Chapter 5

"Yes, he's the Alpha of the pack. By the way, I don’t want to sound rude, but is there a reason Damien is keeping you in the packhouse?" Danielle asked, eyeing me curiously.

"Normally, he doesn’t let rogues set foot near the territory—he just kills them on sight. You must be important." She studied me carefully.

I shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. I wasn’t ready to admit to her—or anyone—that Damien was my mate. But it was as if she could read me like a book because the next second, she let out a high-pitched squeal, practically jumping up and down in excitement.

"Oh my gosh! You must be his mate! Damien has finally found his mate!" She continued squealing, clapping her hands.

I merely nodded, unwilling to comment further.

"What’s your name?"

"Iris."

Danielle’s blue eyes sparkled as she smiled. "Aww, Damien and Iris. I can see it now," she giggled.

"I see you’ve already met her and started harassing her," Damien’s deep voice rumbled from the doorway. He chuckled, his broad shoulders moving slightly with his laughter.

My body stiffened when he stepped forward, his expression unreadable. But something flickered in his eyes—something like regret and concern.

Danielle looked between us, sensing the tension. She took a small step back toward the door.

"Seems like you two need some alone time. Bye, Iris!" She flashed me a grin before hastily closing the door behind her.

I internally cursed. I didn’t want to be left alone with him. Danielle’s presence had been warm and inviting—his was suffocating. I felt like I had to constantly be on guard, like I was seconds away from a trap snapping shut.

It wasn’t paranoia. It was experience.

"I’m sorry," Damien finally said, breaking the silence.

I scoffed. "Save your sorrys and let me leave this damn pack."

He didn’t respond. Just stood there, staring at me.

My irritation spiked. "Are you deaf?! I said let me leave!"

Before he could reply, a knock on the door interrupted us.

"Alpha, we found the rogue’s backpack in the woods! You won’t believe what’s in it!" A voice from the other side sounded excited.

I froze.

Then rage flared inside me.

They had no right to go through my belongings. They dragged me into their territory against my will, and now they were rummaging through my things like I was some prize they had won?

I snapped.

Launching myself at Damien, I slammed my fists against his chest, screaming up at him. "Give me my fucking bag and let me leave! I didn’t ask to be here!"

He grabbed my wrists, pushing me back just enough to break my attack before swiftly turning toward the door. He moved quickly, stepping outside and slamming it shut, the unmistakable click of a lock sealing my fate.

I banged on the door, screaming until my throat burned. Time felt meaningless, my hands aching from pounding against the wood. I wasn’t just trying to escape this room—I was trying to escape the suffocating fear clawing at my mind.

And then, just as suddenly as he had left, Damien returned.

He stepped inside, my backpack in hand.

I wasted no time, yanking it from him and immediately rummaging through it. Clothes. My personal journal. Survival gear. But—

I froze.

My mother’s necklace.

"Where is my mother’s necklace?" I demanded, glaring up at him.

Damien crossed his arms. "You mean the one with the hidden wolf’s bane pill inside? The one strong enough to kill you?" His voice was firm. "I’m not giving it back just so you can commit suicide."

My breath hitched.

He knew.

Fury and humiliation burned in my chest. "You’re a piece of shit."

Damien’s jaw clenched. "What have I done to you? Why do you hate me so much?" His voice was quieter this time.

I looked up at him, and for the first time, I really saw him. His eyes—once sharp and unwavering—now held something else entirely.

Hurt.

Loneliness.

Like he was desperate to reach out. To touch me. To connect with me.

But I wouldn’t let that happen.

A part of me—my wolf—wanted to. She disagreed with my constant resistance. She didn’t understand my fear. She only saw her mate and longed to be close to him.

But I didn’t listen to that part of myself.

I couldn’t.

I didn’t know this man. I didn’t want to know this man. He was an Alpha, and I had no interest in being his Luna. This was his pack, and I refused to be part of it.

"I don’t want my freedom taken from me." My voice was quieter now, but firm. "My life has been hard, but it’s what I know. It’s all I’ve ever had. And you—being an Alpha—you think you can just control me? I won’t let that happen."

Damien sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Then let’s get to know each other."

I narrowed my eyes. "What if I just don’t want to?"

His lips twitched. "I’m just asking for a chance, Iris. Just one chance to prove I’m not the kind of Alpha you think I am."

I scoffed. "So far, you’re exactly what I thought you’d be."

He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "Damn, you’re stubborn."

I stiffened as he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. His scent—earthy and warm—wrapped around me like an invisible force.

"Fine," he murmured. "If you aren’t willing, then I’ll just have to make sure you stay here long enough to see how much I can truly adore you… and how much you’ll never want to leave my side."

I swallowed hard, refusing to back down.

I smirked, lifting my chin defiantly. "Don’t go crying when you wake up and realize I ran away while you were asleep."