*Damon*With a lazy gaze, I peered down at Alpha Ryker, waiting for his response to alter what he had said just some moments ago.Even though I kept my eyes trained on him, I was also discreetly observing the others with my side eye vision. His wife displayed a conflicting array of emotions; one seemed filled with anticipation while the other hinted at anxiousness.Noting this with a smug satisfaction, I made sure not to betray my awareness."I'm listening, Alpha Ryker," I asserted."Um, how about I entrust my daughter to your care? Given her recent behavior, it might be beneficial for her to stay with you," he finally admitted.At his words, I lifted my head and fixed him with a steely glare. "What exactly do you mean by 'giving her to me'?" I inquired, hoping he would backtrack on his statement. I could feign ignorance if he chose to cooperate.Unfortunately, he seemed oblivious to the implications of my question. He reiterated, "I mean, I'm entrusting her to you. As her companion,"
*Jane*“I'll be right back,” I heard Mara said, making my face flush.“Mm,” I nodded at her, and getting that nod from me, I saw her hurried out of the room.Sighing, I rested my face on my hand, feeling the pang of hunger. "Shouldn't you help me hide the fact that I'm starving," I grumbled to myself.Wrapping my arms around my stomach, my mind drifted to Alpha Damon.Where's he right now?"Why am I even thinking about him?" I lightly smacked my head, cheeks tinted with embarrassment, yet the thought still linger.Recalling how I left myself exposed for his gaze to linger, I couldn't help but bite my lip."His gaze felt seductive... or am I just imagining it?" I reminisced on the allure in his eyes, even when I turned away."I must be losing my mind! I shouldn't even be dwelling on whether he truly gave me those seductive looks or not.I vigorously shook my head, attempting to banish the strange thought. But just then, another idea popped into my head."Was he disappointed with what h
*Jane*I leaped off the bed and settled into the seat Mara had prepared for me."Delicious," I exclaimed, my gaze fixed on the food. I was certain that, just as I was craving supper, my stomach was also eagerly anticipating it.I reached my hand toward the bowl but left it suspended there, with no intention of taking anything. As my hand lingered in the air, the blush on my face was quite oblivious."Ma'am, aren't you going to eat your meal?" Mara inquired, looking curious."Mm," I murmured, unsure of what to say. Yes, I hadn't started eating, and it was because I felt somewhat uncomfortable eating in front of someone. She was right there with me, so how could I eat properly?I rarely eat in the presence of others. Most of my days in the past were spent alone, having my meals. While my uncle and his family dined together as a big family in the dining room, I always felt like the odd one out.Reflecting on this now, it stirred an odd feeling within me. Am I just weird, or was I being..
*Jane*I observed Mara's excited leap and noticed her clearing her throat slightly before speaking. "Um, I'm certain you're familiar with some rumors of Alpha's past, right? Even if you haven't heard much, there must have been one or two rumors that reached you?" Her question carried a hint of hesitancy.As I observed her cautious demeanor, it seemed as if she were afraid of being overheard. The sight almost tempted a chuckle from me, finding her expression amusing.However, I restrained the urge to laugh. "Indeed, I've come across a few rumors. But trust me, they're not ones you'd want to hear," I replied, maintaining a serious demeanor.In truth, as I spoke, I felt a shiver run through my body.Mara chuckled at my words, prompting me to look up at her with confusion. "Why are you laughing?" I inquired innocently."Your serious expression was quite amusing," she explained, surprising me. "I'm sorry," she added quickly.It was true that I was indeed feeling frightened, so I couldn't d
*Jane*"That's not true, ma'am," Mara shook her head from her seat."Then what's the truth?" I asked, feeling indifferent.Knowing Mara's admiration for Alpha Damon, I didn't put much stock in her defense.With my gaze fixed on her, I awaited her reply."You simply haven't witnessed King Damon's ruthlessness, that's all," she continued to advocate for him.I stared at her with disinterest, speaking in a subdued tone. "Mara, there's no need to defend him so seriously. Perhaps you all like the fact that your Alpha is renowned for his brutality." I chuckled lightly, finding it amusing."I'm being earnest," Mara retorted, feeling slighted. "And I'm not alone, ma'am. If you ask the other servants, they'll tell you the same."I sighed, observing her earnest expression. I couldn't dissuade her by pressing the matter, so I inquired, "Well, if the rumors about him are true, why haven't I witnessed any of it?"It's surprising to learn that the Alpha isn't as rumored. However, even if I were inc
*Jane*With widened eyes, I gazed at Mara, but she appeared more engrossed in her own words, oblivious to my stunned expression.“Your King appears quite harsh…” I murmured quietly, my words barely escaping my chewing mouth.“Huh? I think I missed what you said,” she mutter,I quickly shook my head, denying, “No, I didn't say anything.”Avoiding her gaze, I began to slowly sip my wine. I must admit, the deep red hue suggested a superior quality, and the taste alone was rich and satisfying.“Besides that incident involving King Damon, there have been more and more troubling events,” she muttered.“Is that right?”I couldn't think of anything else to say. True, what Mara had just recounted was somewhat unsettling, but then again, they were just words; I hadn't witnessed anything firsthand.Soon after, I noticed Mara, who had been chatting earlier, had suddenly fallen silent. Confused, I lifted my head to look at her, only to be met with her hesitant expression."What's troubling you? Is
*Damon*The tension in the dining room escalated as silence hung heavy in the air once more.From the corner of my eye, I noticed Alpha Ryker's wife, her expression fraught with uncertainty and reluctance.She stole glances at Alpha Ryker, as if waiting for him to say something."Anything you'd like to add?" I inquired, fixing my gaze on her with a piercing stare.She hesitated, then shook her head. "No," she finally replied, her voice wavering. "Well, I know my words might not be necessary, but I can't help but feel the need to speak. Emily would make a better match as your Luna. Despite her occasional childishness, she's still a more suitable candidate."A smirk played on my lips as I listened to her attempt to extol the virtues of her daughter. "Her?" I gestured towards Emily. "She's not suitable," I retorted.My three words seemed to finalize the matter. How could a disrespectful and pamper daughter possibly be fit to be my Luna?Before she could voice further objections, Alpha Ry
*Jane*I watched as Mara excitedly moved forward to stand next to me."What's with this energetic demeanor?" I inquired, with my eyes on her."Nothing much, just thrilled to show you around," she responded, almost immediately.Upon hearing her words, I couldn't help but feel curious. With my gaze fixed on her, I asked, "Have you never given a tour before?"Her enthusiasm and constant clinging to me raised suspicions about whether I was the first person she would be touring around the castle to.Her next words confirmed my suspicions. "Um, not really. My tasks in the castle before your arrival were minor cleanings and such. But a day before you arrived, Sir Zeeb surprised me by saying I would be your personal maid.""Oh," I glanced at her, feeling somewhat uneasy, with questions swirling within me.She changed the subject and hurried over to the shoe section. I watched as she selected a pair of flat slippers and brought them over to me."Here, put these on," she said, bending down to f
Jane POV From my hiding place, I could see that it was already night when I opened my eyes, yet the battle was still raging on. The sounds of tearing flesh and the scent of blood filled the air.It had been a full day, and the fight showed no signs of ending. On the second day, when I peered through a small hole to view the battlefield, I noticed that two-thirds of the 5,000 rogues had been wiped out.The heaviness in my chest eased slightly at this sight. However, my relief was short-lived as another wave of rogues appeared. They now outnumbered the remaining members of Damon’s side.Panic surged through me when I noticed a man among them who bore a striking resemblance to Damon. The only way I could tell them apart was the long, ugly sword scar on the face of the man with the rogues.“Haha, Damon, we meet again. Surprised to see me?” The man who resembled Damon laughed in a chilling manner.It was clear from the first glance that he harbored intense hatred for Damon. Fear and vigil
Jane POV “Jane?”In my dazed state, I noticed Damon looking at me, but his expression was unreadable, leaving me uncertain of his thoughts.Everyone around us turned to me almost simultaneously. I snapped out of my daze and stepped forward to join them.“Why are you here?” Damon asked in his usual tone, but if you listened closely, there was a hint of gentleness.My expression softened as I stood beside him. “Nothing, I just want to be with you.”“Jane, there’s a small crisis, and I don’t think it’s best for you to stay. Why don’t you go to the garden and get some fresh air?” His voice remained gentle.On any other day, I might have gladly listened, but not today. I couldn’t be at ease knowing Damon was facing this crisis alone, so I immediately shook my head.“I want to stay with you. Don’t worry, I’ll be as invisible as possible, and you won’t even notice I’m here,” I assured him.I was serious, being near him without causing any disturbance was exactly what I intended.Damon staye
Jane POV The trip to the market was incredibly fun, and I had to admit, it was one of the best moments of my life. I rarely go out, and when I do, the looks I receive are usually filled with disdain and scorn.The pack members treated me like a cursed pest, refusing to have anything to do with me. But here, things were different.I didn’t even want to return to Damon’s castle. I loved the freedom I felt outside, but I knew I had to go back.When I returned, I noticed that Damian was behaving differently—he seemed friendlier than usual.“Could it be because we spent time together?” I thought, my face flushing as memories of the other night flooded my mind.The months flew by, and Damon and I became more than just a couple. We were like two lovebirds, and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the cold-hearted alpha would become the way he is with me now.As my life became smoother, I found myself waking up with a smile every morning, and today was no different.“Good morning, c
*Jane*For a moment, I couldn't help but feel an urge to strangle Mara. I had thought her admiration for Damon had long since faded, as she no longer talked about him, but her actions now made me realize I was wrong.Mara wasn't bothered by my pushing her away; instead, she clung even more. "Well, I think what King Damon said is good. It’s not bad having him come along to protect us." She grinned excitedly."What nonsense are you talking about?" I pushed her away again. "How can we let him follow us?"His presence alone would be too distracting for me to check things properly. No, I can't let him come.Before I could scold Mara further, I heard Damon address her directly."What do you have to say about this?" he asked in his usual calm voice.Caught off guard by the question, Mara's heart nearly leaped out of her chest. Without thinking, she nodded vigorously. "Yes.""Yes, what?" Damon asked, still composed.I felt an impending headache, knowing Damon's strategy. He was trying to get
*Jane*My voice caused everyone to turn their eyes to Florence. It was clear they were curious to know whom I had called.Oh, I gasped as I blinked, realizing what I had just done. It wasn't just Mara who turned to look at Florence, but also Damon and the passing servants.Their faces showed various expressions, as if they were surprised to see me speaking so familiarly to Florence.“Hehe...” I coughed slightly, my expression awkward. “You guys should stop staring like that. It's making me uncomfortable,” I quickly said, feeling my face heat up.“Who's she?” Damon asked, his eyes dimmed, with a mix of confusion.When I didn't speak, he muttered something, as though he was confused. “Isn't it only Mara who you do talk to? Where did Florence come into the picture?” I smiled forcefully before explaining, even though I don't like the idea at all.“She’s Florence and she's here working to help her mother for the time being.” I will introduce myself briefly.I didn't dare to introduce Flor
*Jane*I pursed my lips in silence, after hearing his question. I felt embarrassed.Even his voice seemed to hold a disbelieving tone. I could understand why he was surprised, afterall I don't normally wake up this early.But Zeeb should at least have this self awareness. He shouldn't just say this anyhow. Perhaps he didn't notice, but to me, It always felt insultive knowing I'm always a sleepyhead. Argh,I smiled at him before speaking. “There's no reason. I just saw myself waking up. I'm also shocked.” I lied but I didn't blink an eye when speaking. Zeeb wasn't satisfied with my response. He still wanted to ask more, but before he could do that, I already beat me.“Where's King Damon? Is he still sleeping?” I asked, quickly.I didn't want to ask about him, but I had to ask, just to distract Zeeb from asking me any further question about me waking up this early.He was stunned but nevertheless spoke. “Should I call him for you?”“Uhm?” Hearing that, I almost choked again. What sort
*Jane*I don't want to think too highly of myself. Even though I wasn't thinking much, I still felt I should ask Zeeb, maybe that wasn't what he meant.However, before I could do that, Zeeb had already continued.“Uh, aside from Florence, there haven't been any new servants brought in.” He replied with certainty.Looking stunned, I asked. “Are you sure?”Although I knew he was being truthful based on his certainty voice. However, I would always want to confirm. “Yes.” He wasn't offended by my doubt, and replied to me.“Oh.” I have nothing else to say.“Why did you ask this all of a sudden? Is there something wrong?” He asked, feeling curious.I didn't reply to him, but instead I asked another question. “Did you see Mars talking to anybody yesterday?” I asked, softly, with my eyes darting around for anyone eavesdropping.Zeeb seemed surprised at my whispering voice. “Are you talking about Mara, a good personal maid?” I smacked my forehead at his dumb question. “Yes.” If it wasn't her
*Jane*I shouldn't have bothered to care, now I'm having an unnecessary headache.Since he wanted to give attitude, then I would return it in full potion. “Fine, let's forget..” I haven't even completed my words, when my voice trailed off.Damon has already left. I watched as his proud back walked away from me, and went upstairs.Argh, I even got snubbed. I can't help but feel upset knowing Damon had walked away from me.I sneered, before also going upstairs to my room. When I got there, I jammed my door very hard to vent my anger, and then fell on my bed.Perhaps, due to the anger piled up within me, I slept very late.When I woke up the following day, it was pretty late in the morning.I yawned and stretched my body on my bed. Feeling normal, the midnight incident all flashed into my mind.Just remembering that, made my mood deepened.Gosh, why do I have to think of him this early morning! I frowned, angrily.I even slammed my legs hard just to vent my anger. However, too bad it was
*Jane*I couldn't know if it's my eyes, but a gentle smile formed on Damon’s face, and that was for a quick moment.Having given him the permission, I watched as Damon filled the spoon with omelet and slowly moved it to my mouth.Feeling super hungry, I didn't wait for the spoon to get to my month, before moving forward to grab it.Damon seemed to have noticed my hunger, so he wasn't as slow as the first time. After eating six spoons and about taking the seventh, I heard Damon speak.“Eat slowly.” He said.I blinked my eyes but it was only for a moment. I nodded at his words, and continued to eat from his hand.After some minutes, the full plate of omelet seemed to have been cleared with nothing left in it.I glanced at the empty plate and my face flushed. Gently raising my head to glance at Damon, I saw him also looking at me.“Uh, thank you.” I gulped my throat before finding my voice to speak.I couldn't let him know I was feeling embarrassed for eating that much. It doesn't look