Chapter 18

Norman’s POV

By the time I get back to my suite, I couldn't find Riley anywhere around. I understand immediately she must have gone back to her room. I still needed to see her so I stepped out of my room, my mind reeling with the discussion I had with the court. I closed the door gently behind me, and immediately set out to go to Riley's part of the huge pack house.

I hadn't taken two steps when Damon suddenly appeared before me, his presence as sudden and unexpected as a storm cloud on a clear day. His face was like a thundercloud, his eyes blazing with a cold fury that would have affected any other person, but not me.

"You," he growled, pointing at me. I didn't fail to notice the accusation that rang deep in his voice. "Why would you do this? Why would you marry my mate?"

His words struck me as both absurd and amusing. His mate? What the hell was he talking about? Riley was no one's possession, a fact I was about to make abundantly clear. A chuckle escaped my lips, a sound that seemed to further inflame Damon’s already simmering rage.

"You find this funny?" he snarled, his hands clenched into fists. "You think you can just waltz in here and steal what’s rightfully mine?"

I looked straight into his eyes and I could see his dark orbs staring back at me, his eyes were as fierce as that of a Cheetah. And his lips were pursed, showing just how deep the anger that was coursing through him. I thought about how he'd always been the most violent of the three of us. Unlike me, he doesn't think before acting. He just acts and then after that remains unapologetic about whatever it is he has done. Knowing all that, I knew I had to be diplomatic in my ways of dealing with him. Not because I was afraid of him but because it was common sense.

I met his gaze, my amusement fading, replaced by a steely resolve. "Riley is not a prize to be won or stolen, Damon," I said, my voice calm but firm. "She is her own person, and she chose me. You would do well to remember that.”

Damon's face contorted with rage, his eyes burning with an intense anger. "You will regret this, Norman," he hissed, his voice laced with a chilling threat. "I will make sure your path to the throne is littered with thorns. You will not win this."

I didn't give him a response, but that only got him more angry.

I watched him, my expression totally impassive, as he continued unleashing a torrent of angry words, his voice echoing in the hallway. He raved about stolen mates and broken promises, his words fueled by a possessiveness that bordered on obsession. When he finally paused for breath, I met his gaze, my own eyes unwavering. “Are you finished with your rants?” I asked, my voice laced with a hint of mockery. “Because if you are, I have a question for you. Are you truly willing to go down this path, Damon? To destroy everything we’ve both worked for, simply because I married the woman I love? The woman, I might add," I continued, my voice hardening, a careless slip of the tongue betraying me, "that I brought to this kingdom with my very own cash?”

The moment the words left my mouth, I cursed myself for my stupidity. I had revealed too much, given Damon a weapon he would undoubtedly use against me. Damn it! I berated myself silently. I just handed him the ammunition he needed to destroy me.

Damon’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening. He latched onto my careless words, his voice dripping with a sardonic amusement. "Brought her here with your own cash, you say?" he repeated, his lips twisting into a cruel smile. "So, after all the bravado, she's just a slave you bought with cash, huh?” He threw at me, a dark smirk crossing his features. “That means she can be bought. Tell me, Norman, what’s your price? How much will it take for you to sell her to me?"

A wave of nausea washed over me, the implications of my careless words hitting me with full force. I had to backpedal, to regain control of the narrative. “You misunderstand,” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. “I wouldn’t sell Riley for all the gold in the kingdom. She is my mate, my lover, my…”

“Spare me the sentimental talks,” Damon interrupted, his voice laced with contempt. “Just name your god-damned price. I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”

I struggled to maintain my composure, the anger and frustration simmering inside of me. "There is no price, Damon," I said, my voice hardening. "Riley is not for sale."

He laughed, a harsh, humorless sound that grated on my nerves. "You'll regret that, Norman," he said, his eyes gleaming with a malicious glint. “You'll regret not taking my offer.” He turned and walked away, his shoulders stiff with anger, his words hanging in the air like a dark omen.

I stood there for a moment, my mind racing, trying to anticipate his next move. Damon was a dangerous opponent, cunning and ruthless, and I knew he wouldn't hesitate to use my careless words against me. I should have been more careful. Damon doesn't care about anyone, and frankly I don't care about anyone also. Well, not until Riley came by. And now, I have messed up by allowing my emotions to get the better of me. Now, I would have to pay the price.

I closed my eyes, drawing a deep, steadying breath. I had to think clearly, strategically. I had to protect Riley, to shield her from the fallout of my mistake. And I had to find a way to make sure Damon is kept at bay, to prevent him from carrying out his threats. The task seemed daunting, almost impossible, but I couldn't afford to give in to despair. The fate of my relationship with Riley, perhaps even the fate of the kingdom itself, rested on my shoulders. I straightened my shoulders, my resolve hardening. I wouldn't back down. I wouldn't let Damon win.