HOW DARE YOU CHEAT?

I frowned as I stared into his eyes,

Dinner? What was he thinking?

Back in the past, I knew he liked me, but we were never an item. Why would he suddenly want to take me out?

Damien was not trying to intimidate me like Adrian. But there was a power beneath his calm that was making my senses tingle.

“You have changed,” he said, changing the topic and tilting his head as he stared at me,

I still didn’t answer. I kept my gaze steady and scanned him just as he scanned me. He was very perspective. I could not remember when I last met him in this time period, but it must not have been that far back because he had immediately noticed that I had changed.

“You are sharper than I remember,” he continued, taking a step closer, but he didn’t get too close.

I raised an eyebrow, finally choosing to reply. His dinner suggestion had caught me so off guard that my tongue had felt tied, “Are you giving me a compliment or was that a warning of some sort?” I asked,

He chuckled. It was a rich sound that carried weight beneath it. “Wow, I was right.” he answered, “You really have changed.”

Then, before I could reply, he tilted his head and asked again, “So, what do you say?” he asked, “Dinner. With me. Tonight.”

I froze as my mind began to calculate. Right now, romance was the last thing I wanted in my life. But I could use some help, especially alpha help. And having a connection with him would give me more buying power and should help my optics.

I thought about it more and I made my decision. Damien being in my corner would be more useful than anyone else.

Before I could give him an answer, a sharp, nasty voice broke the air.

"Nyssa,"

A shrill voice cut through the air like a blade.

I turned around just in time to see a middle-aged woman shoving her way through the small crowd that had formed to watch Alpha Damien. The woman's face was twisted with outrage.

"How dare you cheat on Alpha Adrian," she hissed, her voice filled with anger,

Her accusations were loud enough for everyone to hear, murmurs spread, even Damien's smile flickered into a frown.

In my past life, a situation like these would have been enough to make me panic and stumble over my words. Not anymore. I turned slowly, and I stared directly into her eyes.

"Sylvia," I hissed under my breath, of course it would be her.

In my past life, she was one of the elders who had made my life a living hell. She called me unworthy, undeserving and a coward.

I said nothing, just stared at her with a pitying expression. That silence was louder even than her accusation.

"Say something," she snapped, "Are you going around sneaking behind his back?"

A few people in the crowd leaned in, all ready to listen to what they considered juicy gossip.

I took a single step towards her, my face calm and my eyes measured.

"Since when," I started with a frown, "did I ever belong to him?"

Sylvia blinked, "You—Don't twist things, you bitch!" she snapped, "The entire pack already knows he has chosen you."

"And I rejected him," I said with a raised hand, cutting her off.

A ripple of shock spread through the crowd at those words.

I stepped closer to her until we were barely inches apart. Close enough that she had to tilt her head up in order to meet my eyes.

"If you are going to accuse me of something, Sylvia," I continued, my voice steady, but icy, "At least make sure it is real."

Her lips parted, but no sounds came out. She was trembling now, and fear was etched on her expression.

I leaned in slightly and stared straight at her rapidly shifting eyes, "Next time you ever speak about me," I paused for a beat, "Make sure you think first. Or else."

Her knees wobbled and she swallowed. Even the fire in her eyes faltered. She stepped back and immediately realized her accusation had been silenced before it had even started.

A slow clap split the silence that had begun to form. I turned around to find Damien staring at me with intrigue in his eyes.

“That was very impressive,” he said quietly, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.

I straightened, then, brushed a loose strand of hair over my ear, “I do not have time for accusations or anyone else’s illusion of what my life should be.” I said, my voice steady, “I have far too much work to do.”

He smiled again, and this time, he walked closer until we were barely inches apart.

“I like that,” he whispered, “The world does not bend you.”

I allowed myself a small smile, but I kept silent.

Even if I did not want love, I knew being in a rapport with Damien would be invaluable. Not because I needed him, no, I could do all I wanted to do without him, but he was going to open doors for me quicker than I would have been able to on my own.

I looked him in the eye and made sure the smile did not leave my face. “As for your question,” I said, “Dinner is fine. But make no mistake, I am not doing this for fun, all because I want to be in a relationship with you. No, I am doing this because I want to.”

Damien’s eyes widened for a second, and then his smirk widened, “Good,” he said with a smile, “I love that.”

I nodded, “I will be free by eight. Call me with the address.”

He blinked, surprised by how assertive I was being, but he still nodded at my suggestion.

“I will,” he replied,

A sliver of satisfaction ran through me as I turned around and walked away. I had barely taken five steps from him when he called out to me.

“Nyssa,”

I froze and turned to face him with raised brows,

“Wear something sexy,” he replied, “It is a date.”

I chuckled, “We’ll see.”

Before he could reply, I turned around and began to walk away. The crowd that had been pooling around us had long since parted, but there were still eyes on me.

I let out a sigh of relief when I reached the parking lot. The moment I slipped into my car, I started the engine, looked down on my phone and smiled.

Five hours till eight.

More than enough time to go over the notes I’ve made.