The lost mate

Chapter 107: The problem

"Wait," Damien said, his voice low and intense, cutting through the stillness. He pushed up on one elbow, turning to look down at her, his eyes dark with a mixture of confusion and concern. "Say that again."

Anne blinked, caught off guard by the urgency in his tone.

"I said, ’I love you,’" she repeated, smiling up at him. "What’s gotten into you?"

But Damien didn’t smile back. His brow furrowed, and his eyes searched hers as if trying to decipher something hidden just beneath the surface. He leant in closer, his gaze locked on her, as if waiting for her to slip up—to reveal something she hadn’t meant to.

"Anne," he said, his voice softer now but no less serious. "That’s not what I meant. Before that... when you said you’d never betray me."

Anne’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly averted her gaze, her throat tightening as her mind scrambled for an explanation. Of course, he had picked up on it. Damien wasn’t the kind of man to miss even the smallest of details, especially when it came to her.

She plastered on another smile, doing her best to appear nonchalant. "I was just being sappy," she said lightly, tracing a finger along his chest in a lazy circle. "You know, caught up in the moment."

But Damien wasn’t buying it. His hand gently caught her wrist, halting her movements as he leant in even closer, his face inches from hers. "Anne," he murmured, his tone a blend of tenderness and worry. "I can feel something’s off. What aren’t you telling me?"

"I—" Anne hesitated, her mind racing for an answer—something that would satisfy him without giving too much away.

"I meant it," she said quietly, her eyes softening as she gazed up at him. "I would never betray you, Damien. Not ever."

He studied her face for a long moment, searching for any trace of deception. Finally, he sighed, his grip on her wrist loosening as he cupped her face in his large, warm hand. "I know," he whispered, his thumb brushing her cheek. "But something’s bothering you. I can feel it, Anne. And I don’t like that you’re carrying it alone."

She leant into his touch, closing her eyes for a brief moment as she let herself feel the love that radiated from him.

"I’m just tired," Anne whispered, opening her eyes to meet his. "It’s been a long day, and there’s a lot on my mind. But I promise, it’s nothing you need to worry about."

Damien’s eyes softened, though the concern didn’t fully leave his gaze. He leant down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"So does it mean you are not mad at me ?"

Anne smiled, shaking her head. "No, I could never be mad at you," she replied softly.

Damien’s expression relaxed, relief evident in his eyes as he pulled her into a comforting embrace. He kissed her lips fervently and his hands srated to trace on her body.

She threw her arms around his neck. His kisses reached down her throat and they got rid of their clothes in moments. Their passion ignited, filling the room with heat as they gave in to their desires.

********************************

The grand chamber of the Alpha Council was as imposing as ever. The high, arched ceilings and the massive stone walls gave the room an air of ancient power and authority. The seven Alphas, each representing a different pack, sat in their designated seats.

Alpha Raymond, the eldest of the council, sat at the head. The other Alphas were a mix of ages. Alpha Blaze, with his sharp tongue and piercing gaze, was among the most feared. Then there were Alphas Cecilia, Maria, Daniel, Anton, and Marcus.

The quiet murmurs among the council members ceased as the doors at the far end of the hall were flung open with a loud thud. All heads turned as Alpha Jackson strode in, flanked by his two betas, each of them dragging a dishevelled man between them. His clothes were torn, his face bruised and bloody, and his hands were bound in silver chains.

The council members shared surprised looks; their interest piqued.

Alpha Blaze’s lips curled into a smirk as he leant back in his seat, watching the scene unfold with amusement. "Well, well, Jackson," Blaze drawled, his voice thick with sarcasm. "You’ve brought us a guest. What’s this about?"

Alpha Raymond’s voice boomed through the hall.

"Jackson," he said, his tone stern. "Explain yourself. Who is this man, and why is he here?"

"This," Jackson said, his voice ringing through the hall, "is Detective Fred Monroe."

"I’ve come to make a formal complaint," he declared, his voice unwavering. "Not just against this man, but against the Royal Family itself."

The room fell silent, the tension thickening as Jackson’s words hung in the air. The Royal Family—Damien’s family—had always been beyond reproach. The mere mention of a complaint against them sent a ripple of shock through the chamber.

Alpha Blaze’s smirk only deepened; his interest piqued. "The Royal Family?" he repeated, his tone mocking but curious. "You must be joking."

Jackson’s expression remained firm. "I’m not."

Alpha Raymond frowned, his brows furrowing. "Explain yourself, Jackson. You’re accusing the family that has ruled over our kind for centuries. That’s a serious claim."

Jackson nodded, and with a wave of his hand, he gestured towards the man lying on the floor. "Detective Fred Monroe is here to explain the wrongdoings of Anne, the Alpha Prince’s mate."

Alpha Cecilia, known for her measured approach, leant forward. "What do you mean by ’wrongdoings,’ Jackson?"

Jackson’s eyes flickered with cold anger. "Anne, as the mate of Prince Damien, was an omega in my pack. You are all aware that she had disappeared for several years. Then reappeared with a child."

Cecilia nodded. "Yeah, we all know that, so what about it ?"

"Do you know she killed a human and was living among humans, divulging all our secrets?"

"What nonsese! Are you in your senses ?" Alpha Raymond roared.

Alpha Daniel frowned, glancing at the broken detective on the floor. "What proof do you have of this?"