CHAPTER 87: CHAPTER 87 BACK HOME (2)

We had barely made it to the entrance when the sharp sound of footsteps echoed across the floor.

Damon paused, his eyes narrowing. He exchanged a knowing look with Alaric who was walking behind us.

From the far end of the pathway, Alpha Caelen returned, accompanied by Beta Roy.

’Those bastard that sold me off as if I was a mere commodity.’

My breath hitched. I hadn’t seen my so-called father in so long, yet the moment his gaze met mine, the old fear crawled up my spine like a cold snake. He used to watch in silence when I got punished, never speaking a word. And Beta Roy was the loyal dog that wagged its tail at cruelty.

"Alpha Damon," Caelen’s voice rang out, his tone smooth, but tired. "You’re leaving already?" His gaze flickered to me, but he quickly looked back at Damon, as if I was a stranger to him.

Damon’s jaw ticked slightly. "I’ve said what I came to say. There’s no need to linger."

Roy’s eyes flicked between us. "We were hoping you’d stay for a while longer. You barely arrived."

Maddie rushed forward, her voice eager. "Yes, Alpha Damon. You’ve come all this way. Why not rest? At least allow father a proper conversation with you."

Damon didn’t respond right away. I could feel the storm gathering behind his silence.

Roy cleared his throat, stepping closer. "Alpha Caelen and I were just discussing possible trade agreements. And since you’re already here... wouldn’t it be wise to finalize some terms face-to-face?"

’No, I don’t want to be here anymore. These people treat me like a piece of trash. Get me out of here Damon!’

Damon looked down at me, as if gauging how much I could take before shattering. His cold gaze lingered on my face for just a moment too long, then turned to my father, Alpha Caelen.

"Fifteen minutes."

Maddie beamed. "Perfect. Come, Ember. You’ll sit with me again. We haven’t finished bonding."

I nearly groaned.

’I would rather be chained to a dungeon door than bond with you.’

Still, I followed. Maddie looped her arm through mine like we were friends. Her nails dug slightly into my skin as she whispered sweetly, "Smile, dear. You’re his pet now, right? Time to show them how obedient you are."

I smiled instead. "Careful. If you squeeze harder, you might rip the skin. And just so you know Alpha Damon doesn’t like his pet getting injured, he will rip your arms off."

Her steps faltered.

We entered the sitting room again. This time, the air felt heavier.

Roy entered with Damon, Alaric and Caelen, taking their seats at a side table, their voices low. Whatever they were discussing was serious, but I could only focus on Maddie, who sat across from me like a queen on her throne.

She folded her legs and tilted her head. "You looked surprised to see Roy. I wonder why."

I didn’t flinch. "Surprise is a strong word. Disgust would be more accurate."

She blinked, her lashes fluttering. "Tsk. I thought you were past holding grudges. Seems the lowly girl still clings to old bruises."

"And yet here you are," I said with a shrug. "Still the same insecure little wolf pretending she’s important."

Her face stiffened. "I’m the daughter of this pack. Soon to be Luna."

"You mean, if Damon agrees?" I leaned forward. "Because you’ve been chasing that dream like it’s your last breath since we were little. But poor Maddie... he doesn’t even glance your way."

She reached for her tea with trembling fingers, the mask of calmness barely holding together.

"You’re just temporary," she snapped. "A breeder.."

"Right. Yet here I am, wrapped in silk, sleeping in his bed, and dragging you out of your fantasy. Must be hard watching from the sidelines."

Maddie stood abruptly, knocking over the edge of the tray.

Alpha Caelen looked over, his brows furrowed.

Maddie gave a tight smile. "Apologies. I forgot how clumsy pets can be."

I stood up too, not missing a beat. "And I forgot how desperate some people can get. Try not to scratch the floor kneeling too low, Maddie. It’s unseemly."

Her face flushed with anger, but before she could spit another insult, the door to the sitting room creaked open again.

Alpha Caelen entered, his expression unreadable. "The talks are going longer than I expected. You’re all welcome to stay for lunch."

Damon stood, brushing invisible dust off his coat. "We’ll stay."

My head snapped toward him.

’No. No. Please no.’

I didn’t say it out loud, but I knew he felt the spike in my heartbeat.

Maddie’s smile returned, smug this time. "How lovely. I’ll have the maids set the table. Ember, why don’t you freshen up? You’ll want to look presentable beside your Alpha."

"I always look presentable," I said, raising my chin. "But thank you for the concern. Not everyone can glow naturally."

Her lips thinned, but she said nothing more as she left the room.

I turned to Damon, glaring at him. "Lunch?"

He tilted his head. "Did I say we were staying for the week?"

"I thought you said we were leaving."

"I changed my mind." He moved closer, his voice lowering. "Are you okay? It seems like you want to be everywhere else but here. I thought you wanted to see your family."

"No, I don’t want to" I muttered.

"Really?" He squinted his eyes. "But you said you wanted to go home?"

’Well I meant my real home. Not this stupid place!’ I yelled inwardly.

His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he walked out to follow the others.

I stood there, my throat tightened. I wanted to scream. Or better, to disappear. But I couldn’t.

This was like a battlefield. And I wasn’t the weak girl they used to toss around anymore.

Maddie wanted a show, fine I’ll give her one. As for Damon, I hope I’ll find something to pay him back for this favour.

I took a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders, and followed after them.