The lost mate

Chapter 137: Ghost from the past

Anne’s heart leapt into her throat when Damien’s piercing gaze fell on her. She could feel Chris stiffen beside he.

"Oh, Damien," Anne said, her voice light and playful. "We were just discussing something you’re not supposed to know yet."

Damien raised an eyebrow, a half-grin pulling at his lips, though the suspicion in his eyes hadn’t fully dissipated. "Really?" His tone was amused but probing, like he knew there was more to the conversation than they were letting on.

Anne’s pulse quickened. She stepped forward, closing the distance between them, gently placing a hand on his arm. "Yes, I was planning a surprise for you," she said, her voice softening. "That’s what Chris and I were talking about. We didn’t want to spoil it before it was ready."

Damien’s expression shifted, the suspicion melting away as a broad grin spread across his face. "A surprise?" he repeated, his deep voice filled with curiosity.

Chris, standing just behind Anne, remained silent, but she could feel the tension in his stance ease slightly. He let Anne take the lead, grateful that Damien seemed to be buying into the story.

"Yes," Anne said, her smile widening as she leaned into the lie. "Something special for you with the mating ceremony coming up. I wanted to do something that would make it memorable. You’re always so focused on the pack, I thought it would be nice for you to have a little surprise too."

Damien chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "You know, I should’ve known something was going on. You two have been acting strange for days." He shot a glance at Chris, who nodded awkwardly but smiled.

"We just wanted it to be perfect," Anne added quickly. She could feel the weight of the lie pressing down on her, but she maintained her calm facade, knowing Damien couldn’t know the truth. Not now. Not ever.

Damien’s grin lingered as he looked at her, his intense gaze softening with affection. "I appreciate it, Anne," he said, his voice low and warm.

He reached out and pulled her into a gentle embrace, resting his chin on top of her head for a brief moment. "You’re amazing, you know that?"

She closed her eyes, leaning into him, the guilt gnawing at her insides. "Lets go to bed, Damien," she said softly, pulling away slightly. "You’ve been working nonstop. You need to rest."

Damien released her, but his eyes lingered on hers for a moment longer, as if trying to decipher any hidden meaning.

Damien glanced at Chris, who gave him a supportive nod. "I’ll catch up with you tomorrow," Chris said, his voice more relaxed now that the tension had eased.

"Goodnight, both of you."

"Goodnight," Anne and Damien said in unison.

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

The tension in the Blood Moon Pack’s grand hall was palpable. The room, normally used for important pack meetings, now felt like a battlefield of wills. Richard and Liana both wore expressions of thinly veiled disdain as they watched Jackson stride into the room.

Behind him, a woman walked in silence, her face hidden beneath a long, dark veil.

Richard’s jaw clenched, his gaze never leaving Jackson as the man walked over to the large chair opposite him. Without invitation, Jackson sat down, leaning back with a casual arrogance that only heightened the tension in the room.

"Jackson," Richard greeted him with forced politeness, though his voice was laced with disdain. "To what do we owe this... unexpected visit?"

Jackson’s eyes flicked towards Liana briefly before they settled back on Richard. He crossed one leg over the other, leaning back comfortably, though his posture belied his careful attention.

"Alpha Richard," he began, his tone light but edged with malice. "I’ve come because I’m concerned."

Liana raised an eyebrow, her lip curling in disdain. "Concerned?" she echoed mockingly, folding her arms across her chest. "Since when have you ever been concerned about anything other than your own interests?"

Jackson ignored her jab, his face betraying nothing. "Yes," he said, leaning forward slightly, his gaze sharp. "I’m worried about my daughter’s safety within the Blood Moon pack."

"If you’re so concerned," Liana said with biting sarcasm, "you can take her with you and be done with it. I doubt anyone here would protest."

Richard’s expression mirrored his mate’s—cold, unreadable, but clearly hostile.

Jackson’s smile was slow, almost amused. He glanced at Liana, his eyes twinkling with a dangerous light. "Ah, but that would be too easy, wouldn’t it? No, I’ve come to ensure that she stays safe... right here."

Liana’s smile faltered slightly, the edge of her patience fraying. "Then what exactly do you propose, Jackson?" she snapped. "How do you intend to protect her if not by taking her away?"

Jackson’s grin widened, and without a word, he turned to the veiled woman besides him. The mysterious figure had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, still as a statue, her presence almost unnoticeable until now.

"I brought someone to ensure her protection," Jackson said smoothly, his voice carrying a dark promise.

The woman next to him reached up, her slender fingers slowly pulling at the edges of the veil.

Liana’s eyes widened, her sarcastic composure faltering as her gaze locked onto the woman now fully unveiled.

"Elara !" Liana hissed.

Elara smiled at Liana.

"Hello Luna Liana! Long time no see."

Liana’s eyes blazed with a mix of shock and fury as she stood frozen, staring at the woman before her. It had been years since she had last seen Elara, and the betrayal still stung like an open wound. Elara had once been one of her closest friends, a trusted confidante, and an accomplished healer. But that trust had shattered the day Elara chose to stand with Jackson.

The memories of that time rushed back, vivid and painful. Elara had been there the night Damien was born, standing by Liana’s side as she held Jennifer’s hand, guiding the woman through her labour. Damien’s birth had been complicated, and it was Elara’s skill that had saved both mother and child. Liana had relied on her, trusted her with secrets and decisions only a sister in spirit would understand.

But then Elara had betrayed her.