The hallway outside felt warr, or maybe that was just the heat of Damon’s grip around my wrist. His pace was brisk, making it difficult to match his pace, and his silence was loud enough to make my ears ring.
I didn’t know if I should say sothing... or just let him cool off.
"Master..." I tried, my voice soft.
He didn’t look at . "You’ve had quite the morning, haven’t you?"
I swallowed. "It wasn’t like that."
’What the hell is wrong with him? Why does he feel jealous? It’s not like he has any feelings for ... or does he?’
"Wasn’t it?" he shot back without missing a beat. "You smiled at him like he was the moon and stars."
"I smile at a lot of things. Trees. Dogs. People who don’t threaten to bite my neck off."
That made him stop. He turned to sharply, his brows twitching upward. "So now I’m the threat?"
I blinked. ’Oops. Wrong angle.’
"No, no, that’s not what I ant," I said quickly, rolling my eyes inwardly. "I just... okay, maybe I’m terrible at explaining myself. But I didn’t go there for... that. I went to check on him. He almost died because of ."
"You didn’t almost die?"
"I... did."
"So what makes his brush with death more deserving of a visit than mine?"
I blinked. "Did... did you want to co to your room and hold your hand too?"
Damon narrowed his eyes. "You think this is funny?"
"No! I think this is completely terrifying, but that’s just how I cope."
He stared at for a mont longer. Then with a deep sigh, he ran a hand through his hair. "Maybe next ti spend the night with like the other one."
"The other what?" I asked, my mind already travelling to that fateful night. Bright rosy hue contorted my cheeks.
"What do you say? After all, it was only you who enjoyed the night."
"Master... I don’t rember what you are talking about. Did I lose my mory?" I innocently scratched the back of my neck, while wishing for the ground to swallow up.
His gaze lingered on for too long making uncomfortable."I don’t like sharing too." he clicked his tongue, his eyes turning darker into pitch black.
My chest squeezed as his words lingered between us.
"Then don’t share," I muttered. "Claim all over again if that’s what it takes. Just... don’t be mad at for caring about the people who care about too."
He turned away again, his shoulders tense, but sothing in him softened. "Let’s go," he muttered, pulling forward.
We walked back toward his wing of the castle in silence. The halls echoed with the quiet hum of servants and the occasional muffled voice, but none of it pierced the bubble we were in.
When we reached his room, Damon pushed open the door and led inside. He didn’t speak, and he didn’t let go of my hand until we were deep inside and the door clicked shut behind us.
Then, he turned to face fully.
"You know you’re mine, right?" His voice was low again, it was dangerous, yet strangely tender.
I nodded. "I know."
’I know Mr. psychopath. You have sung it to my ears too many tis for not to rember."
"I’m not just saying that because I want to own you," he said, stepping closer. "I’m saying that because... I already own you."
My breath caught in my throat. ’Bastard.’
"I didn’t an to make you feel like that," I said quietly. "But you don’t have to worry. No matter how many smiles I hand out like free candy... you’re the one I always co back to."
Silence ensued, it was so thick that an imaginary crow flew past our head.
"That was a terrible taphor," he muttered.
I rolled my eyes. "So now you’re critiquing my poetic choices?"
Damon’s lips tugged up in a smirk. "I’m just saying... Next ti you visit a man behind closed doors, maybe skip the fairytales and taphors. Who knows my hands might work on their own."
"Yes... master."
He leaned down slowly, his forehead resting against mine. "You belong to just ," he echoed.
Knock knock knock.
Damon clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What now?"
A soldier’s voice ca muffled through the door. "Alpha, the elders are requesting your presence again. It concerns the welfare of the pack."
Damon’s jaw clenched. "I’ll be there in a few minutes."
"But Alpha..."
"Go away."
Damon’s jaw ticked as the footsteps faded down the hallway. He didn’t look at . Instead, he turned toward the fireplace, his silhouette frad by the flickering light.
The silence between us thickened, it was like his personality had switched to his cold usual self.
"I’ll give you space," I said quietly, turning to leave.
"Sit," he said, his tone was flat.
I sat down slowly, unsure what to expect.
He spoke without turning. "Next ti, don’t explain yourself like you’re guilty. You did nothing wrong. But don’t assu I’ll entertain closeness between you and another man, either."
I swallowed. "It wasn’t like that, Master. I didn’t..."
He finally turned to , his expression unreadable. "I don’t need a report, Ember. I’m not jealous. I’m reminding you of how things are."
My fingers curled on my lap. "Then remind . Am I a possession? A pet? Or sothing more?"
He stared at for a long mont before answering. "You’re under my protection. That ans your safety, your actions, and your associations reflect on . Especially now, with the Blood Moon pack stirring trouble."
My heart sank a little at his words.
"I see." I nodded my head, my shoulders slumped low.
Damon’s eyes narrowed. "You don’t. You think this is about feelings, but It’s not. It’s about control and power. The more people see you with another man, the more they question what you are to , and that invites danger neither of us can afford."
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