06

Amy’s POV

I was furious.

The entire ride home, I sat in the backseat of the car, gripping my dress so tightly that my knuckles turned white. My mind kept replaying everything Damien had said, every smug word, every possessive stare.

"You're mine now."

The way he said it made my skin crawl.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to curse at him until my throat went dry. But most of all, I wanted to punch him in the face.

That arrogant bastard.

How was I supposed to know he was the evil alpha Damien everyone was talking about? I just wanted him to help me with something and now he's acting like a total jerk. I shouldn't have told him anything about me. No wonder everyone hates the Flaming Moon Pack. He's such a jerk and a narcissistic bastard who I'm going to learn how to kill later.

He pretended to feel sorry for me last night! How could he use that against me? Most importantly, what does he even want from me?

I glared out the window, watching as the familiar roads of my pack territory came into view. The Red Moon Pack has always been my home, but now it felt different. I felt different, like I shouldn't have returned here.

I had left this place as Amelia Sanders. Now, I was returning as something else entirely—Damien’s so-called puppet.

I clenched my teeth. No. I'm not his. I would never be his. I'm going to figure a way out of this. I can't let this go on.

Lucas, Damien’s Beta, pulled the car to a stop in front of my house. "You’re home," he said in a neutral voice.

I didn’t answer. I just threw the door open and stepped out.

He didn’t try to stop me. Because if he did, I might have actually tried to fight him. I may not have a wolf but let's not forget that I'm the daughter of a warrior. Surely, I'm not just about titles, I can defend myself pretty well.

I walked quickly toward the house, my heart pounding. I just needed to get inside, go to my room, and figure out a plan before—

"Amy?"

I froze.

Crap.

I slowly turned around to see my mother standing at the door, arms crossed, eyebrows raised.

Next to her, my father stood with a deep frown on his face. And just behind them, my brother, Caleb, leaned against the doorframe, looking at me with narrowed eyes.

Damn it. I knew this was coming.

"Where were you all night?" my mother asked sharply.

I swallowed, trying to look casual. "I stayed at Stacy’s," I lied.

Caleb scoffed. "Try again."

I glared at him. He was always too sharp, too observant. Lying to my parents was one thing. Lying to Caleb was impossible.

I needed a new excuse. Something believable. Something that would get me out of this interrogation.

But before I could think of one, my father’s next words almost made my heart stop.

"So, you finally found your mate?"

What?

I stared at him, my mouth slightly open.

How did he know?

My heartbeat pounded in my ears as I tried to process his words.

This had to be a mistake. No one was supposed to know about Damien.

No one. How do they even know something that I haven't told them? Could this have anything to do with Damien? Is that bastard telling them about us already?

I forced myself to stay calm. "Who told you that?"

My mother smiled slightly, as if she was pleased. "Some of your friends were talking about it. Apparently, everyone at the mating ceremony saw you with a man last night. And now, here you are, coming home late, wearing different clothes. It’s obvious, isn’t it?"

Damn it.

I knew it. I should’ve known those fake friends of mine wouldn’t keep their mouths shut. I silently cursed them for not warning me about Damien before I fell into his trap.

Now, thanks to them, my parents thought I had found my mate.

I forced a laugh. "You believe random gossip that easily?"

Caleb stepped forward, arms crossed. "So it’s not true?"

I hesitated.

I couldn’t tell them. Not about Damien.

If my father knew who my so-called "mate" really was, he would lose his mind. He might even declare war on the Flaming Moon Pack.

And if that happened… Damien would destroy us.

I had no choice. I had to keep quiet.

I shrugged, trying to act indifferent. "I don’t know what people are saying, but I’m not mated to anyone."

My mother’s smile faded. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," I said quickly. "I would’ve told you if I had found my mate, wouldn’t I?"

Caleb’s eyes darkened slightly. He didn’t believe me.

I needed to get out of here before they asked any more questions.

I forced a yawn and rubbed my eyes. "I’m really tired. Can we talk about this later?"

My father sighed. "Fine. But we’ll talk about it soon."

I nodded quickly and rushed inside.

The moment I reached my room, I slammed the door shut, leaning against it as I exhaled deeply.

That was too close. I have to be careful. I couldn’t let my family find out the truth. Not until I figured out a way to escape Damien’s grasp.

.....

The entire day, I couldn't go out of my room or contact Stacy. I wanted to tell her everything but I was just too confused and tired. My body hurt from all the activities of last night. That damn Damien is a beast!

It was my first time, he could have been gentle! I mean... It's my fault for coming on to him but it doesn't mean he has to go so hard! Right now, I feel like plucking his sexy eyes out!

What the hell, Amy! Since when did you start drooling over him?

"It's not your fault darling, it's quite understandable." A voice very familiar said from nowhere.

I jumped and looked around me. There's absolutely no way I'm hallucinating. I did hear his voice clearly.

"Look behind you beautiful." His voice appeared in my head again.

I slowly turned around, the air behind me feeling eerie. I jumped the moment my eyes met with his, he was standing right behind me with an evil grin. I screamed out my lungs in which he immediately shut me up by kissing me forcefully.

I don't even know why I let him do it, but I couldn't push him off either. He kissed me so hard, showing how much he lusted after me. My body felt tensed and I trembled under his touch.

We suddenly heard a knock on the door which made me pull away by force. But he hugged me from behind instead, this bastard! How did he even get into my room?

"Amy! Are you okay? What happened there?" My brother, Caleb knocked on the door.

I gasped when I tried to say something and Damien kissed my neck.

He whispered, "Aren't you going to say something? Or do you want him to meet us in this position?"

"I... I'm fine." I replied, stuttering clearly.

I know my brother is smart enough to find out I'm not okay.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes... I'm okay!"

He scoffed, "Open the door right now Amelia."

He calls my full name when he's serious, angry and suspicious. I can't delay this any longer but Damien isn't letting me go.

"Let me go please Damien! My brother will kill me!" I whispered, pleading with him.

He turned me around to face him, "Is that how you plead?"

This man won't let me catch a break. I gave him a kiss on the lips which in turn he continued to kiss me without letting go. My brother was still outside, knocking on the door.

"Open this door or I'm going to break in right now!" He threatened me.

Before I could respond, I heard him break the door open. My heart jumped out of my chest. I'm done for. What do I do now?

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He questioned me.