CHAPTER 7

Damien's POV

The sight of Elara walking away, her head hanging low, struck a chord within me. Echo's words echoed in my mind, his reminder that this was what I wanted. Still, a twinge of guilt pierced through my determination. She shouldn't have to feel this way. But the pain she felt now would be nothing compared to the rejection I would deliver.

"What have you done, Echo? Are you crazy? What did you say to her?" My voice was tinged with anger as I confronted my wolf. His response was calm and straightforward, as if he had just carried out a task I had assigned.

"Isn't this what you wanted? I sped up the process!" Echo's words held a hint of justification, and for a moment, I couldn't deny that he was right. This was the path I had chosen, and I wasn't about to deviate from it now.

"You know what, Echo? You're right. Let's just forget this ever happened. I don't think she will ever come back. Besides, there is no room for her!" I spoke with an edge of finality, suppressing any remaining doubts. It was easier this way, I convinced myself.

But then, a voice interrupted our conversation. "Hello Alpha Damien." I turned to face the speaker, and there stood Jordan, all smiles. For a brief moment, I forgot his name, but he gently reminded me. His genuine smile, contrasting my current turmoil, caught me off guard. How could someone smile so effortlessly? How did he maintain that lightness?

"Yeah, Jordan. Thanks for today." My words carried a sense of genuine appreciation, though my gaze drifted to his outfit. A realization struck me, and I couldn't help but point it out. "Your outfit. Did you plan it? You realize we're wearing the same damn clothes, right?" I managed a faint grin.

“I did. It's crazy, Alpha. I wore it as a symbol of my soul. Despite all I’ve been through, I remain a pure soul. I'm just never giving all of myself again.” Jordan's words were like a glimpse into his heart, an openness that caught me off guard. His smile remained, and I was captivated by the authenticity of it.

I decided not to pry into his past, whatever it might be that he may have faced, I really didn't care. At the end of the day, everyone will undergo their own shit. What mattered was that I liked his personality, that I felt drawn to his energy.

“Yeah. That's right. You know, you could do perfectly for a Beta.” I spoke calmly, trying to create an environment of camaraderie. Fear of Lycan Apexes still lingered in the pack, thanks to the actions of the last one who had misused his power.

Jordan chuckled, a sound that seemed to settle any tension. “Thanks, Alpha, for the compliment. It would be great to be your right-hand man.” His words flowed naturally, as if we were just two regular guys having a chat.

“I should get going, I have to get back to school. I had to leave for your speech. I’ll see you around, Alpha,” Jordan said, beginning to step away.

"Call me Damien. I’m just a year ahead of you in the same college you attend," I remarked, wanting to make sure he felt comfortable around me.

“Wait a minute, do you mean..”

“Yeah. But I had to quit school after Clara died. I'm considering finishing college. I mean, it won't hurt to return to school, would it, Jordan?” I inquired, genuine curiosity in my voice.

“Not a bit, Alpha. The school would get crazy to have you learn with them,” Jordan replied, a hint of admiration in his tone. There was something about his presence that put me at ease, even in the midst of my complicated emotions.

“Jordan, do you know any fair blonde girl this tall in your college?” I asked, a mixture of curiosity and caution lacing my words. As I mentioned her, Elara's image flashed in my mind again, her sadness now etched more deeply into my heart.

It was a tangled web of emotions, a mix of my own turmoil and the interactions that wove my world together. And yet, in the midst of this, Jordan's smile and presence seemed to offer a glimmer of something new, something different from the dark path I had chosen.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

It was past 3 in the afternoon. The clock in Mr. Clerk’s office ticked graciously. It was time for the students to close. It was my shot to get to my mate. Whomever she was.

My mind kept circling back to the pact I had made with myself, the promise to Clara that I would protect her memory by refusing this bond.

The thought of running away from my mate had lost its appeal; it only reflected weakness now. I had to meet her, face the storm, and reject her with the firmness of my convictions.

Fuck the consequences, fuck the Moon Goddess. Clara's memory was the compass that guided my actions now, even in this dark path I was treading.

“Tomorrow it is, Damien. Welcome back to Ironclaw college. Here.” Mr. Clerk's voice pulled me back from my introspection, and I accepted the two files he handed over. They both contained a series of documents I will definitely not be interested in.

"What are these?" I questioned, my voice measured and cool, my eyes locked on his. He shifted uncomfortably under my gaze, my alpha aura casting a shadow even in this human-dominated office.

“Look, Damien, the rules have changed. We have some humans who schools here occasionally. So you may want to refrain from being a werewolf in the school premises.” His words were cautious, and I sensed the hint of fear beneath them.

"Humans? And who made this rule? Without the Alpha’s consent?" I demanded, a dangerous edge seeping into my tone. The rules were clear—this pack's actions were under my authority, and no major decisions were to be taken without my knowledge.

“The pack’s Alpha and the royal blood. Look, I get that, but this is something positive. You can trust me on this one,” Mr. Clerk was visibly anxious, his words a mix of trying to persuade and placate.

I leaned in, my eyes locking onto his, my fangs subtly extending as a warning that I wasn't to be trifled with. "Do you know, Mr. Clerk, under whose authority this school is?" My question hung in the air, a reminder of the pecking order he was clearly forgetting.

“The pack’s Alpha and the royal blood." He sighed for a bit, trying to frame up another piece of confrontation. He meant me.

"Alpha Damien. I know I should have informed you first, but these humans are f^cking millionaires and are willing to spend millions on their kids’ academics. Think of what this could be for our pack,” he stammered, his voice laced with nervousness. His fear of losing his position and offending the Lycan Apex was palpable.

My head suddenly began to ring, an alarm sounding deep within me. A familiar scent began to permeate the air, a scent that was both enticing and tormenting. "Mate! She's here!" Echo's words were a fierce whisper in my mind, igniting a mix of anticipation and dread within me.

The door to Mr. Clerk's office swung open suddenly, and a figure entered—a pretty girl who seemed engrossed in her own world. She paid me little attention, absorbed in her notes and a phone call. And then, as if her wolf had alerted her, she paused. Her gaze met mine, and the world seemed to shift. Her presence had a magnetic pull, a force that drew me in despite my best efforts.

"Hello, Alpha Damien," she said simply, her words carrying a weight that left me both intrigued and wary. I couldn't help but study her, her features etched with a certain weariness that contrasted with her youthful appearance.

Instinctively, I extended my hand, a gesture that was met with hesitation as she continued her conversation with Mr. Clerk. My hand hung in the air, a mid-air limbo of uncertainty and anticipation. It took the manager's intervention to prompt her to acknowledge the formality.

"Elara. The Alpha extends his hand to you. Can't you see?" Mr. Clerk's voice was a mix of exasperation and amusement, as if he knew he was caught between an alpha and a potential mate's awkward interaction.

"I'm sorry, Alpha. I was caught up in too many things," her voice wavered slightly as she finally met my gaze, her eyes evoking a mixture of emotions that were both unsettling and intriguing.

As her soft hand met mine, a spark ignited—a connection that was both unexpected and undeniable. The sensation sent a jolt of surprise through me, a reminder that this was more than just a formality. It was the Moon Goddess's design at play, her weaving threads binding us inextricably.

Our eyes locked, and I felt a current of emotions passing between us—her weariness, my resolve, and a heavy veil of fear that hung over her. Her vulnerability was palpable, her gaze revealing

Her eyes were weary, scared. She was scared of me, and I loved it that way.

"Meet me at home at 8 pm tonight. It's an order!" I mindlinked her, watching as she screamed for her to be left alone.

I would wait for her at home and properly reject her. At least, to show some respect.

Clara, I am doing this for you. I hope it's the right thing. I love you.