My chest tightened, but I refused to let it show. Without replying, I closed the app and called a cab.
As I gazed out the window during the ride home, Damon called me. I debated ignoring it but picked up, curious what he’d say.
“Elara,” he began, his tone frustrated, “why are you being so harsh with Serena? She’s just a subordinate, and I was helping her get settled. It’s not a big deal.”
“Since when do you act like this?” I shot back. “At the pack's celebration party, you couldn’t even pretend to care about me. Now you’re bending over backward for her?”
“She’s new to the pack!” he snapped. “The company hasn’t arranged her workspace yet. Of course, I had to help. Why are you so insecure about this?”
In the background, I heard Serena’s soft voice. “Damon, don’t fight. I don’t want to come between you two, please?”
Her voice was dripping with sweetness, but I could see through it now.
I took a deep breath, my voice calm despite the storm inside me. “You’re right. My bad. Don’t worry—I’m already home. You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
When Damon heard the coldness in my voice, he hesitated, his usual confidence slipping. He tried to say something, but I hung up before he could finish. I could practically feel his frustration through the phone.
That was the last time I let Damon’s words affect me. I had a new future to focus on, one that didn’t include him.
Back at the apartment, my phone wouldn’t stop buzzing with notifications. I glanced at the screen and saw they were all from the pack chat. I hadn’t left it yet, even though I should’ve months ago.
At the top of the feed was a photo from Serena. She’d posted a picture of Damon assembling furniture at the new office. His sleeves were rolled up, hair slightly tousled, looking like some kind of corporate hero.
[Who else has an alpha this thoughtful?] she wrote, with a string of heart-eyed emojis. [Can I sign a lifetime contract already?]
The comments rolled in fast.
[Wow, Damon setting up furniture himself? Isn’t he always delegating everything?]
[He looks good doing it, though! Serena, you’re so lucky!]
[Looks like someone’s already the next Mrs. Damon.]
I scrolled through, my stomach turning at every message. Before Serena showed up, Damon used to do everything with me. He’d call me his partner, the one he trusted most. Now, it was clear that trust had shifted.