Chapter 6
763 Words
Veronica
It sounded too good to be true.
Under the protection of an alpha.
No. Don’t get your hopes up Veronica. Who knows what’s waiting for me if I decide to accept his offer.
I dragged my gaze to Damien’s expectant face. For an alpha he sure did wear his emotions on his sleeve.
I shuffled on my feet, still not quite sure what I wanted to do. “I-“
A loud thud came from above us. Both of us froze, our heads snapping upward. Then hurried footsteps thundered down the stairs.
Damien glanced at me, a flicker of uncertainty passing his eyes before bolting out the kitchen. I followed closely behind him.
Vivian was frantically shoving her keys into her bag, muttering something under her breath. Before Damien could ask what was going on, Seth came downstairs with his face carved in stone.
“I apologize Alpha Damien,” he said tightly, watching Vivian scramble out the door without a second glance. “We got a call. Fred is in the emergency unit.”
My spine locked instantly, the air around me growing thicker by the second. Fear crawling up my spine.
Even Damien went stiffer at the mention of Fred but I was certain his reaction wasn’t out of fear. I could tell from the way his fingers twitched.
Damien didn’t say a word. I didn’t have the guts.
Only when the door slammed shut behind Seth that Damien spun around, his jaw ticking as he searched my face.
“Please tell me you’re coming.” Damien gritted out.
Time was running out.
Seth and Vivian would get there eventually. Fred will twist the story. I’ll be doomed once s**t hits the fan.
Oh God.
Bile rose up my throat, the bitter taste coating my mouth and slowly, my vision started to blur. I didn’t realise I’d started to stumble until Damien’s strong arms around my waist, pulling me upright.
Instinctively, I shoved him away, taking large gulps of air. From the corner of my eye, I could see his face fall but he didn’t move an inch.
“I’m sorry, I just-“ I croaked, making his eyes grow darker. “I-“
“I’m the one meant to be apologizing .” Damien said, frustration creeping into his voice. “But Veronica, it’s now or never.”
He was right.
All my life. All I’d know was misery. Pain. Guilt. And here I was, standing on the crossroads to a different life. I couldn’t tell if it would be better but I would be a coward not to try.
So I straightened, taking deep, steady breaths despite the way my pulse hammered. I managed to nod once. It was enough for Damien.
“Get your things.” He said, already slipping into the authority of an alpha. “I’ll help.”
My feet were still glued to the ground even though my mind was made up. Move! My body obeyed before fear could stop me. Right upstairs, ignoring the voices telling me this was a terrible idea.
That it wasn’t going to just end like this.
I stopped in front of my door, glancing over my shoulder to Damien who was following closely behind me.
“I don’t want to be a burden, Alpha Damien.” I whispered, my fingers tightening around the door handle.
He released a breath. “You’re not. And if they decide to come after you, I’ll handle it.”
I was supposed to be relieved but I wasn’t. Still, I pushed my door open, pausing when Damien didn’t cross the doorway.
I frowned.
He tore his gaze away with a tick of his jaw.
He wasn’t coming in anytime soon so I packed my things. It barely took any time. I didn’t own much. And when I swung my leather bag over my shoulder, Damien’s eyes furrowed.
I could see the question in his eyes. Are these all you own? Sadly yes.
He didn’t say a word. He stepped aside, letting me walk past him until we got to his car. I hesitated, glancing back at their house.
I waited for grief to come. For guilt. Anything at all.
Nothing came.
Damien’s engine roared to life, cutting through the haze. I shuffled into his passenger seat, melting into the leather seat. I took a deep breath and almost regretted it. Almost.
It smelled like him. Every inch of the car and I slowly became aware of the fact that it was just the both of us in here.
My pulse tripped despite everything.
- Writer
