"I suggest we call in the Conclave to mediate this situation if we really can’t deal with it ourselves," my father finally said.
"Very well," Marshall conceded after a tense moment, "but I want to see Erica now."
"Of course," my father replied before turning to Damon. "Would you please escort Erica here?" My blood boiled as I watched Damon nod in agreement, clearly eager to reunite with Erica, my fated mate. The urge to snarl at him was almost too strong to resist, but I managed to reign in my temper as I clenched my fists tightly.
"Sit down and shut up," my father ordered quietly, his voice dripping with authority. I obeyed begrudgingly, feeling like a caged animal as I stared at the closed door that separated me from Erica.
The air in the room grew heavy with frustration and anger, a tangible pressure that weighed down on all of us. I tried to focus on the sound of my own heartbeat, steady and determined, as a reminder of my purpose, to protect Erica and break the curse that had plagued our pack for far too long. But as the seconds ticked by, I couldn't escape the gnawing ache deep within me, the fear that I'd pushed Erica too far. That despite our connection, she would choose to walk away, leaving me and my pack to face an uncertain future alone. As I waited for Erica's return, I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath, allowing the scent of the forest through the open window to calm my frayed nerves. For now, all I could do was hope, and pray, that she would see the man beneath the rage, the Alpha who longed to protect her even from himself.
Chapter 14
Erica
Islumpedattheedge of Liam's bed, my limbs heavy with exhaustion. For the past few hours, I had unleashed my fury on his room. The once pristine space was now a battlefield of broken furniture, torn clothes, and shattered objects. My rage had temporarily numbed the pain inside, but as the adrenaline began to fade, a cold wave of loneliness replaced it. My knuckles throbbed from punching through the wooden dresser, and my lungs burned as I tried to steady my breathing. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. I never wanted any of this.
As the sound of the door unlocking reached my ears, my body tensed. A low growl rumbled in my throat, the only defence I could muster in my weakened state. Through narrowed eyes, I watched Damon hesitantly poke his head around the door. His dark eyes widened at the sight of the wreckage before him. It seemed he hadn't expected me to take my anger out on the room. He stepped cautiously into the chaos, meeting my glare with an uncertain look.
"Wow, Erica," he said, glancing around the destroyed room. "I knew you were pissed, but this is... impressive." His attempt at humour fell flat, and I didn't bother responding. Instead, I focused on the sharp sting of betrayal that twisted in my gut. How could he even look me in the eye after what Liam had done?
"Erica," he started, taking a slow step towards me. Panic flared in my chest, and I instinctively shrank back, pressing myself against the cold wall. A wave of shame washed over me as I realised just how much my reaction had affected him.
"Hey, it's okay," Damon said softly, his dark eyes filled with concern. He paused, giving me space to process what was happening.
"Alpha Declan sent me. You're not in any danger, I promise."
"Easy for you to say," I muttered, glaring at him. "You didn't get kidnapped by your so-called fated mate." The bitterness in my voice surprised even me.
"Listen, Erica," Damon continued, undeterred by my hostility. "Liam's actions were completely out of line, and he's going to pay for it. The Alpha is furious with him."
"Good," I spat, my hands balling into fists at the mention of Liam's name. "He deserves it."
"Alpha Declan wants to talk to you," Damon said gently, extending a hand to help me up. With great reluctance, I allowed him to pull me to my feet, but the moment I was standing, I ripped my hand from his grip.
"Lead the way," I growled, my voice dripping with unspoken venom. As I followed Damon out of the room and into the unknown, one thought echoed loudly in my mind: I would not let myself be anyone's pawn ever again.
Following Damon's lead, we stepped out of the wrecked bedroom and into the grand hallway of the pack house. As we walked, I couldn't help but take in my surroundings, the anger still simmering beneath the surface. The place was undeniably impressive – a vast expanse with high ceilings, intricate mouldings, and polished wooden floors that echoed our footsteps. It had an air of understated luxury without losing its homely feel.
"Seems like you guys live pretty well here," I remarked bitterly, not knowing if it would make any difference to my current situation.
"Alpha Declan believes in providing for his pack," Damon replied. He led me down a series of wide corridors adorned with paintings and tapestries that depicted the pack's history. I could tell we were in the Alpha family's private quarters, a fact confirmed when we descended three flights of stairs to a more formal, office-like setting.
We stopped in front of a large wooden door with a brass plaque that read 'Alpha Declan Anderson.' I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest as I anticipated what lay beyond the door.
"Go on," Damon encouraged gently, gesturing for me to enter. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The first thing I noticed was Alpha Declan sitting behind a massive desk, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of compassion and sympathy. To his right stood Beta Gregg, a silent and imposing presence. Liam sat off to one side, looking like he wanted to say something, but a glare from me silenced him. His expression shifted to one of guilt and pain. Last, I spotted Becca and Beta Marshall. They both looked worried but relieved to see me, their familiar faces providing a small measure of comfort in this tense situation. Relief coursed through me as I rushed to Marshall and Becca, my only lifelines in this sea of uncertainty.
"Please," I begged, gripping their arms tightly, "take me home. I can't stay here." Becca's blue eyes filled with sympathy as she gently touched my hand.
"Erica, it's not that simple. Are you and Liam truly fated mates?"
"Absolutely not." I spat the venomous words, glaring daggers at Liam.
"Erica!" Liam shot up from his seat, clearly upset by my response. " I was trying to protect you!"
"Protect me?" I whirled around to face him, rage bubbling inside me like a volcano on the verge of eruption. "A fated mate wouldn't force his will on another. You're just a psychotic bastard!"
"Enough!" Alpha Declan's authoritative voice cut through our heated argument like a knife. He looked at me with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry for the way Liam handled things, but the fact remains: you share a fated mate bond with him."
