Ruby:
Unconsciously, I found myself heading towards Damian’s office, like I had been possessed by a spirit. Pausing outside the door, I hesitated, unsure if I should intrude on his space. But the worry gnawing at my gut pushed me forward, and I gently pushed the door open.
“Damian?” I called out softly as I stepped into the dimly lit room. The familiar scent of cedarwood and old books enveloped me, offering a sense of comfort.
My eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of him, and there he was, seated behind his desk. His brow furrowed in concentration as he sifted through a stack of paperwork, but when he looked up and saw me, his expression softened with surprise and warmth.
“Ruby, hey,” he greeted, his voice soft and welcoming. “What brings you here?”
“I… I was just passing by,” I stammered, trying to mask the nervousness in my voice. “I thought I’d check in on you.”
Damian’s smile softened, and he gestured for me to take a seat opposite him. “Care to join me? I’m finalising some arrangements for your Luna ceremony tomorrow,” he said sweetly.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding, crossing the room to settle into the chair across from him. As I sank into the plush cushions, Damian’s intoxicating scent washed over me, leaving me feeling slightly dizzy, as though I had just inhaled a potent drug.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to gather my thoughts, but Damian’s presence seemed to overpower both me and my wolf.
“Damian, I need your help with something,” I began, my voice hesitant. Damian’s gaze shifted from the paperwork on his desk to mine, his expression attentive as he waited for me to continue.
“It’s about Jane,” I said, her name leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. As I spoke, my eyes involuntarily drifted to his lips, imagining what it would be like to taste them.
“The nurse who… who took my son away from me.” A flicker of recognition flashed in Damian’s eyes, his brow furrowing in concern as he leaned forward, sensing the gravity of the situation.
“Go on,” he urged gently.
“I need your men to go after her, to bring her to justice for what she’s done. I can’t do it alone,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Damian’s expression hardened, his jaw setting in a firm line as he processed my request. “My men are yours, Ruby. You will be their Luna tomorrow,” he said solemnly.
“But don’t worry, I’ll see to it that we track her down and bring her to face the consequences of her actions.”
A surge of gratitude washed over me at his words, relief flooding through my veins like a soothing balm.
“Thank you, Damian,” I murmured, unable to fully express the depth of my gratitude. He reached across the desk, squeezing my hand in a reassuring gesture.
“I will personally find her and make her pay for hurting you.”
His declaration stirred something deep within my heart, igniting a spark of hope for love that was foreign to me.
“I’m ready to do anything to make you happy,” Damian murmured, his voice tinged with sincerity. But then, in a surprising move, he leaped over the desk, leaving me momentarily stunned.
I closed my eyes, anticipating his lips on mine, but when nothing happened, I cautiously opened them again, feeling deeply embarrassed.
Did I actually want to kiss him?
Damian took hold of my hand, pulling me close until our faces were mere inches apart. His intense gaze held mine captive, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Confusion clouded my thoughts as I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering what Damian was up to. Feeling nervous, I tried to divert my attention, but Damian’s presence was too consuming. I found myself unable to focus on anything else, my mind consumed by thoughts of him.
His handsome face loomed large in my vision, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. His grin hinted at his enjoyment of making me nervous.
Feeling his towering presence, I couldn’t help but imagine his dominance in bed, a thought that sent a shiver down my spine. I tried to focus, but my heart raced, and my palms grew sweaty.
I cleared my throat, barely flinching as Damian leaned in closer. A tingling sensation spread across my neck as his cold nose brushed against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel my whole body tremble and quake in his arms.
“Um, Damian? What are you doing?” I asked, my voice shaky with nerves.
“Scent marking,” he replied bluntly, his words sparking a memory of werewolf tradition.
“Why?” I questioned, uncertainty racing through my mind. Scent marking was a practice from ancient times, a way for males to assert their dominance, particularly when they felt jealous.
Was Damian jealous?
Liam never displayed jealousy or felt the need to mark me with his scent. Everyone knew we were destined to be together, and while I had appreciated his confidence in our bond, now I found myself reconsidering as I breathed in Damian’s scent.
“Tomorrow is your ceremony, and I want every male there to know that you are mine, Ruby. Mine to love and protect,” he explained before his lips crashed onto mine in a sudden, unexpected kiss.
I froze for a moment before melting into his embrace, our lips moving in sync as passion engulfed us. Time seemed to stand still as we lost ourselves in the sweet intoxication of the moment, until a voice shattered the blissful silence.
“Damian, there you are,” the voice rang out. Startled, Damian and I jumped apart, our cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment as we exchanged sheepish glances.
“Why are you here, Selene? I never invited you,” Damian questioned, his grip tightening around my waist, reluctant to let go. I secretly enjoyed the feeling of his muscular arms around me.
Selene chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she stepped further into the room. “Oh, silly brother, I’m here for you,” she teased cryptically.
Damian furrowed his brow, intrigued by her mysterious statement. “For me? What do you mean?”
“Brother, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten what tonight is. You have to do it as soon as possible and get it over with,” she replied, her gaze flicking to me with an unexplainable intensity, which she quickly masked when she realised I noticed.
“Is this your new side chick?” She smirked, casting a sly glance at Damian, her eyebrow raised.
Side chick?