moment we entered, every gaze lifted to us Dominique’s and Delphine’s included. Instinctively, I released Damien’s hand. Perhaps they weren’t ready to see us like this yet.
“Good morning, Alphas. A good night?” Maurice greeted us with a gleaming smile as I took my seat, his eyes lingering far too long. I shot him a playful scowl, earning a soft chuckle before he lifted his mug of coffee.
I had showered last night, but not this morning, and mortification crept over me as I realized Damien’s scent his still clung faintly to my skin. I’d wiped myself down as best I could, but without a proper shower, the trace remained. Barely noticeable… unless you were an Alpha.
Damien knew exactly what Maurice’s nose could detect. The smug curve of his lips and the proud lift of his chest told me so.
“Tea?” Damien asked, leaning down to press a kiss to my mouth firm, tender, unapologetic. Right there in front of everyone.
“Please.” I melted into him without thinking, the mate bond tugging me closer. It would continue weaving its magic until we marked each other and even after. My parents had been true fated mates, always touching, always kissing, never hiding their love. I doubted Damien had grown up surrounded by that kind of warmth.
“When you’re done tormenting Aurélie,” Damien said, a faint growl threading his voice, “I need a word with you, Maurice. In private.”
Maurice’s teasing grin only widened as Damien set my freshly brewed tea in front of me. Personally, I welcomed Maurice’s lightheartedness it was a rare break from how heavy life had felt lately.
“I am, as always, at Your Majesty’s service,” Maurice replied with a dramatic bow, setting his cereal bowl aside before following Damien toward my office.
“Mummy, what are we doing today?” Delphine asked, happily feeding Bunny a piece of croissant slathered in chocolate spread. The chocolate smeared across Bunny’s soft, fluffy smile, and I smiled despite myself.
I glanced at Fabrice, who was absorbed in a report, while Florence watched my every move with quiet focus.
“Well,” I said gently, “today we’re going to visit the Saint Wolf pack to see Alpha Quentin, Simon, and Élodie. Remember? It’s Daddy’s and Florence’s mating ceremony tonight.”
My gaze flicked back to Florence. She was still watching me not with suspicion or malice, but with quiet observation.
“Children,” I said, standing, “why don’t you go upstairs and brush your teeth? Then you can help me pack before I finalize security details for our visit.”
Delphine leapt up instantly, eager as ever. Dominique, on the other hand, slouched like a moody teenager, every movement broadcasting his reluctance.
Once their footsteps faded up the stairs, my attention returned to Florence and Fabrice. Fabrice continued reading, completely unaware of Florence’s steady gaze one that never once left me.