Chapter 6

Damon

“Trouble” let out a soft sigh, her head lolling against my chest as her body went limp. She had finally dozed off, her drunken rambling replaced by slow, even breaths. I adjusted my grip, one arm beneath her legs, the other supporting her back as I lifted her effortlessly. She was surprisingly light, her warmth seeping through my clothes.

Kane stepped forward, hands outstretched. "Here, let me.."

"No," I cut him off, my voice firm. I didn’t even think before responding, the possessiveness in my tone surprising even me. My wolf rumbled in approval.

Kane raised a brow, a knowing smirk playing at his lips. "Alpha, she’s just a girl. Are you really..:"

"Get the carriage ready," I interrupted, ignoring the amusement in his eyes. "We’re leaving."

He exhaled, shaking his head but not arguing. "As you wish." He turned on his heel, disappearing into the night.

I shifted her slightly in my arms, adjusting her so she was more comfortable. She murmured something incoherent, nuzzling against my chest before sighing again. Kael and Raze stirred, pleased.

I looked down at her peaceful face, strands of her hair falling across her cheek. She had no idea who I was. No idea what she had just done,how she had managed to captivate me in a single night.

Kane brought the carriage around swiftly, the horses snorting softly in the quiet night. He hopped down, pulling the door open with a knowing smirk. “Your carriage awaits, Alpha,” he said, his tone laced with amusement.

Ignoring him, I stepped forward and carefully settled her onto the plush seat inside. As I moved to pull away, she let out a small sound of protest, her fingers weakly grasping at my shirt. Kael growled lowly, urging me not to pull away.

With a quiet sigh, I slid in beside her, easing her against me. Her head naturally found my shoulder, her body relaxing into my warmth. I adjusted her slightly, making sure she was comfortable. She looked so… small like this. Vulnerable.

Her lips were slightly parted, her breathing soft and steady. A stray lock of hair fell across her cheek, and without thinking, I brushed it away with the back of my fingers. Kael purred with satisfaction, content with her tucked safely against me.

Kane climbed up front, snapping the reins. The carriage lurched forward, the rhythmic sound of hooves filling the night. I barely noticed. My focus remained on the sleeping girl beside me.

She shifted slightly in her sleep, her nose brushing against my shoulder as she mumbled something incoherent. I found myself smirking. She was cute. Far too cute for someone who had driven me to the brink of insanity with her drunken antics just minutes ago.

The ride back to the palace was smooth, the rocking of the carriage almost lulling me into a trance. But as soon as we arrived, the sharp creak of the carriage door opening jolted Sophia slightly awake.

She stirred, blinking up at me groggily. Her lips parted, voice thick with sleep. “Mmm… where are we?”

I gazed down at her, my voice softer than I intended. “Home.”

She blinked again, confusion flickering in her eyes before she sighed and snuggled back into me. “Feels… warm,” she mumbled before dozing off again.

I chuckled under my breath.

Kane peeked inside, raising a brow. “Are we taking her in, or are you just going to let her sleep on you all night?”

I shot him a look before carefully adjusting her in my arms again. “I’ve got her,” I said, stepping out of the carriage with her held securely against me.

I pushed the door to my chambers open, stepping inside with her still cradled in my arms. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the fireplace, casting flickering shadows along the walls. The scent of lavender and aged wood filled the air, a familiar comfort.

Carefully, I walked toward the large bed, ready to lay her down so she could sleep off the effects of her drunken state. But just as I leaned forward.

She gagged.

I froze.

Then, before I could even react, she vomited all over my chest.

I stiffened, my entire body going rigid as the warm, putrid mess soaked through my shirt. Lucas, who had just stepped into the room, choked on a laugh before quickly slapping a hand over his mouth, his shoulders shaking.

She groaned, her face scrunching up in discomfort as she mumbled, “Ugh… I don’t feel so good.”

No kidding.

I exhaled sharply, closing my eyes for a brief moment to rein in my patience. My wolf,kael, who had been so content just moments ago, let out an unimpressed huff.

Kane cleared his throat, struggling to contain his amusement. “Well, Alpha, I suppose that’s one way to have a mate.”

I shot him a glare sharp enough to make most wolves cower. But of course, he just smirked.

Sighing, I looked down at the mess on my chest, then at the sleeping girl who had no idea what she had just done. She had already dozed off again, completely oblivious to my suffering.

For the first time in years, I wasn’t sure if I should be amused or completely horrified. One thing was certain, though.She owed me for this

Suppressing another sigh, I turned toward the door and called for a maid. Within moments, a young woman appeared, bowing her head respectfully.

“Clean her up and make her comfortable,” I instructed, “Be gentle.”

The maid nodded, immediately setting to work, while I stalked off toward the adjoining bathing chamber. I stripped off my ruined shirt, discarding it with a frustrated sigh before stepping beneath the cool stream of water.

I had faced rogue attacks, conquered enemy packs, and commanded warriors without hesitation. And yet, nothing had prepared me for this.

When I emerged, freshly dressed in a loose shirt and pants, the room was quiet except for the crackling of the fireplace. The maid had done her job well.Trouble was now clean, tucked under the blankets, her hair neatly brushed.

But just as I took a step toward the door, her voice rang out.

“My prince…” she mumbled in her sleep, her voice soft yet pleading.

I turned, watching as she shifted restlessly, her fingers clutching at the empty space beside her. “My prince… don’t leave…”

Something in my chest tightened.

I hesitated for only a moment before moving toward the bed. Sitting on the edge, I gently brushed a few strands of hair from her face. “I’m here,” I murmured, unsure if she could even hear me.

But it seemed she did.

Because as soon as I spoke, her hand shot out, grabbing onto my wrist in a surprisingly strong grip. She tugged, forcing me closer, her body instinctively curling toward mine.

I sighed. “Trouble…”

She didn’t respond, only pressing her face against my arm with a contented sigh. And just like that, she settled again, her breathing evening out.

I should have pulled away. I should have left.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I leaned back against the pillows, letting her rest against me. Her warmth, her scen,it was oddly soothing. My wolves rumbled in satisfaction, pleased with the way she clung to us.

Just for a moment, I told myself. Just until she settled.

But as the minutes passed and her soft breaths lulled me into comfort, I felt my own eyelids grow heavy.

And before I knew it, I had fallen asleep beside her.