Erica
Iappliedthelastof my makeup in the mirror while Imogen sat on my bed watching me. I glanced over at her and frowned.
“Don’t you have anything better to do?” I asked, and she grinned.
“Nope,” she said, “So when will we get to meet this guy?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Why would you meet him?” I asked, “I told you, it’s nothing serious. And even less serious now that we will be moving pretty soon.” Imogen pulled a face. She hated moving around more than the rest of us.
“Tell me about it, I just want to put down some good roots you know,” she said with a sad look on her face. “I’m just hoping dad finds somewhere with a garden this time, my plants are dying in those stupid pots.” Imogen was such a green thumb, she had been since we were young. Imogen filled the apartment with plants, each one cared for by her.
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed,” I said, and she smiled.
“So back to the Beta babe,” she said, and I groaned, “do you think he will ask this time?” she asked and I pulled a face.
“I sure as hell hope not,” I replied. Whilst I had been spending time with Damon over the last few months, I was very aware that he seemed to have changed somewhat. He seemed more demanding for my time and quick to defend me when that bitch friend of his started with her shit talk.
“He said he wanted to talk to me about something important,” I said with a frown, and Imogen scrunched her face up.
“Yeah, that sounds like it won’t be fun,” then she perked up. “But what if he asked you and then you could put down some roots yourself?” I shook my head. I had a strong feeling that Damon wanted more than the arrangement we had, and he had alluded to me joining the Silver Stone pack before. I, of course, had no intention of doing that.
I hated packs and their structures, and wanted absolutely no part in them. Whilst we still considered ourselves the Moon Key pack, our pack was long since dead. You can be the biggest pack in the world, but if you don’t have your own territory, then you were a rogue pack, and they were considered less than the omega rank in an established pack. The standard on rogues is that we were all loners, thieves, murderers, and traitors. It wasn’t true. Some were, but some of us just didn’t want to be ruled by one small group of people who seemed to inherit their rank and not earn it.
I sighed. I knew that the conversation was coming with Damon, and when he brought it up, well, then I would have to permanently end things with him. I was kinda just hoping that it would be after Trenton found us somewhere new. Or at least I was now. Telling Damon that I was leaving town would have been significantly better than outrightly turning him down. But in true sod’s law fashion, he would want that conversation today. I was seconds away from cancelling on him, but I knew he would then attempt to come and see me at home, and I really couldn’t have that happen.
I looked at Imogen and smiled weakly.
“Aw, don’t worry about it,” she said and jumped up and gave me a hug. “I mean, what’s the worst that can happen, right?” I hugged her back, and I guessed she was right. I had been mentally preparing myself for this for weeks. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care about Damon, but I had to keep myself at a distance. It was better for everyone.
It was an hour later, and I found myself standing in front of one of the more luxurious houses in the city. As the sleek black door swung open, my breath hitched in my throat. Damon stood there, his dark eyes danced with his usual hint of mischief. My heart raced as I hesitantly stepped inside, the chill of the city air, dissipating under the warmth of his gaze.
Damon closed the door behind me. The sound echoed through the luxury apartment, a symbol of isolation from the outside world. For now, we were alone, our secrets and desires locked away within these four walls.
As I walked further into the room, my senses were overwhelmed by the opulence surrounding us. Plush carpets cushioned my feet while modern art adorned the walls. A fire crackled in the corner, casting flickering shadows that danced with the night. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city skyline, and the sleek furniture showcased modern design.
”Nice place," I muttered, trying to sound unimpressed, though I had to admit, it was stunning.
"Thank you," he replied, his tone light and playful. "I'm glad you agreed to meet me here." My heart hammered in my chest, betraying the calm façade I tried to maintain. I already knew why Damon wanted to meet me, and I knew I was going to have to disappoint him. I had been stupid to allow things to get to this point. But there was something about Damon that made me feel seen.
I sat down on the sofa while Damon headed into the kitchen. The first thing I noticed were the two wineglasses and the bottle of Sauvignon Blanc chilling in an ice bucket on the coffee table. I arched my eyebrows at Damon as he walked into the room holding a plate of mini cheese pizzas.
“My favourite wine and my favourite snacks?” I asked, and he grinned.
“I like to think that I know you pretty well by now,” he said with a wink. He placed the plate on the table and sat down next to me on the sofa.
"Look, Erica," Damon began, his tone serious and unwavering. "I want you to join my pack. I want you by my side, as my chosen mate." A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I stood up from the sofa and turned to face him, my green eyes narrowing.
"You can't be serious."
"Deadly serious," he replied, following me and stepping closer until our bodies were mere inches apart. "I've fallen in love with you, and I want to be with you."
"Love?" I scoffed, my mind reeling as I attempted to process his words. How could someone like him fall for a broken werewolf like me? It didn't make sense.
"Erica, please," he urged, his voice laced with desperation. "I just want you to be part of my life." I hesitated, torn between the burning desire to belong and the fierce need for independence that had become my armour.
"Damon, I can't just abandon who I am, what I've fought so hard to protect." He took a step closer, his dark eyes searching mine.
"You wouldn't be giving up your identity, Erica. You'd be embracing it, embracing us."
