CHAPTER SIX: REFUSAL.

REFUSAL.

Damon. 

 The scene blurred into a green and brown haze as I gazed out my window.

 My mind was  elsewhere, focused on the slender, blonde girl sitting next to me. 

Kyra. My mate. My debt collector. 

When she found out that she wasn't giving up her old life, I couldn't help but think of the look on her face. 

Tears, desperation, and resignation. 

It was almost palpable, that's for sure. 

I felt a sense of guilt, but my reasoning quickly put it to rest. 

After all, this was a business transaction.

  Debt owed, debt paid. The car slowed, and I turned my attention to the sprawling estate in front of us. 

My mansion in Bloodshadow Pack was a marvel of modern architecture and it blended perfectly with nature. 

As  Kyra saw the graciousness and beauty of the mansion, the manicured lawn, as well as sleek black cars parked in the driveway, I sensed her awe. 

I extended my hand to Kyra while we spoke.

“ You'll receive the best possible treatment." I said but her mind was also faraway,a distant look in her eyes,I could see the conflicting feelings affecting Kyra's face as her eyes expanded. 

That much was obvious—she was overwhelmed, but there was also a flicker of curiosity and a trace of rebellion. 

The car pulled up as one of the guards opened the door ,I came out and just to be generous ,I stretched my hands over to her and softly touched her cheek with my palm.

I said to myself,

 "Kyra, you're mine now."As her little, trembling fingers closed around mine, a lightning bolt passed through my hand. 

It doesn't feel quite right; I haven't felt like this in a very long time.

My wolf howled a little,I knew she was my mate.

Then I said, my voice low and even.

"Welcome to the Bloodshadow pack, Kyra.It's your new home.”

 Her eyes glanced around, taking in the assembled members of the pack, the guards and the ladies in waiting. 

Her intimidation, her fear of the unknown, I sensed. But I have also noticed a spark of curiosity,

 I felt the weight of the pack's gaze on her, as Kyra was standing next to me. Some were looking at her with open curiosity, while the others stared in a suspiciously skeptical way. 

They bowed to me in reverence standing quite a far off.

I knew that it would take time ,a long time for them to accept her as their Alpha's mate, but I was determined to ensure that she would earn their respect and loyalty. 

I cleared my throat and drew the attention of the assembled members.

 "We're welcoming a new member to our pack, Kyra, my mate, and the future Luna of the Bloodshadow Pack today," I said, my voice ringing with authority. 

Not a sound was heard,not even the huzz of a fly but  I could see the wheels turn in their heads. 

Some of them seemed to be interested, while others looked skeptical .

Raising my hand, I silenced the whisper. "Kyra's my mate  now, and you will all treat her with the same respect and courtesy that you've shown me.Anyone who dares to challenge her  will answer to me." 

The members of the pack gave a nod, their expressions mixed with approval and apprehension.

 I'd known that it would take some time for them to accept Kyra, but I was sure with my guidance and support she could achieve their trust and loyalty in the end. 

Turning to Kyra, I offered her a slight smile.

 "Come, dear," I said, gently guiding her toward the castle. 

"I'll show you your new house.Let me take you.”I smiled but it only scared her more 

As we walked through the grand halls of the mansion, I could feel  Kyra's awe and wonder .

She looked from one opulent feature to the next and I could feel her sense of shock at the overwhelming amount of wealth and power all around her beginning to wane. 

After escorting her to my accommodations in the private wing, I observed her admiring the opulent interior design and the breathtaking panorama over the pack's expensive quarters 

. With a gentle voice, I remarked, "Kyra, it's your quarters." 

“Since you are the Alpha's mate, you will always be accorded the highest decency and respect,my mate .” I flashed her one of my alluring smiles but her face sti had that anger etched on it,but I didn't care.

“Everything you need will be provided for, and you won't have any wants .”

It much was obvious—she was overwhelmed, but there was also a flicker of curiosity and a trace of rebellion. 

I walked over to her and softly touched her cheek with my palm. "You're mine now, Kyra," I muttered under my breath.

I could see the worry and uncertainty that shadowed Kyra's eyes as her breath paused in her throat.

 But there was also a glimmer of something else, a trace of intrigue, maybe even attraction.

 I was determined to win Kyra over even though I knew it would take some time for her to fully accept her role as my mate. 

It would be difficult, but enjoyable, to tame her, as she had been an unpredictable spirit.

“But what if I'm not your mate ?” She said suddenly.”What  if my mother deceived you into…..”

I stepped away from her not allowing her to finish as I gave a loud mirthless laugh.

“You must be really intelligent to think of that,you need a Grammy.”

I said as I walked to the door.

“Get dressed and come meet me downstairs.No pink dresses, no dressing like a silly Barbie doll,no…”

“No,I won't.” She yelled back at me defiantly,I had been expecting that.”You can't name me do what you want,I want to go back home,I owe no debt to you.”

I turned to look at her,she must be really crazy.

“Shut up and stop acting stupid.”