I could feel his gaze on me the entire time, heavy and sharp like a hunter watching prey.
When I reached the bedroom, I closed the door behind me. I leaned against it and shut my eyes.
Seven winters…
Seven winters of loyalty, of standing by his side as his Luna.
And now, it was over.
The moon outside the window cast a pale glow across the room, quiet and cold.
The crystal communicator on the table lit up. A message appeared, marked with the crest of the Wolfhart bloodline.
[Rayya, the flight path is secured. The Wolfhart guards will arrive in Ravencrest in three days. Whatever the Redclaw Pack owes you, I will make them repay it ten times over. A hundred times over.]
I stared at the message, heat rising behind my eyes.
Before I could reply, the door opened without warning.
Damon walked in, his steps firm, his Alpha presence filling the room. His sharp gaze locked onto the crystal communicator in my hand.
In just a few strides, he reached me and took it away. The screen went dark at that exact moment.
He didn’t try to unlock it. He simply tossed it onto the carpet as if it meant nothing. Then his hand came up, gripping my chin, forcing me to look at him.
"What happened downstairs? Why did you not fight back?" His voice carried doubt, mixed with something probing.
I met his eyes, then answered with calm, empty of emotion, "You always said my temper was too strong. That I should be more generous. I gave her the jade ring and the necklace. Isn’t that what you wanted?"
Something unreadable moved in his eyes.
He let go of my chin and pulled me into his arms, holding me close. His scent wrapped around me. Tobacco.
And beneath it, Marisel’s sweet perfume.
The two mixed together, making my stomach twist.
Damon lowered his head, his breath brushing my ear.
"Rayya, I know today was not easy for you. Marisel’s older sister was injured saving my life winters ago. I owe that debt. I have to take care of her."
"As long as you stay obedient and know your place, you will always have a position in the Redclaw Pack. You are still the one who has stayed with me the longest."
It sounded like a promise. But it felt like pity. Like scraps thrown down from above.
And he truly thought I should accept it.
A hurried knock came from the door. Marisel’s soft voice followed.
"Damon, my chest suddenly hurts. Can you come stay with me?"