36

Damien's POV

I saw the surprise in Keturah's eyes. It had been the last thing she had been expecting.

"Damien? Damien, what are you saying?"

I stood up from my chair putting some distance between us.

"I think this was long overdue. We no longer want the same things."

I wanted Kiara. I wanted my mate at my side. And I was ready to put in the effort to keep her by all means necessary.

That was why my time with Keturah had to end.

Keturah was next to me in an instant, her hand reaching out to touch me.

"If this is about the labels, we can continue snd–"

I moved to avoid her touch before meeting her eyes so she could see I was serious. I meant what I was saying.

"It isn't. I wanted to tell you before you started talking about Kiara."

Keyurah's face went almost frighteningly blank, her hand falling to her side.

"It's because of her, isn't it?"

It kind of was but at the same time, it wasn't. What we had couldn't have lasted forever regardless of Kiara entering our lives.

"Keturah."