Ruby
A forceful energy swept through the air, and the unseen presence seemed to recoil, dissipating into the shadows. I felt a strange mix of relief and confusion, wondering about the mysterious force that seemed to haunt me.
There was something greater than Lilith out there that held a strong grudge against me.
Damian approached, his expression a blend of concern and softness, and he began to remove the net, releasing me from its hold, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. The net’s entanglement had left me vulnerable, and in that moment, without a second thought, I wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug, not minding that I was creating physical contact between us.
I felt his body tense up for a moment, properly caught unaware but not resisting, and he responded with a protective embrace. His strong arms enveloped me, creating a shield from the chaos around me.
“I stopped a knife, Damian, before it killed me. I can’t believe it,” I said with a shaking voice clinging onto him like my life depended on him.
“Are you okay, Ruby?” he asked, his voice a soothing anchor in the midst of the storm. I pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze.
I stared into his eyes, not hiding my vulnerability, and in that brief connection, I sensed the complexity of emotions swirling within him-a mixture of duty, care, and perhaps something more.
Love? No, it was too early.
“Thank you, Damian. I didn’t think anyone would come. You have saved me twice in a row.” A faint smile touched his lips.
“I won’t let anyone harm you. We have a lot to talk about, but first, let’s get you out of here safely.”
“Thank you,” I repeated, my heart swelling with pride, and my wolf howled in happiness as she enjoyed the sparks and connection we were having with our mate.
“Before I forget, this is yours, right?” Damian said, handling the precious book, and relief washed over me. I almost forgot about it.
Clutching it tightly, I couldn’t help but express my gratitude. “Thank you for saving this. It means the world to me,” I said, a mix of emotions colouring my voice.
His eyes held a depth of understanding as he replied, “You’re welcome, Ruby.
“How did you find the book?” I asked with curiosity because I was sure I didn’t find it around while I searched after being stuck inside the net.
“It was on the ground right behind that tree,” he pointed, and I nodded my head in understanding.
The tension in the air had been eased, and as Damian guided me away from the ominous place, I couldn’t shake the sense that our paths were becoming more intertwined than either of us had anticipated.
“Now, about what you mentioned-stopping the knife. Can you tell me more?” Daiman asked with curiosity, and I hesitated but decided to share the strange occurrence with him, as a part of me couldn’t help but trust him a little after all; he rescued me twice.
“I don’t know how, but when the knife was coming towards my face, I… I used some kind of power to stop it. It’s like an instinct kicked in.”
Damian’s brows furrowed in thoughtful concern. “An instinct, you say? Well Ruby There’s more to you than meets the eye, which is why we have a lot to talk about, mate.”
Mate? Did he just openly acknowledge me as his mate?
“That thing right there that tried to kill you was an evil spirit,” he said, and in the dim light of the woods, I looked up at Damian, my eyes reflecting confusion and curiosity.
“Why did you call it an evil spirit?”
It can’t be true; evil spirits were a myth and didn’t exist.
Damian, standing beside me, met my gaze with a solemn expression. “Ruby, the reason I referred to it as an evil spirit is because it was born from the darkest corners of your mind.” His words hung in the air, and I furrowed my brows, a mix of emotions flooding my thoughts.
Was he trying to say I was possessed?
“What do you mean?” I scratched my chin nervously, looking at Damian, who was deep in thought.
“The entity that attacked you-the nightmares, everything-it was a manifestation of your deepest fears and the struggles within your subconscious. It’s not real; it’s a product of your own mind. That’s why you were able to stop it, and even if I didn’t save you, you wouldn’t have died because you would save yourself because you have things you want to protect.”
“So my powers aren’t real? What happened back at Liam’s office when I stopped Lilith from hurting me was just my imagination too.”I asked as Damian’s gaze held mine, his eyes revealing a mix of intensity and vulnerability that left me momentarily breathless.
“Those were real and only came out because of me. Ruby, you’ve felt the power within you, and it’s a connection that goes beyond the ordinary. Embrace it, and you can have more. But there’s a condition.”
At this point, I was lost. What does it mean my powers only came out because of him? What condition was he talking about? Right now, he was sounding crazy.
“Condition? What are you talking about?”
The forest, usually a symphony of sounds, seemed to quiet down, accentuating the weight of his unexpected proposition, and I listened, the air heavy with unspoken words. The rustling leaves became the only witnesses to our conversation.
“Accept me as your mate. The power you felt is tied to our connection. You have the potential for more, but only if you acknowledge the bond between us. By accepting the bond, you will become more powerful and defeat your enemies easily.”
My mind raced as I tried to process his words, the ticking of the watch reminding me of the limited time I had. The forest held its breath, as if awaiting my response to Damian’s unexpected proposal.
How could I accept a bond when I knew nothing about him except that he was a powerful alpha and had a daughter? I didn’t even know the story between him and Lilith, and he wants me to accept him easily just because it would make me powerful, not because I love him.
I stood at the crossroads of a life-altering decision, grappling with the enigmatic power Damien presented and the weight of my responsibilities. The resonance of his words echoed in my mind as I tried to navigate through the intricate emotions swirling within me.
“Why now, Damian? Why introduce this complication when everything is already so complicated?”
“Our connection is a potent force, Ruby. It’s more than just a bond; it’s a source of strength. Embracing it can change everything.”
The relentless ticking of the watch seemed to merge with the pounding of my heart, creating a cacophony of urgency.
“I need time, Damian. This isn’t something I can decide in the midst of a ticking clock.”
“I heard what Nelly did, and it’s unacceptable on my part; she disobeyed me, and I would make her pay-” Damian’s fists clenched, a visible manifestation of his frustration, but I quickly cut him off.
“No, Damian, this is what I want.” I placed a calming hand on his shoulder, feeling sparks shoot down my arms. “Don’t hurt her or do anything. We will talk about all this another time when I have enough time to think.”
Damian nodded, understanding my request, and I turned away from him as the challenge ahead weighed heavily on me. The forest, silent and watching, waited for the next part of my uncertain task.
How on earth do I heal a group of kids who’ve been sick since birth? It feels like only a miracle can save me.