Chapter 99 99
Aurélie POV
“Why wouldn’t they be?”
“Don’t be shy, Damien. You mustn’t keep Alpha Aurélie in suspense.”
Maurice lounged back in his chair, fingers laced behind his head, far too relaxed for the gravity of the meeting especially considering we were in my office.
“Oh?” I turned my gaze to Damien, one brow arching. Whatever this was, it clearly wasn’t something that could’ve been handled through an email.
To my surprise, he rose to his feet and crossed the room, quietly shutting the office door. He checked it twice, ensuring we weren’t overheard by the children, I assumed. By Dominique.
The deliberate care in his movements sent an unexpected chill down my spine. My pulse quickened, and I must have given myself away, because his eyes snapped to mine, briefly flashing with his wolf’s presence.
“She escaped.”
The words hit me like a physical blow.
“What?”
“She escaped our cells and”
“And?” I growled, the sound tearing from my chest.
“We’re searching for her. But her first attempt at revenge will be against this pack.”
My hands came up to cradle my head as I tried to process what he was saying. Not only was she free, but he believed knew that she was coming for us.
Not again. I couldn’t let my pack endure that again.
Silence stretched between us. Seconds passed. I didn’t speak.
“Aurélie…” Damien said softly.
I hated myself for the way my name sounded on his tongue like something precious, something desired. As if I were the most wanted thing in the world.
“What happened?” I finally asked. “How did she escape?”
“We believe she seduced one of the guards,” Lucas answered. “He killed another guard and helped her flee.”
I caught the brief flicker of his gaze toward Fabrice two betas already beginning to establish a rhythm between them.
“And you let this happen?” I roared, surging to my feet and bracing my hands against the table. “You let this happen under your watch?”
“I’m afraid so”
“Now, now, Damien, don’t be modest,” Maurice interrupted smoothly. “Aurélie dear, Damien arrived at the cell moments after the escape. He was shot three times in the back with poisoned bullets and has been unconscious for days.”
“Shot?” My head snapped toward Damien, concern slamming into my chest.
“I’m fine,” he dismissed, clicking his tongue at Maurice before returning to the matter at hand. “I’m here to offer my services.”
“Your services?”
“As security.” He crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair with maddening ease.
“As you can see, we already have security,” I said, gesturing toward the warriors stationed outside.
“Up-close security.” He smirked, then licked his lips.
My gaze betrayed me, locking onto his lower lip as he bit it lightly.
Lucky lip.
Aurélie, get a grip.
I grabbed a sheet of paper and fanned myself, suddenly far too warm. Having him this close was a terrible idea.
“This is ridiculous,” I said with a half laugh, unsure how else to respond.
“She escaped on my watch,” he said firmly. “I’m responsible for bringing her back.”
He wasn’t wrong. Extra protection wouldn’t hurt—especially if it helped Dominique sleep at night. It would ease the strain on Fabrice, allow him to focus on the laboring mothers. Lucas could assist with beta duties instead of being stretched thin.
Still, doubt lingered. The Bloodnight pack wasn’t easily trusted.
“Thank you for the offer,” I replied carefully, “but we have our own security measures in place.”
I didn’t miss the tightening of Damien’s jaw.
“Could the Alpha and I have a moment alone?” he cut in.
Lucas and Florence exited immediately. I nodded to Fabrice, who followed them out. Maurice remained seated.
“You mean me as well?” he asked lightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. He was quickly becoming one of my favorite people—unshaken, even in moments like this.
Damien’s glare could’ve killed.
“You said Alpha,” Maurice said, standing. “I just assumed. I’ll wait for that proper tour, Aurélie.” He winked before slipping out the door, leaving us alone.
“You don’t trust me.”
I turned back to Damien, my expression unreadable.
I didn’t answer. I didn’t owe him one.
“I understand,” he continued. “But there’s something you need to know.”
“Oh?” I drawled, deliberately bored. “And what would that be?”
“Geneviève has confessed,” he said quietly. “She admitted responsibility for the attack on Darkvale. For the deaths of your parents…”