Chapter 13: The Pack's Pulse
1037 Words
Damien's office, Glen Enterprises, 2 PM
The pack gathered around the conference table, freshly brewed coffee and refreshments at hand. Damien, resolute and commanding, stood at the head.
" Team, our unity is our strength. Recent successes demonstrate our potential when we work together." He scanned the room, meeting each member's gaze . " Our diverse skills and talents make us unstoppable ."
Luca, beta and Damien's trusted friend, spoke up. " Controlling our powers and emotions is crucial. We can't afford slips, especially with humans around ."
Axel, enforcer, nodded vigorously. " Agreed. We must stay vigilant ."
He added." I've analyzed recent incidents. Our collective discipline has minimized exposure. You're all doing exceptional work. Remember, teamwork and self-control are key to our prosperity ."
Damien's eyes locked onto his pack. " Let's continue to support each other and protect our interests. Unity is our greatest asset ", he paused then continued. " And we all should try as much as possible to keep our secrets safe cos we're working among humans. Powers and anger should be controlled ".
The meeting concluded with a shared sense of purpose and renewed commitment to their pack's success.
The other pack members left, leaving the pack leaders alone for a special meeting.
Aunt Sophia's expression turned solemn. " Damien we need to discuss your recent behavior. Your quietness worries me and I sense you're troubled ".
Damien sighed tiredly, looking away from her.
" You seem... distracted. Is everything okay? ", Lila asked, her voice gentle
The room fell silent, pack members exchanging concerned glances.
Luca leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on Damien. " We've noticed it too, Damien. You've been calm than usual ."
Axel's deep voice added, " And more withdrawn ."
Aunt Sophia's eyes sparkled with maternal concern. " Is this about Gwen ? "
Damien's mask slipped, revealing a flicker of emotion. He regained control, his expression smoothing. " I'm fine. Just... adjusting to new circumstances ."
Lila's eyes lingered on Damien's face, sensing more to the story. " If you ever need to talk, Master, we're here for you ."
The pack leader's unspoken understanding hung in the air: their alpha's personal life was off-limits, but they'd support him unconditionally.
" It's about Gwen. He's thinking all her all the time ", Luca revealed the truth .
" It's about Gwen, isn't it? It have been centuries, why do you keep on pushing yourself ?" Aunt Sophia asked , her expression changing.
Damien's gaze shifted to his aunt, his voice low and commanding. "Aunt Sophia, stop ."
But she continued, frowning. "Damien, I know you're drawn to her, but she's not one of us. She can't understand our world !."
Damien's frustration grew, his patience wearing thin.
" Besides ," Aunt Sophia added, her voice laced with annoyance." You've gone viral on social media because of that rescue. You know how precarious our secrecy is. Cia Skywalker's presence in your life puts us all at risk ."
Damien's annoyance boiled over. " You assume I have feelings for Cia without even asking me. You know nothing about my intentions or emotions ."
Aunt Sophia's eyes flashed with concern and fuming anger. " Damien, I only want— "
" Enough, Aunt Sophia ," Damien interrupted, his voice firm. " This conversation is over ."
With a swift turn, Damien left the meeting room, strides carrying him to the solitude of his office.
Once inside, he slammed the door, his chest heaving with restrained emotion. Why did his aunt always assume the worst?
Suddenly, noises blared from the workplace. Where they fighting or what?
Damien's gaze drifted toward the source of the commotion. He rose from his chair, curiosity getting the better of him. As he approached the door, the sounds intensified – camera clicks, excited whispers, and scrambling footsteps.
He stepped out into the chaos, scanning the area. His eyes landed on Cia Skywalker, radiant in a sleek outfit, surrounded by his employees-turned-paparazzi. Two imposing bodyguards flanked her, vigilant.
What is she doing here?
Damien's presence registered with the crowd, and they hastily returned to their tasks, pretending nonchalance. Cia's gaze met Damien's, a bright smile spreading across her face.
She glided toward him, bodyguards in tow, creating a bubble of space around them. "Damien, hello."
"Cia. What brings you here?" Damien's tone remained neutral.
" I was thinking, maybe dinner tonight? Have questions for you ".
Damien raised an eyebrow. " I don't think that's necessary."
Cia's smile faded away for an instant before she recovered. "Why do keep rejecting offers? Could that be proudness?."
Damien's resolve wavered under her persuasive gaze. "Fine. Dinner ."
Cia beamed. " Great! I'll be waiting at 7."
With a swift turn, she disappeared into the crowd, bodyguards following closely. Damien watched her leave, his mind reeling.
Why did he agree?
*
Inside Le Coeur de la Vie's VIP room, soft candlelight danced across Cia's face as she gazed at Damien. "You're an enigma, Damien. Who are you, really?"
Damien's expression remained impassive, his eyes veiled. "I'm just a businessman, Cia."
Cia's laughter tinkled. "No, you're more than that. You exude mystery." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Damien's jaw clenched, his private nature recoiling from her probing. "I wouldn't have accepted your invitation if I knew this was the reason."
Cia's smile faltered, annoyance flashing across her face. "You're incredibly proud, aren't you? You think you're above everyone else."
Damien's shrug was noncommittal.
Cia's chair scraped against the floor as she rose, her heels clicking toward the door. "This dinner was a mistake !."
But in her haste, Cia's heel caught on the carpet. She gasped, arms flailing for balance.
In an instant, Damien's arms enveloped her, drawing her close. Cia's hands instinctively grasped his shoulders, her face tilting up.
Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, the world around them melted away. A spark ignited, its warmth spreading through Cia's veins.
Time suspended, they stood there, lost in the depth of each other's gaze.
Cia quickly rose up, her heart skipping. " I_ I'll be leaving now ", she began to walk away, her mind couldn't just get away with what just happened.
- Writer
