Chapter 60
SOPHIA’S POV
The tension in the room was suffocating. Two Alphas facing off.
Simon was caught between them, not quite Alpha himself but too proud to back down. Lance still stood beside me, ready to protect me if needed.
And me?
I was in the middle of it all. My wolf was on edge.
Finally, Damien turned to Simon. “Let’s go p>
“But p>
“I said let’s go.” Damien’s voice carried Alpha command. Simon had no choice but to obey. But he glared at Zade as he moved toward the door.
Damien stayed in the doorway. He looked at me with an expression that made my chest tight. I could see the emotions in his eyes – hurt, anger, possessiveness.
“Come with me, Sophia.” Damien said “Come home. We can work this out p>
“There’s nothing to work out p>
“You don’t mean that p>
“I do. I really do.” I met his eyes. “We’re done, Damien p>
Damien’s expression darkened. His Alpha presence pushed out, trying to dominate me. His wolf was trying to force my submission.
“You think you can leave me p>
My wolf rose to meet his challenge. Gold bled into my eyes.
“Yes”
Damien’s voice dropped lower, “Sophia, remember I have resources you don’t. I’ve got power you can’t match p>
“Is that a threat p>
“It’s a promise. You walk away from me, from our marriage, and there will be consequences for you and for your family p>
My blood ran cold. “You’re threatening my family p>
“I’m telling you the truth. Actions have consequences. Choose your next moves carefully p>
He left before I could respond.
I stood there shaking. My wolf was howling inside me. He’d threatened my family. He’d use his power against innocent people just to control me.
“Sophia.” Lance’s voice was gentle. He’d moved to stand in front of me, placing his hands on my shoulders. “Breathe. Just breathe p>
I realized I was hyperventilating. I was gasping for air. Lance guided me to the couch and sat me down. His hand rubbed circles on my back while I tried to get control of my breathing.
“He threatened my family,” I whispered.
“He’s bluffing.” But Lance didn’t sound convinced.
“No. You don’t know Damien like I do. When he makes promises like that, he keeps them.” Tears rolled down my cheeks.
Zade was still there. He’d moved to the kitchen and poured water into a glass. He brought it over and handed it to me. “Drink p>
I drank. My hands shook so badly water spilled down my chin. Zade watched me with an expression that was almost sympathetic.
“Thank you,” I said to Zade. “For stepping in p>
“Don’t thank me yet. I made things worse by being here p>
“How did you even know I was here? How did you find my apartment p>
“I have my sources. When I heard Damien was on his way to Millbrook Falls, I figured he was coming for you. I thought you might need backup.” He smiled. “Looks like I was right p>
Lance cleared his throat. “While we appreciate the help, I had the situation under control p>
“Did you? Because it looked like you were about to get into a physical fight with an Alpha while wearing nothing but a towel.” Zade’s tone was mocking.
“Better than showing up uninvited and making everything worse p>
“Boys.” I cut them off before this could escalate. “Not now. Please p>
They both fell silent but the tension between them was obvious.
“I need to go back,” I said suddenly. “To Moonstone pack territory p>
“What? Why?” Lance looked confused.
“Because Damien threatened my family. If I’m here, he’ll follow through. He’ll hurt them to get to me but if I go back, if I show him I’m not running away completely, maybe he’ll leave them alone p>
“That’s exactly what he wants, to force you back under his control p>
“I know,” I sighed. “But I don’t have a choice p>
My wolf whined as I made up my mind. She knew this was dangerous but we had no choice.
Family came first, even if it meant sacrificing ourselves to protect them.