His Miraculum

Chapter 004

Hayley's POV

Yes, Hayley is my friend.

It was made worse by the calm, certain, and sensitive quality of his voice.

Hayley shuddered in his grasp, desperate to escape this frightening man and run directly into her father's arms.

Everyone gaped at the two of them, their eyes wide.

The gathering quickly became filled with whispers.How is that even feasible?He shouldn't be in a relationship.

A crisp, sympathetic voice then broke through the others, causing her heart to accelerate with a completely different kind of anxiety.The poor girl. He is going to ruin her."Enough.

The small chills that were coursing through her body transformed into full-blown shakes when Damian's words rang out, final and piercing.

She attempted to break free from his hold.

His grip just became more firm.

Thousands of eyes were fixed on him as he gazed out at the throng, practically daring anyone to dispute what he had just asserted.

Nobody did.

The weight of his power caused the entire room to go silent, with everyone's eyes falling to the ground.

She was a human. She was meant to be exempt from this hierarchy.

Nevertheless, a tiny, betraying part of her longed to fall to her knees like everyone else."This ball exists so that wolves may find their mates," Damian remarked, his booming voice effortlessly resonating throughout the quiet hallway.Tonight's events are merely an illustration of it. I hope everyone has a great evening and finds their true love."

Up until the very last syllable, the room was held hostage by his voice.Come on, my love. You would undoubtedly want to enjoy the celebration as well.

He moved further closer to her as he peered down at her.Yes, I guess. "Yes, I would," she said, embarrassed by his proximity and took an unconscious step back.

A furrow formed between his eyebrows.Even though something in his gaze had tightened somewhat, he said simply, "Lead the way, love," as if her retreat had never occurred.

She turned and headed for her parents, and he was right behind her, so close that she was afraid he would hit her in the back if she stopped abruptly.

She had to push and squeeze through the same area before, but suddenly the mob separated around them with ease, which made her stomach drop.

Here, she was already an outcast. She was a completely different person now.

An Alpha approached as they walked, and Damian's grip on her gentled slightly as he turned toward the man.

The big wolf, who would typically intimidate her simply by being close, was almost shy in Damian Duke's presence."Alpha Duke."

The welcome made Damian tense, and he responded with a brief nod.

Next, the man turned to face her.Hi there. "My name is Alpha Brichette.""Hayley," she said, trying to smile but coming across more as a scowl.

While the two men began talking, she excused herself and slipped away toward her parents, who stood whispering feverishly to each other.

When she gave her father a gentle tap on the shoulder, he instantly turned around and embraced her tightly.

She crumpled the front of his suit and buried her face in his shoulder, fighting the need to cry.

He didn't appear to care.My poor kitten. I would stop at nothing to prevent you from seeing him."

Before she could stop it, a single tear trickled down her cheek.

She withdrew just enough to plant a kiss on his cheek.Papa, I am aware. I am aware.

She didn't mean for the old childhood name to slip out.

She then turned to face her mother, who was already crying as she saw the two of them.

Even though she had always been closer to her father, there was something about being hugged by her mother at that very moment that made her feel better.Hayley.

She froze in her mother's arms as his voice boomed forth.

She slowly turned to face him, wishing at that moment that she had the ability to harm the guy who had caused her family's suffering.

Carefully and gently, he reached for her hand.

She withdrew.

She turned back to her parents without saying anything more as the half-second flash of hurt disappeared from his face.

Her father was standing there, blatantly gazing at him.

Nevertheless, Damian reached out to him.My name is Damian Duke. You have to be Hayley's dad.

Reluctantly, her father shook his hand."Jay Winters," he said in a harsh and unfriendly tone.Damian turned to face her mother after saying, "And you must be her mother."Gloria Winters, indeed.

As she put her hand in his, her mother spoke in a perfectly calm tone."I hope you two are having fun at the ball," Damian casually remarked.

Her dad gave a hazy nod of approval. Her mother remained silent.Her father began, "Alpha Duke, I," but Damian gently interrupted him.Call me Damian, please.

Observing her father's growing frustration, her mother intervened before he could say anything he may later regret.We would like to inform you, Damian, that our daughter is rather young. It would be prudent to hold off on pursuing this connection until after she has finished her studies.

Despite the obvious effort, her mother's voice remained steady.

Damian's expression briefly and angrily changed before he regained his composure.My mate is her. I can't just ignore that. She is old enough to be eligible for this bond because she is old enough to attend this ball, and I swear to you that I will never force her to do anything she isn't ready for."

Her father chuckled briefly in disbelief at the conviction with which he spoke.

Hayley intervened swiftly before her father's rage could get him into serious trouble as Damian arched an eyebrow at him, something difficult flickering behind his gaze.Would you please give me some alone time with my parents, Damian?

His gaze focused entirely on her, and she found it difficult to speak without faltering.

He nodded slowly, said briefly good-bye to her parents, and moved away.

She lingered behind, trying to soothe her obviously distressed parents, and soon Marina showed up next to them, pulling Hayley into an embrace with sympathetic eyes.

It seemed as though Hayley had not just been taken by the most intimidating man in the entire region as they stood together and spoke softly.

Then his voice interrupted the discussion once more.I appreciate everyone coming tonight. I want to take a moment to congratulate all newlyweds on discovering their true love. Kindly start heading for the exits. If necessary, my guards will assist you in finding your cars."

He got off the little platform and started marching straight toward her, his face absolutely unreadable.

As he got closer, the crowd rapidly shrank and they all stood silently, waiting for him to arrive.Please head to the cars, Mister and Miss Winters. I need some alone time with Hayley.

She forced a smile onto her face as she gave her father a slight, comforting nod after noticing the hesitancy in his eyes.

As she watched them leave, something tightened in her chest with each step.

Gently, Damian grasped her hand between both of his and brought it to his chest.I wish we could stay together tonight. Watching you go hurts me. However, you must be exhausted, and you must begin packing.

She agreed, ready to put an end to this discussion as soon as possible, until she finally understood the significance of his final remarks.

packing.

By that, what precisely did he mean?