Chapter 404
3rd Person’s POV
Damon’s jaw tightened.
For a brief second, it looked as though the words physically pained him to say.
“Yeah.” he muttered flatly. “I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
Finisher
Even now, irritation simmered beneath his skin like a restless beast clawing against bone. He still had no idea why his parents insisted on dragging him here after making every major decision behind his back.
The entire arrangement had already been decided before anyone bothered asking what he wanted.
Or whether he wanted it at all.
Beside him, Juniper ignored the darkening mood radiating from her son with practiced ease.
“Tiara told us she wishes to remain here a little longer,” she said gracefully. “We think she should spend time with her family before officially moving into Moonclaw territory.”
Relief flickered across Diana Ashcroft’s face immediately. “Thank you.”
Not long after, the meeting finally ended.
The Ashcroft family escorted the visitors outside, all the way to the gates. Cold wind swept across the muddy Blackfang roads as the black Maybach slowly disappeared into the distance, swallowed by fog and pine shadows.
Only after the vehicle vanished completely did Diana quietly shut the front door.
The second the lock clicked into place, she turned sharply toward Tiara.
“Why didn’t you tell us you were involved with the Moonclaw Beta family?” Diana demanded in a hushed voice. Anxiety rolled heavily off her wolf. “When did this even happen? Was it during your trip to Lunaris? Tiara, answer me honestly.”
Tiara blinked, maintaining an expression of innocent confusion.
“Auntie, what are you talking about? I wasn’t ‘involved’ with them at first. I barely even knew them.”
Diana stared at her in disbelief. “No? Then how did you end up carrying the heir of one of the most powerful bloodlines in Verdanth?”
The room fell quiet.
Even the old house itself seemed to tense around them.
Tiara sighed dramatically before brushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear.
“Because Damon and I are in a relationship,” she said as though the answer should have been obvious.
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Chapter 405
Finished
“Was I supposed to report every detail of my love life too? Some things are embarrassing to share.” Then Tiara smiled.
“But trust me, we love each other. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
Unfortunately, Diana did not look reassured.
If anything, her concern deepened.
“If this relationship is truly based on love,” she said carefully, “then why do his parents seem far more excited about this pregnancy than Damon himself?”
Tiara’s fingers stilled.
Diana pressed on quietly. “I watched him the entire meeting. That Beta barely spoke. And when he did, it felt forced.” Her voice lowered with unease. “I don’t think he’s accepted that you’ll soon become part of their family, Tiara.”
A painful pause followed.
“I’m not even sure he’s accepted the baby yet.”
Tiara lowered her gaze for the briefest moment.
The memory of Damon at the treatment center flashed through her mind instantly-that terrifying burst of possessiveness when she threatened to get rid of the pup. The violence in his wolf had been real. Ancient. Instinctive.
“They won’t hurt me,” Tiara finally said softly.
And if they ever dared…
She would make sure they lost the heir they coveted so desperately.
The thought vanished as quickly as it came.
“And Damon…” Her voice softened unexpectedly. “He’s just terrible at expressing himself.” A strange warmth spread through her chest despite herself. “But he’s actually kind. A gentleman.”
The words sounded absurd.
Yet somehow they were true.
Her grandmother, who had remained quiet until now, looked at her uncertainly. “Are you sure, silly girl?”
Tiara nodded immediately.
“Of course.” She moved closer to the old woman and sat beside her. “Nana, didn’t you hear him earlier? He promised himself that nothing would happen to me.”
The old woman still looked unconvinced.
Her frail hands folded tightly together in her lap.
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Chapter 405
Finished
“I still cannot believe it,” she murmured. “If the two of you truly love each other….then why would he leave his pregnant mate here alone?”
Tiara nearly choked.
“Call him,” her grandmother ordered firmly. “Tell Damon to come back and stay here tonight.”
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The Betrayed Princess Rising
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.