Chapter 192 192
Damien POV
I lift her gently from my lap and settle her beside me on the sofa. She hasn’t heard them yet hasn’t registered the sound of their feet racing closer. Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears, and guilt twists deep in my chest. I curse myself for being the cause of them, even though every instinct tells me this pain is necessary.
This is how I keep her safe.
“Mum?”
Dominique reaches us first, finally beating his sister for once. He skids to a stop in front of us, breathless and demanding.
“Mum, why did that man say you two were married?”
Behind him, Fabrice enters with Delphine, who still clutches her bunny tight to her chest. His expression is apologetic, weary.
“I’m sorry, Alphas. I tried to stop them from barging in.”
Aurélie opens her mouth to answer, but I place my hand firmly on her thigh and speak before she can.
“Because we are,” I say calmly. “We got married four years ago. And I failed your mum back then but I won’t do that again. I’m going to make it right. For her. For both of you.”
“Damien…” Aurélie whispers, already trying to argue, to pull me back.
But my resolve is locked in place.
“I need to let you go,” I continue quietly. “Just for now.”
Dominique steps closer, his eyes flickering faintly his wolf stirring beneath the surface.
Father would have shaped him early. Twisted him. Used him.
Not if I can help it.
“But, Dad” he says, voice breaking slightly.
The word hits me like a blow to the chest.
Dad.
He’s never called me that before. One word one fragile offering and it nearly shatters everything I’ve built to hold myself together.
My breathing stutters. Aurélie notices instantly, her gaze snapping to me, concern written across her face. This was meant to be a turning point for us for our family and instead I’m pushing them away yet again.
But I trust my instincts. I trust what I know of my father.
“You have no idea how much that means to me,” I tell him honestly. “But I’m sorry, son. This is for the best. You’ll understand one day.”
I turn sharply.
“Fabrice.”
His head snaps up, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. I extend my hand.
“Keep them safe.”
There’s a pause brief, weighted before he takes it.
“Always,” he says, gripping my hand firmly.
A beta understands what an alpha doesn’t need to say aloud even if I’m not his alpha.
“Can I call you Daddy too?” Delphine asks softly, stepping closer to Dominique and tucking herself just within his protective reach.
“Of course, darling,” I say, forcing a smile. “That makes me very happy.”
“Damien…” Aurélie murmurs, looking down at them with a sad, fragile smile. They’ve finally accepted me just in time to be taken away.
“Fabrice,” I say firmly, locking eyes with him, “don’t stop. Get them to Darkvale lands no matter what. You shouldn’t have trouble but just in case, don’t stop. He won’t touch you there. Still, inform the alliance. Tell them to keep their warriors on standby.”
My stare leaves no room for doubt.
“Yes, Alpha,” he replies. “I understand.”
He scoops up both children, though Dominique struggles fiercely, fighting to stay.
I turn back to Aurélie, cupping her face and stroking the soft skin I know better than my own heartbeat.
“Damien… we can stay”
“The day your parents died,” I cut in quietly, “was nothing compared to what my father is capable of.” My voice hardens. “I’ll stop him. But I can’t do that with you here. I can’t go into battle worrying about you.”
Through the office window, I see Dominique screaming as Lucas tries to get them into the car.
Fabrice returns, Florence clinging to his side.
“Aurélie…” he calls but her eyes never leave mine.
“Take my men,” I offer, even though I already know the answer.
“No,” she says firmly. “Keep them here.”
“Aurélie. Now,” Fabrice growls, holding out his hand.
She hesitates, then takes one last look at me before placing her hand in his. He has to guide her—her legs barely seem to remember how to work. She stumbles, then is ushered from the house.
I follow behind them, each step unbearably heavy, as though I’m dragging concrete instead of flesh and bone.
The cars pull away Fabrice leading, Aurélie in the front seat beside him, Florence wedged between the children in the back. A warrior vehicle follows close behind.
My family disappears down the road.
And I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again.
A hand lands on my shoulder, squeezing with quiet strength.
“We need to get to work,” Lucas says, standing at my side. As always.
“Yes,” I reply, forcing breath back into my lungs. “Yes, we do.”