Chapter 293 293
Damien POV
“Quite a lot, actually.”
He springs to his feet and strides toward us like he owns the room.
“Who is this?” Aurélie’s gaze snaps to me, sharp and accusing, as though she has every reason to be furious right now. Is she serious?
“This is Gilles.”
“Gilles?”
“The rogue I released.”
He dips his head slightly, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. “A pleasure to meet you, Alpha Aurélie. I’ve heard stories about the Darkvale Alpha the one who gives rogues a second chance. I didn’t expect you to be female.”
Her spine stiffens instantly. “Is that a problem?”
“No,” he replies easily, shrugging. “A pleasant surprise from the powers that be.”
As if that explains everything.
“May I?” he asks and before I can react, before I can even step between them, his hands are already resting on Aurélie’s stomach.
“What the fuck?” I snarl, pure instinct taking over.
He clicks his tongue at me in reprimand, like I’m the unreasonable one. Is this kid actually serious?
“He’s strong…” Gilles murmurs, his expression shifting to one of genuine awe.
Something in my chest tightens. The father in me swells, pride roaring to life at the casual certainty in his voice.
“He is?” Aurélie asks softly, her eyes darting to mine.
“Two Alphas having a child together,” Gilles continues, almost reverent. “It’s never happened before.”
“We already have children” Aurélie starts.
“You were a Luna then,” he interrupts calmly. “You weren’t an Alpha when you conceived.”
Her head snaps back to him. “How do you know that?”
“I know a lot of things.”
He withdraws his hands at last, but Aurélie’s eyes track his every movement, studying him, trying to unravel whatever puzzle he is.
She turns away when Fabrice groans, crouching beside him as he begins to stir from the blow to his head.
“Shame we didn’t get to find out where Gaston is,” Lucas mutters as he joins me, also checking on Fabrice.
“Yes,” I growl. “The bastard died keeping his location to himself.”
“He’s here,” Gilles says suddenly, with infuriating confidence.
“Where?” My eyes narrow as I stare at the teenager who seems to know far more than he should.
“Six miles northwest. There’s a cave”
“I know it,” I cut in. “What makes you think he’s there?”
“I sense things.” He pauses, then glances at Aurélie. “Oh and watch out for the snake. Good luck.”
Snake?
Aurélie and I exchange a look, equally confused, as we watch the strange young man stroll out of the hall, passing our warriors without a backward glance.
Only after he’s gone do I realize the room feels… lighter. Less oppressive. I hadn’t even noticed the weight pressing down on me until it vanished.
I hadn’t noticed at all.
“That was odd,” Aurélie mutters. “Snake? Whatever. Let’s get to the caves.”
She turns and heads for the exit.
“Hang on a minute”
“Don’t start.”
“You need to stay here.”
“Damien.” She pivots sharply to face me.
“Aurélie, you were almost shot. Your beta was knocked out cold”
“I’m fine,” she snaps, irritation flashing across her face.
“Damien, you need my men. You need me. This is your father”
“I’ll do what I need to do, sweetheart.”
“I’m coming.”
“Aurélie”
“Darkvale warriors, move out.”
The command rolls from her like thunder, and her warriors respond instantly, falling into line as they always do.
We drive straight to the caves Gilles mentioned. I know these tunnels well. If Gaston were hiding anywhere, this would make sense.
A perfect refuge.
But how would Gilles know?
The caves don’t belong to Black Mist territory, but they’re close enough to offer protection. Too close. An ideal stronghold for a fugitive Alpha.
As we exit the vehicles, I make one last attempt to convince Aurélie to turn back at the very least, to stay in the car.
She refuses.
We approach the cave entrance and are met with Black Mist warriors standing guard.
Unbelievable.
He’s stripped protection from his own pack left innocent members completely exposed. If they were attacked now, they wouldn’t stand a chance.
No wonder they dragged their children off the playgrounds when we arrived, bolting for their homes like frightened townsfolk.
It’s like something out of a Wild West film.
Coward.
To steal every warrior just to shield himself. And shame on Alpha Jérôme for allowing it.
One Alpha will meet his end tonight.
And it’s time the other follows.
If you want, I can:
Heighten the tension even more
Deepen Damien’s internal conflict
Sharpen Gilles’ eerie, prophetic presence
Just say the word.