Chapter 14
Bethany’s POV
Warmth.
(20
Soft sheets.
The air smelled of spice and something else. Something manly. I moaned, opening my eyes slowly.
I blinked to clear my blurry vision.
My body ached, and My head felt heavy.
Where am I?
Panic struck me before my eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room. The walls were lined with bookshelves. There was a large fireplace with a fire that crackled softly. A chair sat near the fire, and in it was-
Damien.
My breath caught in my throat.
He was reading, his dark brows furrowed in concentration. The glow of the fire made his already striking features even more pronounced–the sharp cut of his jaw, the intense lines of his face, the slight furrow of his brow.
I shouldn’t be staring.
But I couldn’t help it.
He was beautiful in a way that felt almost unfair.
The memory of last night hit me like a blow to the chest.
The tiger. The beast.
His brothers calling his name.
I sucked in a sharp breath. The sound must have alerted him because his gaze snapped to mine instantly.
“You’re awake.”
His voice was deep, smooth–but it sent a wave of fear down my spine.
I couldn’t look at him.
My fingers clutched the blanket around me. I remembered shifting. It had hurt like hell and I think I passed out. But then… what happened after?
Did they… dress me?
I swallowed hard, my gaze flickering to my body. I was wearing a soft linen nightdress that wasn’t mine. My cheeks burned.
Did he dress me?
I couldn’t bring myself to ask.
A shudder ran through me as my thoughts returned to last night.
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Chapter 14
Carien had to canbal.
The Tige: had almond balled me
had stopped him.
But Now?
I didn’t want to stay here and find out.
I threw the blanket off me and swung my legs over the bed, ready to leave, but Damien’s voice stopped me mid–step.
“How do you feel?”
froze, my heart pounding.
“Your wounds,” he continued, his tone unreadable. “How did you get them?”
1 forced myself to meet his gaze. His golden eyes burned into mine, unreadable.
hurt myself,” said quickly, looking away.
“Don’t lie to me.”
A shiver ran down my spine.
I clenched my fists. I wasn’t lying. Not entirely. But I couldn’t tell him the truth.
I straightened. “I’m fine.”
Damien exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might press me further.
But instead, he leaned back, his expression darkening.
“Don’t come back here.”
The words hit me like a slap.
I blinked, stunned.
He wasn’t just dismissing me. He was rejecting me.
And for some reason, that hurt more than I cared to admit.
swallowed past the tightness in my throat and nodded. “Okay.”
I turned, gripping the door handle, and practically rushed out.
The moment I stepped into the hallway, I slammed into something solid.
Strong arms caught me before I could fall,
Warm. Firm.
I gasped, my hands pressing against a hard chest.
My eyes lifted to see Damon.
My heart stuttered.
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Chapter 14
He held me in his arms, his lips curling into a smirk. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with something dark.
I should have stepped away.
I wanted to step away.
But I didn’t.
Because something was happening to me.
A heat, a need, an overwhelming ache ignited inside me. My thighs pressed together, a deep ache filling me up.
My breath hitched.
Why… why did I suddenly want him?
Damon’s fingers brushed against my waist, his touch like fire.
I bit my lip.
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. “You’re getting wet, aren’t you, sweet Bethany?”
I couldn’t think.
I couldn’t breathe.
I needed something–someone–to fill this unbearable need burning within me. He leaned closer, his breath warming my face, setting me on fire.
My lips parted, a desperate plea on the tip of my tongue-
“Damon.”
Damien’s voice cut through the haze like a blade.
I gasped.
The moment fizzled out and the heat in my belly slowly vanished. My mind cleared, leaving me dizzy, confused–and ashamed.
Damon’s grip on me tightened for just a second before he let me go, his smirk deepening.
“Damn,” he muttered, eyes gleaming with mischief. “That was fun while it lasted.”
I staggered back, my body trembling.
What was that?
Why did I-
Damon leaned in slightly, inhaling deeply before flashing me a wolfish grin.
“Your arousal smells so good,” he purred, his voice dripping with wicked amusement. “Too bad I won’t be able to get more of that scent.”
My face burned in shame. I turned and ran until was back in the servant quarters.
“What is wrong with me?” I whispered.
They rejected us.
Starlight’s voice echoed in my mind.
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15:23 Sat, 5 Jul
Chapter 14
1 gritted my teeth. “And yet, I wanted him.”
They saved you.
“That doesn’t change anything.” I snapped. “They still rejected us.”
Starlight sighed. They rejected the bond, not you. There is still a future for us.
I shook my head. “You always say that. One day, when they break our last hope, you’ll understand.”
Silence.
“What happened last night?”
I don’t remember, She replied.
“You don’t?”
No.
I clenched my fists. “Then why did I transform? I saw a tiger, and the others called him Damien.”
I don’t remember, Starlight repeated.
I pressed my lips together. She’s lying.
But why?
I exhaled. I needed answers.
When I got to my room, I barely stepped in before Melanie rushed toward me.
“Bethany! Where were you?” she scolded, hands on her hips. “I thought those evil ladies hurt you again!”
I blinked. I had completely forgotten about them.
She suddenly grabbed my arm, eyes narrowing on my neck. “And this? Your wound has healed!”
I looked down, startled. The cut was clean, neatly wrapped in fresh bandages.
“I…” My mind spun. I hadn’t treated it.
Damien?
No. He wouldn’t. And neither would his brothers.
I forced a smile. “I got treated on my way back.”
Melanin huffed. “Well, at least you’re okay.”
Then she brightened. “Oh! My minister wants me to come to his house later, so I’ll be back late, okay?”
I nodded, then held her hand, biting my bottom/lip.
“Melanie,” I asked hesitantly. “Do you know why Alpha Damien hates fresh wounds on people?”
Melanin frowned. “No. No one does.”
Something about that unsettled me.
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I bathed and lay down, trying to relax. But I couldn’t stop thinking. I needed something to do. Maybe I could plant some flowers? Since have always loved planting flowers.
Just as I was about to leave, a maid rushed inside.
“Alpha Damien is calling you.”
1 froze. I just left, didn’t I?
“Where?”
“The punishment hall.”
I swallowed.
The punishment hall?
Was he going to punish me?
Anxiously, I followed the maid, my heart hammering with every step.
But when I entered, my breath caught.
The four women who had tortured me two days ago were kneeling on the cold floor, their heads bowed.
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