Chapter 126
Damian’s POV
The drive to her office was quiet—just the two of us, the hum of the engine, soft music playing low in the background.
I kept one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the center console where her hand found mine easily, her fingers curling around mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.
At a red light, I glanced over and saw her scrolling through her phone, her expression shifting from curiosity to satisfaction.
“What is it?” I asked.
“The story about Clara,” she said, still reading. “It’s everywhere. The screenshots, the police investigation… everything p>
I said nothing, just watched her face.
She looked up at me, her eyes searching. “Damian… did you do this p>
I didn’t bother lying. “You were attacked. I handled it p>
“I didn’t ask you to p>
“I know.” I tightened my grip on her hand. “But someone humiliated you. Made you look like a liar. I wasn’t going to let that slide p>
Her throat worked as she swallowed, her voice soft when she spoke again. “Thank you p>
“Don’t thank me,” I said, my tone firm. “Anyone who comes after you is coming after me. I was just protecting what’s mine p>
Her breath caught, and I could see the emotion flickering in her eyes—gratitude, affection, something deeper she wasn’t ready to name yet.
“I don’t know how to repay you for everything you’ve done,” she whispered.
“You don’t need to.” I glanced at her briefly before turning my attention back to the road. “When I need something from you, I’ll tell you p>
She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You’re so blunt p>
“Would you rather I lie p>
“No,” she admitted. “I like it p>
I felt my wolf settle, content.
When we pulled up outside her office building,, I killed the engine and turned to face her fully.
“Listen to me,” I said, my voice dropping lower. “You’re going to walk in there today, and people are going to ask questions. They’re going to want to know what’s going on with you and the Holts. Don’t tell them a damn thing. Let them wonder p>
She nodded slowly. “Okay p>
“And if anyone gives you shit—anyone—you call me. Understood p>
“Damian p>
“Understood p>
She sighed, but there was a smile tugging at her lips. “Yes, daddy p>
Fuck. The word hit me straight in the gut, sending a rush of heat straight to my cock.
She knew exactly what she was doing. The way she said it—soft, teasing, those eyes looking up at me through her lashes—she knew exactly what that word did to me.
I wanted to keep her in this car. Pull her into the back seat, rip those tiny little shorts off her, bury myself inside her until she forgot her own name.
But I couldn’t. She had her work. I had calls to make.
So instead, I leaned in and captured her mouth in a hard, claiming kiss.
She gasped, her hands fisting in my shirt, and I took full advantage—deepening the kiss, tasting her, reminding her exactly who she belonged to.
My tongue swept against hers, slow and deliberate, and I felt her melt into me, a soft little whimper escaping her throat.
When I finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard.
“I’ll pick you up tonight,” I said, my voice rough.
She nodded, still dazed. “Okay p>
I watched her walk into the building, making sure she got inside safely before I pulled out my phone. My cock was still hard.
Fucking hell. That woman was going to be the death of me.
The screen was flooded—missed calls, urgent messages, fire drills that apparently couldn’t wait.
I put in my earpiece and started the car, dialing Rick as I pulled back into traffic.
He picked up on the first ring. “Alpha, where the hell have you been? We’ve been trying to reach you for p>
“I know,” I cut him off. “I’m on my way now. What’s the situation p>
There was a pause.
Then Rick said, cautiously, Are you okay, Alpha p>
I frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be p>
“You just… apologized. And you sound… different p>
I almost laughed. “Just brief me, Rick p>
“Right. Uh—so, about the Packs situation p>
I listened as he rattled off updates, but part of my mind was still on Aria.