Chapter 81
Aria’s POV
An hour later, I realized Damian would need his bandages changed.
I made my way back downstairs, following the sound of Damian’s voice to his office. The door was ajar, and I could hear him on the phone, his tone cold and commanding.
“I don’t care what excuses they have. The shipment needs to be rerouted by tomorrow, or I’ll find new suppliers. Am I clear p>
A pause.
“Good. And send me the updated reports by tonight. I want to review everything before the meeting p>
I knocked softly and pushed the door open. He looked up, his expression softening instantly when he saw me.
“I’ll call you back,” he said into the phone, then ended the call without waiting for a response. “Come here p>
“I’m here to change your bandages,” I said, crossing to where he sat behind his desk. “Doctor’s orders p>
I practically forced him to lie down on the couch while I checked his wound. The stitches were holding, no signs of infection, but the area was still angry and red.
“You’re pushing yourself too hard,” I said as I carefully cleaned around the stitches.
“I don’t have a choice.” His hand came up to rest on my waist as I worked. “There are things that need my attention p>
“And there are people who can handle those things while you heal.” I secured a fresh bandage over the wound. “You have an entire organization, Damian. Delegate p>
“Spoken like someone who’s never had to run a pack.” But there was amusement in his tone.
“Spoken like someone who doesn’t want to watch you tear these stitches.” I met his eyes. “You’re no good to anyone if you collapse p>
His hand slid up from my waist, fingers trailing along my spine in a way that made my breath catch. “You worry about me p>
“Don’t let it go to your head p>
“Too late.” He pulled me closer, and I found myself braced against his chest, acutely aware of every point where our bodies touched.
The way he was looking at me, the heat in his eyes—I knew exactly what he was thinking. And with his hands on me like this, my body was starting to respond despite my better judgment.
“You should be resting,” I said, even as I melted into his touch.
“I’m lying down. That counts as resting.” His hand slid up my thigh, fingers tracing patterns that made my breath hitch. “Besides, having you here makes everything more bearable p>
“Damian p>
“I like the way you say my name.” His lips brushed against my neck, just below my ear. “But I think I’d like it even more if you were screaming it p>
Heat flooded my core. “You’re hurt p>
“And you keep saying that like it matters.” His hand tightened on my thigh.
“Trust me, sweetheart, when I finally get you in my bed, a few stitches aren’t going to stop me from making you come so hard you forget your own name p>
Before I could respond, his office door opened and Luna Elena swept in, then froze when she saw us.
“Oh.” A flush crept across her elegant cheeks, but her eyes were dancing with amusement. “Well. I see you’re recovering nicely, darling p>
I tried to scramble off Damian’s lap, but his arm locked around me, keeping me firmly in place.
“Mom.” His tone held a warning. “What brings you by p>
Luna Elena’s smile widened. “My family is in Capital—the Nightshade Pack from Europe p>
I felt Damian tense beneath me.
“They’re visiting for a few days,” Luna Elena continued, her gaze moving between us with obvious approval, “and want to have a family dinner tonight. They’ve also heard about your she glanced at me meaningfully, “situation and are quite eager to meet you both p>
My stomach dropped. “I’m not sure that’s p>
“Please come,” Luna Elena said warmly. “It would mean so much to the family. And Aria, I think you’ll find my pack fascinating p>
“What time?” Damian asked, his hand still possessively gripping my thigh.
“Seven. At the Capitol Convention Center Ballroom.” Luna Elena headed toward the door, then paused.
“Oh, and Aria? Wear something that makes you feel powerful. My family respects strength p>
She left, and I immediately turned to Damian.
“I can’t go to a family dinner p>
“You can and you will.” His hand slid higher on my thigh, making me gasp. “They want to meet my mate. And I want to show you off p>
“Damian p>
“No arguments.” He pulled me closer, his lips brushing against mine. “You’re mine, Aria. And tonight, I’m going to make sure everyone knows it p>
The dark promise in his voice sent a thrill through me that I couldn’t deny.
I was actually starting to look forward to tonight.