“I’ll be right there,” he called back, then looked down at her with what might have been regret. “I’m sorry. I hoped we could have breakfast together, maybe visit the bookstore, see how the renovations are progressing.”
She sat up too, clutching the sheet to her chest. “It’s fine. I understand.”
But he was already moving, pulling on his khaki pants and black shirt from the night before. The transformation from lover to leader was swift and complete, leaving her feeling oddly bereft.
“I guess I need to handle Alpha duties today,” he said, buckling his belt. “Security logistics, patrol rotations, the whole works. After yesterday’s incident, everything needs to be reviewed and reinforced.”
“Of course.” She tried to keep her voice neutral, understanding but not quite hiding her disappointment.
He paused, studying her face. “It’s very important that you don’t leave the estate today, Isla. I need you to stay here where it’s secure.”
The words hit her like a slap. “Excuse me?”
“It’s not safe for you to move around the island alone right now.” His tone had gone firm. “We have to assume Veyrik knows about you.”
Heat flared in her chest—part anger, part humiliation. “I’m not a child, Damon. I’m a grown woman who’s been taking care of herself for thirty-two years.”
“This isn’t about your capability.” His voice carried that edge of command that probably made his clan snap to attention. “It’s about reality. You’re human in a world of predators.”
“So what, I’m just supposed to sit here like a caged bird while you run off to do important Alpha things?”
Something flickered across his face—frustration, maybe guilt. “It’s temporary. Just until we assess the threat level and put proper protections in place.”
“What about the bookstore? Will you have time to help me with that at some point?”
“I don’t know. There are more pressing matters.” He was already moving toward the door, his attention clearly shifting to Alpha mode.
Isla pulled the sheet higher, feeling exposed in more ways than one. “Right. More pressing than the project I came here for.”
He stopped with his hand on the door handle, finally looking back at her fully. “Isla?—”
“Go.” She waved him off. “Your clan needs their Alpha.”
TWENTY-TWO
ISLA
For a moment, Damon looked like he might say something else. Then he nodded curtly and was gone, leaving her alone in his chambers.
She flopped back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling. The romantic haze of the morning had evaporated completely, replaced by a stark reminder of the vast differences between their worlds. She’d spent so many years dreaming of a love story like her parents’, but she’d never considered that epic love might come with epic complications.
She sat up with a sigh, resigned to spending the day as a pampered prisoner. At least she could shower, eat well, and maybe find a good book in Evelina’s extensive library. If she was going to be trapped, she might as well get comfortable.
One day at a time,she reminded herself again.But this day is definitely going to test my patience.
The day stretched endlessly before Isla like an ocean without horizon. She’d explored every corner of Evelina’s magnificent library, her fingers trailing along leather-bound spines that whispered of centuries past. The collection rivaled some museums—first editions of classics, rare manuscripts,and volumes on dragon lore. Yet even surrounded by literary treasures, she couldn’t shake the hollow ache in her chest.
He just... left.
Damon’s transformation from tender lover to commanding Alpha had been swift and brutal. One moment his thumb was tracing her cheekbone, the next he was issuing orders about her confinement with the efficiency of a military commander. The whiplash left her reeling.
She understood, intellectually, that he carried enormous responsibility. Hundreds of lives depended on his decisions. A rival clan posed genuine threats. Security couldn’t wait for romantic breakfasts and lazy morning conversations. But understanding didn’t ease the sting of feeling dismissed, relegated to the role of helpless damsel who needed protecting rather than partner who deserved consideration.
Would it always be like this?
The question haunted her as she settled into a leather armchair with Jane Austen’sPersuasion—a choice that felt ironically appropriate given her current circumstances. Would she spend her life competing with Alpha duties for scraps of his attention? Fighting for moments between crises and clan obligations?
Her parents had been partners in everything. Equal voices in their shared life. Her father never made her mother feel like an afterthought. They’d always found time for each other, made each other a priority despite external pressures.
