Mate - Chapter 8

Stella - POV

As I sat opposite Damon during dinner, memories of dining with Kellan consumed me. I constantly reminded myself that it was Damon in front of me, not Kellan. It became increasingly difficult to look at Damon; his face was a painful reminder of the past. I kept my eyes focused on my plate to avoid the emotion it stirred in me.

Damon broke the silence. "You seem to be adjusting well to this place."

With a deep breath, I responded, "I don't have a choice, do I?" He sighed at my words. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I hesitantly broached another topic, ensuring my eyes were diverted from his face. "Who are our enemies? Do you have any idea?"

As I sipped water, trying to avoid making eye contact, Damon replied, "From what I've gathered, our primary enemy is Alpha Kayden of the wolves. They despise Lycans because they see us as a threat. We're more powerful than them, leading to countless needless wars between our kinds. Fortunately, a truce was reached when my father brokered a peace treaty with them."

"Wait," I began, recalling the previous incident, "the man who attacked me said the peace is at risk because of me and the child I'm carrying. What does that mean?" I asked, a hint of desperation in my voice. Damon took a deep breath before replying.

"My father brokered a peace treaty with the Alpha of the Wolves," Damon began. "He did so upon discovering that Kellan and I were under a curse. This curse might mean that we either wouldn't find mates or, if we did, we might not have heirs. To ensure our pack's safety, my father signed that treaty. The Alpha of the wolves saw this as a weakness. Without an heir from the Alpha Lycan lineage, someone else from our pack would ascend to leadership, someone not of the direct Alpha line. They perceived this as a decline in power, making us less of a threat."

Damon paused, letting the information sink in before continuing, "The situation has changed. You're carrying Kellan's child, a child with pure Lycan blood. This makes the child, and by extension you, a significant point of contention and threat in their eyes."

"I truly hope this situation is resolved soon. I need to return home to tend to my business and prepare for the child," I expressed, my voice laced with hope and a bit of urgency. A wave of dizziness washed over me as I rose from the chair. Before I could fall, Damon's strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me close to him. Our faces were just inches apart, his eyes locked onto mine. Instinctively, my hand reached up to caress his cheek, the same tender gesture I'd always used with Kellan. Damon tensed under my touch, and a realization hit me. I hastily tried to pull away and regain my composure, but Damon's grip remained firm. There was a warmth in his eyes, a depth of emotion I hadn't noticed before, or perhaps I was reading too much into it.

"Let me help you back to your room," Damon offered gently, taking my hand and guiding me down the hallway.

Suddenly, a woman's voice called out, "Babe?" Damon froze in his tracks, his body going rigid. His composed facade began to crack. I couldn't help but wonder why he was reacting this way.

"I'm here, June," Damon called out, releasing my hand. A woman, who looked nothing short of a goddess approached with grace. Her eyes, filled with warmth, locked onto Damon's, and in an instant, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. Damon reciprocated with a genuine smile. A pang of jealousy hit me as I watched them, and I wondered why I felt a sting at the sight of another woman hugging Damon. Sensing my discomfort, Damon gently pulled away from June, though he smiled affectionately at her.

"This is my mate, June," Damon introduced, gesturing toward me. I mustered a smile in response, trying to hide my sudden discomfort.

"You must be Damon's sister-in-law, Stella, right?" June asked with a bright grin, her eyes twinkling with genuine curiosity. I nodded in acknowledgment, finding solace in the warmth of her smile.

"Wow, Damon, I'm so pleased you brought her here. It would be wonderful if she could attend our wedding," June exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation. Damon nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips, sharing June's excitement.

"Congratulations! When are you two getting married?" I inquired, trying to mask my surprise.

"In just two months. I'm beyond thrilled at the thought of marrying my mate," June replied, her smile radiant and eyes brimming with pure joy. The atmosphere was filled with mixed emotions, but mostly, there was an infectious sense of happiness.

"I'm truly happy for you both. Please excuse me. I'm quite tired," I expressed, fatigue evident in my eyes.

"Take care and rest up, Stella," June replied warmly. I nodded in acknowledgment, walking back to my room. Once inside, I shut the door behind me, feeling overwhelmingly awkward. Why did Kellan have a twin brother who looked so much like him, continuously reminding me of him? I settled onto the bed, hoping to get some much-needed sleep. Yet, the image of Damon and June embracing, coupled with their impending wedding, gnawed at me. I was genuinely happy for them, but an inexplicable pain lingered. The resemblance between Damon and Kellan played tricks on my fragile emotions.

Pushing the thoughts aside, I decided to get some water. A dark silhouette caught my eye as I stepped out of my room, moving stealthily in the dim hallway. A chilling wave of fear gripped me. Could it be the assassin returning to finish the job? My heart raced as I gulped down my rising panic.