“To Hurt Her Is to Keep Her”

CHAPTER EIGHT

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Damien’s POV

I knew I had put her in a position where she might end up resenting me and honestly, I wouldn’t blame her if she did. But it felt like the only option I had if I wanted to keep her close.

Watching her cry, seeing her curled up on that cold floor, trembling… It was harder than I expected. It hurt. A part of me just wanted to walk over, wrap my arms around her, and tell her everything would be okay.

Tell her that none of this is about power or pride, that every decision I’m making right now is for both of us. Even if she doesn’t understand it yet. Even if it costs me her trust for now.

Alpha Silas looked me in the eyes, and for a moment, I saw nothing but pain and heartbreak. She meant everything to him—it was written all over his face.

He lowered his head, like the weight of the decision was too heavy to carry. And maybe it was. No father should ever be put in a position like this. With a rough, quiet voice, he looked at me and said.

“I… choose the second option, please forgive us for our mistake, My King.”

He bowed deeply, with a kind of respect that made the moment feel even heavier.

And for the first time, I felt like the villain in the room. Like I was stealing something precious from a family that had already lost too much.

I know I’ve always been harsh and cold, even with everyone around me. It was how I learned to survive.

But this felt different. Her family… they didn’t seem like the type to play games or chase status. They seemed like good people. Honest and pure.

After the decision was made, I heard a soft sob escape her lips. It wasn’t loud, but in the silence that followed, it was more than enough for everyone to hear.

I noticed Alpha Kaldros was clearly upset, his jaw was tight, and his eyes held back frustration. But he also knew better than anyone that this wasn’t the moment to speak.

I leaned forward slightly in my seat, steadying my tone as I prepared to bring the meeting to an end.

“Well, I guess that settles it,” I said, my voice firm but controlled. “Your daughter will live with me from this day forward… as my mistress.

“Can’t I just go home for today and come back tomorrow?” Charlotte stood up from the floor, her voice shaky as she stepped closer to my desk. “I know I made a mistake, but moving into the palace today… it feels like too much, too fast.”

Tears were still running down her cheeks, but she looked me right in the eye.

I couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle at her words. Then I gave her a small, tired smile.

“You’re bold for someone who just committed an offense,” I said, my voice calm but firm. “This isn’t a request, it’s your punishment. You don’t get to decide whether you leave or stay—you’re not the bride.”

Her face dropped as my words hit her.

“I’m so sorry once again, my king,” Alpha Silas cut in quickly, his hand gripping her arm as he pulled her back gently but firmly. “I’ll make sure to discipline her for speaking out of place.”

She didn’t say anything else. Just lowered her gaze and let her father lead her away. But even as she turned, I could still feel her pain like it was my own.

Why did she have to confront me? Of all the times, why now, when I was already struggling to hold myself together?

I had to dig deep, summon every bit of control I had just to speak to her the way I did. I knew my words were cold, maybe even cruel, but it was the only way I could stop myself from breaking in front of everyone. If I had softened even a little, I would have reached out to her… and that would’ve ruined everything.

“That’ll be all for now. Everyone can return to their houses. The wedding will no longer be taking place.”

I stood up slowly, ready to leave the room. Without drawing attention, I mindlinked Aiden, instructing him to take Charlotte to her new room as she would be staying in the palace from now on.

Just as I turned to leave, Alpha Silas’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

“My King,” Alpha Silas said, his voice low but steady, “I know I have no right to ask for anything after the mistake my pack has made. But please… I beg you, allow me a moment to speak with my daughter before we leave.

We won’t be seeing her for a long time, and I just need a few minutes. That’s all I ask.”

I thought about his words for a moment—and he was right. I had hurt her, and I had hurt her family. The least I could do was give them a moment together.

“Alright, Alpha Silas,” I said, nodding slightly. “That’s not a problem. Aiden will take you to one of the studies so you can have some time with your daughter.”

I gave my reply with a straight face—emotionless, like always. Truth is, I don’t even know how to show what I’m feeling anymore.

Without looking back, I turned and walked out of the room.

But as soon as I was alone, the pain hit me harder than I expected. I didn’t even understand why it hurt this much. It’s not like I rejected her… I just needed to keep my distance.

I had to be cold. I had to be mean. At least for now.

My wolf wouldn’t even speak to me. He was furious, completely silent, shutting me out because of what I’d just done to our mate.

He’s always hated how I talked about rejecting her, how I used to swear I’d never accept whoever the Moon Goddess chose for me. And now, after everything, I can’t even blame him for being angry.

Yes, I know—I’m a coward for not claiming her in front of everyone. But the truth is, I have accepted her. Deep down, I already have.

I just need time… and when the moment is right, I’ll tell the world who she really is to me.

But I knew my wolf would come around, he always does. He just needed time to cool off, same as me.

I walked back to my office, still trying to keep myself together. As soon as I sat down, I got a message from Noah as his voice echoed in my mind.

“Where the fuck are you?”