Damon’s POV She was meant to be gone by now. I had previously asked her to leave, even commanding her to do so. I remember standing there as the gates opened, each word I said feeling heavy in my chest like a blade. Yet now, seeing her back in my office, silent but strong, it suddenly felt like the very air around us had shifted against me. “Starting tomorrow, you'll be working directly under me.” I said this calmly, even though it meant giving up everything for it. Her brows furrowed. “Under you?” “For security reasons,” I lied. “There are still threats beyond the borders. Until I’m certain the pack is safe, you’ll stay within the main house.” Her eyes flicked up, searching my face as if she could read the truth beneath the words. The silence between us felt like it stretched on for

