**Elora's POV**After their failed attempt to spike my drink, I didn't see them in the palace for a while and that was something to worry about, but I wasn't moved. Damon had run to the palace that day and for the first time scolded me for almost giving him a heart attack.I smiled as I remembered how he went on and on about how he almost got hit by a car.“You should have called and told me that it was all a scheme to escape from the clutches of Lucien and Zora. Do you know how I sped here? My heart was racing so fast, I felt like disappearing and appearing wherever you were. I almost had a heart attack, Elora. Don't do that again, ever!” He warned and sighed after he was done ranting.Even though I had laughed at him then and called him childish, I couldn't deny the fact that I was moved by how much he cared about me, and how he showed me that he truly cared about me. I could see the panic evident in his face when he had run to meet me, and that didn't make me blame him for scolding

**Damon's POV**As I made my way through the winding forest path, my heart was pounding with excitement and anticipation. I knew that tonight was going to be one of the most important nights of my life – the night of the beta ceremony. I had so many thoughts about this ceremony last night. A part of me told me I was going to get picked as the nominee, who would be tested and I would make sure I showed Elora that I was the best choice for her. I didn't trust anyone with her at all. I want to be beside her since she has enemies everywhere. They might not attack now, but I'm sure they're waiting for the right time and have plans for her already.My father isn't going to be happy if he finds out that the heir to his conglomerate was going to contest for the beta position. He would even be more furious if I emerged as a winner, but that wasn't important. The safety of my mate matters a lot.As I emerged into the clearing, I was greeted by the sight of a large crowd of people, all gathered

**Damon's POV**“I'm hurt,” I muttered to myself and stopped walking as I glanced at the sky. The moon was out, and the stars danced around it, giving the sky a beauty to behold.They all walked hand in hand to make the night beautiful, and it was supposed to be something I would look up at on a normal day and smile, but this day, it felt like my whole world was crashing down.When she said she had a candidate, for a moment, I thought I was the one; that was why I tried my best to win, so she wouldn't be ashamed, but it seemed me winning made her anger for me to grow.I want her to be happy and also want to be by her side as well. Everything is just messed up!“Calm down, fella. Our mate needs time to accept us.” Rex, my wolf, spoke out.I internally glared at him. “Why are you not feeling the hurt I'm in, Rex? In this case, you should be the one whining about her and me trying to comfort you and give you hope, not the other way round, please.” I hissed.“I'm not worried because I am

**Damon's POV**After leaving Elora's place, I headed straight for my father's company. I knew the news of me becoming Elora's beta must have spread like wildfire and gotten to the ears of my father, and so to avoid any arguments with him, I was going to stay in the company for a while.My father ran an Oil and Gas company with more than a thousand employees and I grew up, watching him build it from the ground up. He was a workaholic, always putting the company first, and I had always admired his dedication.As I stepped into the company, the employees stood up to greet me and I smiled before taking the elevator to my office, ignoring the female workers drooling and whispering.When I got to my office, I took a bath in my Private bathroom and changed my clothes. This secret suite in my office has helped me a lot because on occasions where I just want some time alone, away from my father and the troubles of the company, I would go there to relax and no one would know my whereabouts, ex

**Elora's POV**"Not good enough," Damon flung the last file to a corner in the room.I was shocked because I checked the resume and nothing was wrong with it. After he became my beta, I automatically made him the manager in my father's company, and also put him in charge of checking the resume of the job applicants. That work has been long overdue."This is the 10th resume you're throwing away. What's going on? I didn't see anything wrong with them." I asked.He looked up at me with a smile. "They aren't worth the positions they applied for. I need people with expertise and not rookies." He said with a little hint of authority in his voice.From the way he worked, he was sure going to be a very strict businessman."So, who are the qualified people?" I asked."These," He pushed 5 files to me and I gasped."Dude! We interviewed 30 people today and more are coming tomorrow. How on Earth is it that it's only five that passed?" I asked."Only these five have what I'm looking for," He said