Broken Trust
773 Words
Damien caught the tablet before it hit the floor. His eyes scanned the photo, jaw tightening.
“Elara—”
“Don’t.” I stepped back, arms wrapped around myself. “I saw the photo. I know who she is. The same b***h who poured wine on me the night you rejected me.”
He exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair. “It wasn’t what it looked like.”
I laughed bitterly. “Of course. The classic line.”
Damien took a step forward. I took one back. The mate bond twisted painfully in my chest, feeding off my anger.
“She’s the daughter of one of my biggest business allies,” he said carefully. “The lunch was scheduled weeks ago. I was trying to secure support against Crimson Fang. Nothing happened. I didn’t even touch her.”
“Then why hide it?” I snapped. “Why didn’t you tell me you were meeting her?”
“Because I knew you would react exactly like this.” His voice dropped, frustration bleeding through. “You already think the worst of me.”
“Can you blame me?” Tears burned my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “Three years ago you stood in front of everyone and said I wasn’t worthy. Now you expect me to believe you suddenly care?”
Silence stretched between us.
Damien’s eyes darkened with regret. He slowly walked closer until I was backed against the wall. He didn’t cage me in this time — he just stood there, close enough that I could feel his warmth.
“I was wrong,” he said, his voice low and rough. “I’ve regretted that night every single day since. I thought rejecting you would keep you safe from my enemies. Instead, I hurt the one person the Moon Goddess chose for me.”
He reached up slowly and wiped a tear that had escaped down my cheek with his thumb.
“I’m not perfect, Elara. I’m still learning how to be a mate. But I’m trying. Every second I’m not with you, I’m thinking about you. I track your scent. I check the security cameras just to see you. I haven’t touched another woman since the day I rejected you.”
My breath hitched.
He leaned his forehead against mine, eyes closed like it pained him to say the next words.
“I know I don’t deserve your trust yet. But give me a chance to earn it. Please.”
The mate bond screamed at me to believe him. To melt into him. To forgive.
But my heart — the one he shattered in front of the entire pack — still remembered the pain.
I pushed him away gently.
“I need space,” I whispered. “A separate room. At least for now.”
Damien looked like I’d stabbed him. For a long moment he just stared at me, chest rising and falling heavily.
Then he nodded once, stiffly.
“I’ll have the guest room next door prepared.” His voice was hoarse. “But know this — I’m not giving up on us. Not ever.”
He turned and walked out without another word.
I spent the night in the luxurious guest room.
Sleep didn’t come easy. Every time I closed my eyes I saw that photo. Damien smiling across the table at another woman. The same kind of smile he used to give me in my dreams before the rejection.
At 3 a.m., I heard the door to the master bedroom open and close. Heavy footsteps paused right outside my new room.
I held my breath.
A soft thud — like he had leaned his forehead against the door.
Then his voice, barely a whisper:
“Goodnight, little mate. I’m right here if you need me.”
His footsteps faded away.
I curled into a ball under the covers, my heart aching worse than the silver poison.
The next morning, I woke up to a bouquet of white roses and a note on my bedside table.
“These don’t make up for anything. But they’re a start.
— Damien”
Below the note was a small black box.
Inside was a delicate silver necklace with a crescent moon pendant. The same symbol I used to wear before he rejected me.
My fingers trembled as I touched it.
A knock sounded on the door.
Beta Kane’s voice came through. “Luna? The Alpha wants you to join him for training this morning… if you’re willing.”
I stared at the necklace for a long moment.
Then I put it on.
- Writer
