The lost mate

Chapter 115: Deception

Anne left her room and headed to the main hall. The guards stationed outside cast her questioning looks, but no one stopped her. She was still Damien’s mate, and despite the tension swirling around the pack, that gave her a level of respect that even Liana couldn’t strip away.

As she entered the grand sitting room, her eyes landed on Alpha Falcon. He was sitting by the fireplace, his broad shoulders relaxed, though his presence dominated the room. He looked rugged; the lines on his face deepened by years of leadership and battle. His dark eyes, sharp and calculating, shifted towards her as she entered.

"Alpha Falcon," Anne greeted, her voice steady despite the nervous energy thrumming through her. She inclined her head slightly in respect.

Falcon stood, towering over her with a commanding presence. He gave her a once-over, his gaze lingering not with disdain but with thoughtful consideration. After a moment, he gestured for her to sit.

"Anne," he said, his voice a deep rumble, "I’ve heard much about you."

Anne took a seat, her back straight and chin high, though she could feel the weight of his gaze assessing her. "I can imagine what you’ve heard," she replied carefully, her words measured. "But I’m sure not all of it is true."

Falcon raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That’s what I hoped you’d say."

They spoke for some time, Alpha Falcon probing her with questions—about her past, her bond with Damien, and her views on the current turmoil surrounding the pack. Anne answered each one thoughtfully. She spoke about her love for Damien, her dedication to their son, and the fierce loyalty she felt towards the pack.

Throughout the conversation, Falcon listened intently, nodding occasionally, his expression hard to read. There was no condescension in his demeanour, no indication that he was trying to catch her in a lie or manipulate her. He was simply... evaluating.

After a long pause, Falcon leant back in his chair, studying her with a different light in his eyes. "You’re impressive, Anne. Damien chose well."

Anne blinked, surprised by the compliment. Of all the responses she had prepared for, praise from Alpha Falcon was not one of them.

"You’ve shown more grace and intelligence than many in your position," he continued. "You care for your family, your mate, and your pack, and you’re willing to fight for them. I respect that."

Anne’s heart swelling with cautious hope, though she remained guarded. "Thank you," she replied, her voice softer now. "That means a lot coming from you."

Liana’s composure faltered for a split second. Her eyes darted between them, a flicker of confusion passing over her face.

"Liana," he said evenly, "I wanted to meet Damien’s mate for myself. I must say, I’m impressed."

Liana’s eyes widened slightly, and for the first time in a long while, Anne saw a genuine flicker of surprise cross her face. "Impressed?" Liana echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Falcon nodded, his expression firm. "Anne is smart, perceptive, and strong. Qualities any alpha would be wise to value. Damien made a good choice."

Liana’s lips thinned, her gaze darting to Anne briefly before settling back on her father. "She’s caused a lot of trouble," Liana said tightly. "The council is still investigating her."

Falcon waved a dismissive hand. "The council is doing what it must. But I trust my instincts, and my instincts tell me that this woman is no threat. She’s loyal to Damien and to this pack. I suggest you remember that, Liana."

The tension in the room thickened as father and daughter exchanged a silent look. Anne watched quietly, unsure of how to interpret the dynamic between them.

"I will," Liana said finally, her voice subdued but still firm.

"Alright, now when can I meet my great grandson ?"

Anne smiled and replied, "Anytime you wish. I’m sure you’ll adore him."

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

The door creaked open, and as Chris stepped inside, he frozen.

His eyes widened in shock at the sight before him: Damien and Jessica were in the same room naked. For a second, Chris couldn’t move. His brain was trying to process what he was seeing, and none of it made any sense.

"What the hell?" Chris muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He had seen many things in his years serving as Damien’s right hand, but nothing had prepared him for this.

"Chris," Damien growled.

"Where the hell is the plane?"

Chris blinked, still reeling from the scene he had walked into. "The plane... Damien, the pilot went missing last night. We found him a few hours ago—he was drunk. Completely out of it."

Damien’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he shot a glare at Jessica, who met his gaze with an infuriatingly smug smile.

"You planned this, didn’t you?" Damien’s voice was low, dangerous. His fists were clenched at his sides, and Chris could see the barely contained rage simmering beneath his exterior.

Jessica stretched lazily, unbothered by the accusation. "Planned what, Damien?" she purred, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "You’re the one who wanted me here."

Damien’s eyes flashed, and Chris took a step back, sensing that Damien was moments away from losing control.

Without another word, Damien turned on his heel and began pulling his clothes on with rapid, jerky movements. His face was a mask of fury and disgust, and Chris could tell that something had gone horribly wrong last night.

As Damien buttoned up his shirt, his hand briefly went to his neck, wincing as he touched something. Chris caught the movement and frowned. "Damien, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing," Damien snapped, though his voice was tight with pain. His neck throbbed, and he could feel the bite mark left by Jessica, the twisted reminder of whatever she had done to him. Right now, they needed to get back to the pack, to Anne, and to the mess that was waiting for them there.

Ignoring Jessica completely, Damien stormed out of the room, with Chris right behind him. The tension was thick, but neither of them spoke as they made their way towards the elevator. Chris could feel the weight of Damien’s fury, and he knew that Jessica’s manipulation had pushed Damien over the edge.

Chris placed his hand on Damien’s arm to assure him.

"Make sure that Jackson and his wretched daughter don’t enter the pack boundary." Damien commanded.