A Strange Feeling Of Attraction
Ten Years Later — ShadowFang Pack
Damian’s voice carried through the study room.
“Let them in.”
The door opened and Damon and Elina stepped inside. Now grown, both stood tall—hard-trained, sharp-eyed warriors. Damon’s wolf, the fearsome silver-streaked beast, was already whispered about across territories.
They bowed respectfully.
“Father. Beta Lucian,” they chorused.
Damian nodded. “At ease.”
Lucian stood beside him, arms crossed proudly as he watched the two youngsters.
Damian got straight to the point.
“In two days, you’ll both compete in a skill-assessment match. A simple test of strength, strategy, and endurance.”
Elina’s eyes brightened immediately. Damon smirked, unable to hide the flicker of excitement.
“You’ll receive the rules from Gamma Liam,” Damian added. “He’ll be your coordinator.”
Both nodded.
Then Damian’s gaze shifted to Damon—sharp, assessing.
“You turn eighteen soon. Is there anyone… you’re drawn to? Any she-wolf catching your interest?”
Damon went completely silent.
Elina bit her lip, almost bursting before she finally teased,
“Father, Damon has too many admirers. That’s why he’s confused. Poor guy can’t choose.”
Damon shot her such a dark glare that she nearly choked on her laughter.
Damian raised a brow but decided not to press further.
“There’s still time before the mating ceremony. Focus on your preparations.”
“Yes, Father,” Damon replied quickly, grateful for the escape.
“Good. You’re dismissed. Lucian—prepare letters to Alpha Theo and the other allied packs. They should attend the competition.”
Lucian nodded. “I’ll get it done immediately.”
Damon and Elina left the room.
\---
Hallway — On Their Way Back
Elina nudged him with her elbow the moment they were alone.
“So, Mr. Stone-Heart,” she snickered, “tell me again why half the she-wolves in this pack worship you, yet you treat them like cold wind?”
Damon growled under his breath. “I don’t have time for all that nonsense.”
“Oh please,” she teased, “your wolf is huge, your face is carved like a punishment from the Moon Goddess herself, and your attitude screams come love me, I dare you. Of course they’re obsessed.”
He stopped walking and gave her a flat stare.
“You’re annoying.”
“And you’re avoiding the question.”
With a sigh, Damon looked away.
“My heart already belongs to someone,” he muttered.
Elina’s jaw dropped. “Liar.” He didn’t answer.
She was still processing that answer when suddenly someone crashed into them.
“Ah!” They both turned.
Susan. Lucian’s daughter. Sixteen. Sweet. Shy. And hopelessly in love with Damon.
She lit up the moment she saw him.
“D-Damon! Hi!” she almost squeaked.
Damon instantly closed his eyes, exasperated. Elina burst into laughter.
“Hello, Susan,” Elina greeted warmly.
“H-Hi, Elina,” she whispered, but her eyes never left Damon.
Damon grunted in response. Not a greeting—just survival.
Trying not to giggle, Elina patted Susan’s shoulder. “I’ll, uh… let you two talk.”
“Elina—don’t you da—” he started— But she was already gone.
Susan stepped in front of him, blocking his path with surprising courage.
“Damon… um… I was hoping we could… maybe talk? Just a little?”
He forced a polite tone. “I’m preparing for an upcoming competition. I need the time.”
Her face lit up anyway.
“Oh! That’s okay! I’ll come visit you later this evening then. I—I made snacks!”
Before he could protest, she leaned forward and hugged him—quick, soft, shy—then ran off, covering her red face.
Damon stared after her and exhaled deeply.
“I swear… this girl.”
But despite the irritation in his voice, there was no cruelty—only restraint.
He respected Lucian too much to crush Susan’s feelings.
Elina reappeared from the corner with a wicked grin.
“So… your heart belongs to someone, huh?”
“Shut up,” Damon muttered, walking away.
Elina sprinted down the hallway, laughing breathlessly.
“Come back here, you menace!” Damon shouted behind her—though the smile in his voice ruined his pretend anger.
She darted into her chamber, slamming the door only halfway shut. Damon pushed it open and stepped inside just as she doubled over with laughter.
“You just love trouble, don’t you?” he said, pointing a warning finger at her.
Elina straightened up and wiped a tear of laughter. “What? I’m only speaking the truth.”
He narrowed his eyes dramatically. “I’m going to win this competition. So prepare to bow down and call me ‘Alpha Damon.’”
She let out a loud, mocking scoff. “You? Win? Please! I’ll crush you in the first round.”
“In your dreams.”
“No, in your nightmares,” she corrected sweetly.
They stood inches apart, both refusing to back down.
Then Elina smirked.
“And you know what will happen when you win?” she taunted. “Your admirers will triple. Girls will be fighting over you. Screaming your name. Chasing you down the halls.” She gasped. “Damon, your perfect little quiet life will become miserable.”
He glared. “Elina—”
“Oh, I can see it now,” she continued dramatically. “You trying to run. Them trying to hug you. Poor Damon—” That was the last straw.
With a sudden lunge, Damon tackled her onto the soft rug.
“Take it back!”
“Never!” They rolled, laughing, wrestling like they had since childhood.
Elina managed to pin him first, straddling him while holding his wrists to the floor.
“Hah! Look who’s stronger!” she jeered triumphantly.
“Enjoy it while it lasts,” he growled, still grinning.
In one swift movement, he twisted, reversed their positions, and ended up on top of her—his legs bracketing her hips, his hands pinning hers down.
“Say it,” he demanded.
“Never.” She kept laughing… until he didn’t.
Because Damon suddenly froze. His laughter faded.
His eyes drifted over her face—slowly, searchingly, almost painfully gentle.
Elina’s smile faltered.
“D… Damon?” she murmured.
But before she could move, he dipped down and kissed her.
Soft at first, like he wasn’t even breathing.
Elina gasped, stunned, her heart slamming wildly. Instinct kicked in and she tried to wriggle free, but Damon shifted, wrapping an arm firmly around her waist and pulling her closer.
The kiss deepened—slow, tender, almost worshipful. As if something ancient inside him had finally snapped free.
Then, just as suddenly, Damon stiffened.
His eyes widened.
He jerked back. “What— I… Elina—”
He scrambled off her, stumbling to his feet as his face burned red.
“I—I’m sorry,” he stuttered, voice cracking with panic. “I didn’t— I don’t know what— I shouldn’t have—”
He backed toward the door like a frightened animal, then turned and ran—actually ran—out of her room.
The door slammed behind him.
Elina lay frozen on the floor, breathless, heart pounding, staring at the empty doorway.
“…Damon…?” she whispered.
Her fingers brushed her lips in disbelief.
Everything had changed in one stolen kiss.