Chapter 5

Damon looked at the folder, a smug smile spreading across his face.

"Elena, I knew you'd come around. Is this a request to reinstate our bond?" He didn't open it right away, instead leaning back on the sofa, savoring the feeling of control.

"Was it seeing me with Isabella tonight that finally made you realize your mistake?"

I watched him, my face a blank mask.

"Aren't you going to look at it?"

"In a minute." He crossed his legs, acting as if he held all the cards. "Elena, I can give you one more chance. If you sincerely apologize and admit that your behavior tonight was wrong, I might consider taking you back."

Taking me back.

How generous.

"Of course, there will be conditions," he continued. "For instance, you can't have any more contact with the Crescent Moon Pack. And that car? It has to go back."

I said nothing, just waited.

He was about to open the folder when a mind link from Isabella came through.

"You should answer that," I said flatly.

He hesitated for a second before turning away to take it.

"Damon!" Isabella's panicked voice filled the link, clear enough for me to hear through our residual bond. "Where are you? I'm so scared!"

"What's wrong?" Damon’s tone sharpened instantly.

"There are some rogues following me!" Isabella’s voice trembled. "They look dangerous, I don't know what to do!"

Damon shot to his feet, the folder completely forgotten in his hand.

"Where are you right now?"

"In the mall parking lot, I'm too scared to leave..."

"Elena, I have to go get Isabella," he said, rushing toward the door.

"Wait," I called out. "You haven't dealt with the document yet."

"Elena!" He spun around, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Isabella is in danger, and you're worried about a piece of paper?"

"You're here. Just handle it before you go," I said, my voice calm. "It's important."

"How can you be so cold-blooded?" he seethed. "She could get hurt!"

Another, sharper scream came through the link.

"Damon! They're getting closer! Help me!"

That scream was the final push. Damon lost all reason.

"Fine, fine, I'll deal with it!" he snapped, storming back and snatching the folder.

He didn't even look at the contents, just flipped straight to the last page.

When he saw the spot requiring the Alpha's seal, he pressed his thumb to it without a second thought.

The crimson print stood out, stark and clear against the paper.

It was done.

"Happy now?" He snarled, tossing the folder onto the coffee table before bolting for the door.

"Perfectly," I murmured, picking up the document. A slow, cold smile touched my lips. "Drive safe."

He was gone without another word.

I sat on the sofa, the once-chaotic living room now quiet again.

I pulled out my phone and dialed my lawyer, Thomas.

"Thomas, the document has been signed. You can file the transfer paperwork tomorrow."

"Of course, Miss Elena. And the new name on the deed?"

"Elena Martinez," I said, repeating my own name. "Not an attachment to anyone."

After hanging up, I walked to the window and looked out at the city lights.

The traffic flowed like rivers, the lights like stars.

This world was so much bigger than just the Black Stone Pack.

My phone buzzed.

A private message.

From: Isabella.

Elena, Damon's heart is mine now. You should just leave with some dignity.