CHAPTER 33

Aurora

I rushed back to my room. The moment Darius released my hands, my heart kept pacing heavily. I put my hand on my chest to steady my heart rate, but nothing changed.

“What is Damon doing here?” I asked myself. Seeing him looking dashing in a dark blue tailored suit, with black shining corporate shoes. His slick all-black hair made him look more appeasing.

Even in his suit, his biceps and entire body frame seemed to be inches away from shredding completely. I thought after all these months, I could finally let go of whatever bond we shared as mates.

All the painful memories of how he took pleasure in making my life uncomfortable all came flowing back. It felt like a huge wave crashing down on me. I sat down on the floor with my back against the wall in the room.

“Why did he have to come when I finally moved on?” I cringed at the thought of having to talk to him again. The cruel rejection still remained fresh in my mind, like a nightmare.

Yet after several months, even after the failed plot against me by probably him and Blaire, there was that connection I felt towards him. After several minutes, I finally took a deep breath to calm my nerves as my heartbeat resumed its normal pace.

“Maybe he was just here on the drills close to the border. I’m sure he won’t even remember me.” I convinced myself. However, there was a still a part of my sub-conscious that didn’t believe that.

Suddenly, I heard a soft tap on the door. “Aurora?” It was the familiar female voice of Raven.

I regained my composure and wiped the sweat beaded on my forehead. I hurriedly stood up and adjusted my dress. I took a deep sigh before opening the door.

“Hey Raven.” I forced a smile on my face as I glanced at her. She had an unconvincing facial expression. Yet, she remained unfazed as she gazed at me deeply.

“Are you alright? You rushed back to your room quickly,” Raven asked with a concerned voice.

I tried to put up a strong face, but the tears flowed down my cheeks. She quickly entered the room and closed the doors behind her. I froze as she nudged me to the bed as she wrapped her arms around me.

“What’s going on, did Alpha Darius say something to you?” Raven had a befuddled look on her face. I took a weary sigh before I replied.

“No, I saw my former Alpha… Damon. He was also my former mate. He treated me poorly for many years. He also rejected and humiliated me woefully. He was cruel and cold towards me. Seeing him tonight brought back so many bad thoughts.”

Raven remained silent for several minutes before glancing back at me. “ I dunno the history between you and alpha Damon. He has always been known to be cruel. But, I can assure you Alpha Darius is nothing like that. He’s kind and thoughtful. He cares about you a lot and is willing to stand by you.”

Those words softened my heart. Darius has always treated me with honor and respect. That was how he crept into my mind, even after I tried to push him away. I curved my lips slightly while my cheeks turned pink, blushing.

Raven quickly observed before I could turn away, she had a cheeky smile on her face. “ I see you also feel the same way…” She playfully pinched my arm. I stylishly pushed her away.

“I can’t deny my feelings for him. "He is such an amazing man and has treated me kindly, like a true gentleman. He showed me love in a way I never imagined was even possible,” I replied. A wave of happiness washed over me. Yet, there was still the element of doubt lingering in my mind.

“What if he doesn’t want me as his mate?” I thought to myself. Raven guessed my reservations.

“I can tell you still have doubts. But, Alpha Darius has strong feelings for you. I have never seen him close to any lady before you. The pack tried to match him with several women from the royal families. Yet, he refused all their proposals and chose to accept you.” Raven replied with a re-assuring voice that brightened my mood significantly.

 Instantly, I hugged her, feeling grateful for her support. At first, she was shocked, but eventually she hugged me back. We continued to stay in each other’s embrace until we heard a firm knock on the door.

We quickly snapped back. Raven got up from bed and proceeded to open the door. I wiped the tears on my cheeks, and brushed my hair backwards to straighten it.

“Alpha…” Raven jolted. My eyes widened as I glanced at the door. Darius stood at the door, with a smug on his face. Raven remained speechless as he slowly entered the room.

“I feel you ladies were talking about me…” Darius said with a mischievous smile. We both gasped in awe at his statement. I stood up hurriedly.

“No…we were just bonding.” I nervously replied. I glanced at Raven, her face turned pale like porcelain. She rushed out of the room immediately when she got the chance. She nodded gently to him as a sign of respect before dashing out.

He closed the door behind him as he approached me. I held the hem of my skirt, wondering what exactly he heard before entering. His face remained unfazed as he majestically took every step towards me. It felt like he enjoyed watching me squirm.

“I came in to check on you after we were interrupted again.” Darius held my hands as he approached me. I was still standing in awe. I quickly snapped back to reality.

“I’m fine, I was just getting ready to bed.” I avoided his piercing gaze, but he lifted my chin to meet his eyes.

“Well…goodnight.” He gently pressed his lips to mine, and softly bit my lower lip. I felt a surge of passion sparked inside me. I closed my eyes and surrendered myself to him.

The demeanor shifted in the room. I opened my eyes eventually; to my surprise, he had already left. I clenched my fist, annoyed with myself over how easily he played mind games with me. Just as I was about to close the door, a white envelope slid underneath.

I picked it up and read its contents. “Meet me in the forest by noon tomorrow…xoxo.”

Some many thoughts ran through my brain. “What game are you playing, Darius?”