Chapter 3

 

A Line in the Sand

Damon’s POV

I was heading back from a run in the woods, trying to clear my head, when I saw her and her friend arrive in the yellow taxi — we hardly get those around here.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw her look at me. She saw me. I was sure of it. But why did she suddenly look pale… and then relieved?

“Your long-lost love has finally come to you, Alpha Damon,” my Beta, Ricco, muttered from behind me as I dried my hair, standing at the top-floor window, watching the hall I had prepared for our reunion.

This whole exchange meeting was just a pretense.

I had made it happen — all of it — because I wanted to see Lyra again. And I knew she wouldn’t come unless it was a matter of duty. Her parents were the key. She just needed a little push.

I turned slowly to regard Ricco, letting just enough menace show in my eyes to remind him where he stood. He’d been loyal for four years, but if he ever spoke of Lyra in that tone again, I wouldn’t hesitate to rip his tongue out.

He caught on quickly and took a step back.

If only you had protected her against the hate and backlash, you would be with her now. She brought out the best in us.

Midnight — my wolf — never let me live that day down. It was the real reason I could never truly love Christine. I just couldn’t. Not after losing Lyra to my cowardice.

Christine? She was all show. A perfect mask with a title and a future. But nothing like Lyra. Lyra was... everything pure, everything real.

If I had used my head instead of my cock... If I’d just stepped outside of duty and into honesty, I might’ve made the right choice. She was right — I wasn’t being forced. I could’ve walked away. I wasn’t even the heir to the Alpha position at the time.

Erik, my brother, had given it up willingly for love — for a human, no less. And my father, to my surprise, had agreed. All eyes had turned to me.

Good thing she didn’t reject me that night.

Good thing she answered the invitation now.

I just needed to find a way to make her stay.

“Bring her to me.”

I grinned — wide, smug, satisfied — when I saw her walk into the hall. The look on her face? Worth every hour of planning. She wasn’t expecting this. She wasn’t expecting me.

Her shock was tangible. If not for sheer will, she might’ve crumpled on the spot.

“Welcome,” I said as I stepped closer, taking her in. “Did you find your journey stress-free? I had these accommodations prepared for you the moment I heard you were coming.”

“What are you doing, Damon? What’s all this?” she asked, glancing around the empty hall like it was some bad dream.

“A hall being prepared for the exchange,” I said simply.

“You know that’s not what I’m asking. What am I doing here?”

Of course, she hadn’t forgotten. The venom in her voice told me that much.

“Your duty demands that you move back here. That’s why you were summoned.”

“You’re crazy! I said I never wanted to see you again. Did you call me here to humiliate me? You’re insane!”

“You little slut!” Christine hissed from beside me. “Other people would be honored to be summoned by the youngest and greatest Alpha in werewolf history. You will not talk to him that way, or I’ll rip your tongue out!”

Ah, there she was — same polished exterior, same venomous heart.

She’d been valuable to the pack, sure, and a convenient placeholder for a Luna. But I had let her speak to Lyra far too freely before. Not anymore.

“Christine,” I growled, “She is my guest, and you will treat her as such. Leave. I’ll summon you when I need you.”

Lyra laughed — loud, bitter, beautiful. “Is this all a joke? Did you two plan this little show because you think I’m useful now? You said it yourself, Damon — five years ago. That I had nothing to offer. So, what the fuck do you want from me now?”

“Christine,” I repeated, ignoring the way her jaw dropped. “Leave.”

“No, let her stay,” Lyra snapped. “No need to pretend you’re protecting me from your wife.”

“Alright,” I said, taking my seat, “Let’s get down to business.”

She stayed standing, arms crossed.

“You have two options,” I began, tone even. “You move back here… or I hurt everyone you care about. Shouldn’t be too hard to choose.”

Her mouth opened, then closed. Her fists clenched at her sides. I could see the rage boiling in her eyes, but she said nothing.

I know. That was low.

But I know Lyra. She can stomach betrayal. She can even handle heartbreak. But hurting innocent people? People she loves? She wouldn’t survive that.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Christine smiling. As much as I didn’t want her here for this, it had to be now. The hatred she saw in me? It was part of the illusion. I needed Lyra to stay — and this was the only way.

Lyra’s gaze swept the room again. “It’s either I’m extremely early for this exchange or it’s not happening at all. I’m going to my parents’ house. I’m not doing this.”

“Uh uh,” I stood and moved closer, voice low. “I’d advise against that. Call your arts professor — what’s his name again? Dr. Michael Smith? Let’s see if he shares your attitude. He’s human. Just a little push, and poof — he’s gone.”

That bastard. I’ve seen the way he looks at her. Like he’s got the right to help her find “balance.” Fuck him. Wouldn’t even feel bad ending him.

She fumbled in her pocket, hands shaking.

Before she could pull out her phone, I lifted mine and showed her a live feed from Dr. Smith’s home. Her face drained of color.

“Damon, please,” she begged, voice cracking. “Please don’t do this.”

God, the way she said my name…

“Say hello to your professor.”

On screen, her professor was chatting with my men like they were guests. A little girl played quietly in the corner of the room. Well-behaved. Sweet. It would be a tragedy if she had to watch her father die.

“Hello, Professor,” Lyra said, her voice barely steady, forcing a smile onto her face.

“Lyra! I was just about to call. Your friends said you had to go back home. I’m sorry to hear about your father — hope he gets better soon. Take all the time you need. You didn’t need to send anyone, though!”

“Yes, Dr. Smith,” she said quickly. “I just thought, since I couldn’t come myself, they could pass the message. I’ll be in touch soon.”

“Good! Don’t forget to explore while you’re back — maybe you’ll get the inspiration you’ve been needing!”

“I will. Thank you. Goodbye.”

The second the call ended, she turned to me. “Damon. What. Do. You. Want?”

I stared down at her.

“I told you already, Lyra.”

I leaned in, voice smooth.

“Stay here. Be my Luna.”