*Damon*
“Welcome home, Selena. This place finally feels complete now that you’re here. My life was incomplete without you, and this place felt empty in your absence,” I said as I stepped into the castle together, holding my beloved’s hand. “Thank you for accepting me.”
I was overjoyed that she was finally here with me. Though the bright and lively Selena I first met seemed lost, I knew it was only a matter of time before she adjusted to this place and regained her spirit.
I stood there silently, observing her as she looked around eagerly. Everyone who came for work greeted her and introduced themselves.
“What are you thinking, Selena?” I asked, stepping forward to take her in my arms, but she tried to pull away from my embrace. I could feel her hesitation.
“What’s wrong, honey?” I asked, frowning, though I knew what was wrong.
“Damon, I need some time,” she whispered. “I just can’t jump into a new relationship just because I found out you are my mate. I have been in…” she paused, looking at me cautiously before whispering softly. “…love with Zander for my whole life.”
I sighed. “I understand, Selena. But don’t you think it’s unfair to me that I waited for my mate my whole life and I can’t have her?”
“I am here, Damon,” the frustration in her voice was unavoidable. “Can’t you wait a little longer?” she said softly this time.
“Okay, my mate. If you want this, I am willing to wait for a day or two, but I am dying to touch you and mark you with my scent and… seeds,” I whispered in her ear and felt her gasp. I didn’t want to leave even a single chance for negotiation.
“Harper!” I called for the royal maid. She promptly stepped forward. “Take your queen to her room,” I instructed, gesturing towards Selena. Harper nodded and began to lead Selena to her room.
“Selena, I’m allowing you to reside in a separate room until you make up your mind. However, ultimately, you must accept that you belong to me, and this is non-negotiable,” I declared firmly. Selena remained silent and followed Harper to her room.
As I watched her walk away, disappearing from my sight, I made my way to my royal chamber. Approaching the large portrait of Arabella, I couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance. Last time, she betrayed me by choosing to be with her mate while still married to me. This time, she never got the chance to find her true mate and had to leave her husband to be with me. Now, nothing and no one could come between us because I had already set my next move in this game. The Alpha King would eventually forget about her.
No one could figure out it was a fake mate bond that I had forged with Selena’s blood. Now, no one could break this bond, not even their Moon Goddess, and she remained bonded to me. A deep, joyous laughter rumbled from my chest. My wait of thousands of years had finally come to an end.
__________
*Avery*
As per the plan, I had to appear at the Moon Glow pack after Damon took Selena with him. Zander would be sad and in need of a shoulder to cry on. It was the best opportunity for me to make my place in his life once again. He would be mine, and this time, I would waste no time fulfilling my purpose.
I slowly strode toward Zander’s office. I softly knocked on the door before entering and found Zander leaning against the desk. His face was, as always, unreadable, but his eyes reflected the pain he was trying unsuccessfully to hide.
“Zander!” I greeted him with my seductive smile.
“Avery, what brings you here?” he asked coldly.
“Why? Can’t I come to see my best friend without any reason?” I asked in an offensive tone.
“No, I didn’t mean that,” he murmured, turning his back toward me.
I stepped closer and touched his shoulder, making him turn to face me again.
“I missed my best friend,” I whispered, my eyes glistening with emotion.
“I’m sorry, Avery. I was not in a good mood and took it out on you,” he said, closing his eyes and exhaling loudly. “Of course, you can come to see me anytime,” he breathed out.
“Zander, I came because I missed you. But I was shocked to hear what happened before my arrival. Maybe it was a kind of intuition that my friend would need me, so I came here instinctively.” I tried to sound genuine, but Zander’s suspicious gaze made me swallow with fear. I needed to convince him before he started dwelling on it further.
“I can’t believe Selena could do something like this to you and your child. I came here so I could be friends with Selena, and we all could be like old days, but it broke my heart to see her betrayal,” I sobbed as tears dropped.
“That’s none of your business,” Zander growled, shaking in anger.
Oh, so Alpha still had feelings for his ex-mate.
“I… I am… I am sorry, Alpha,” I bowed quickly. I knew offending the Alpha King could cost me my life, friend or not.
“I was just trying to console,” I murmured meekly.
“I don’t need your concern,” he spat out. “Tell me, what do you want and leave,” he ordered, and his aura intensified, making it difficult for me to stand before him. I knew he could see through my eyes and knew the truth, so I avoided eye contact with him.
“I want to stay here for my friend,” I said firmly.
“No need, Avery. I am fine,” he replied curtly.
“Please, Zander!” I pleaded. “Let me stay. Not for you, but for me, so I should know you are actually fine,” I literally begged and wanted to pat my back for such a realistic performance.
Zander let out a frustrated breath, and I bit my lip, knowing he was again going to reject my plea.
“Okay, I will ask Blair to prepare a room for you,” he said, taking me suddenly off guard.
“Thank you,” I murmured, wiping my eyes and trying to smile. Showing off my happiness would be overacting, so I decided to play the sad character.
Zander left, but I got a place in his pack again, and very soon, I would be in his heart again.
Bye-bye, Selena, and this time, permanently.