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Talia’s step mother forced her to sit on the floor and eat. “Skipping a meal won’t hurt you” She said humiliating Talia. That wasn’t the last time Talia was humiliated. She wanted to try on a dress. But her step mother said “You will tear it before you even wear it” “You will need at least two dresses to fit in” Added her step sister, princess Marcy. Her step mother even snatched from her food and said “You have eaten enough for a lifetime” They even pushed her out of their family portraits. Talia thought that their cruelty was not because they were evil, it was because she was fat. So Talia worked day and night to become prettier. Years passed and she lost almost half her weight. When she entered the packhouse, everyone called her gorgeous. Which made Marcy’s blood boil in anger. “If I can’t be the prettiest neither can you” With that she slapped talia face with a spike ring, leaving scars on her face. Then she locked her inside a tiny attic room for months. No food. No sunlight. Just water… enough to keep her alive. Talia thought she was going to die there. But something strange happened instead. The weight started melting off Talia’s body. Her face changed. Her hair started growing longer. By the time Marcy finally let Talia out… She didn’t even look like the same girl anymore. That’s when Marcy truly started hating her. She started physically torturing Talia. Punished anyone who showed her kindness. And made sure she never forgot her place. I am Talia. This is my story. A bastard child of the red moon pack turned into a wolfless slave. One day when I was scrubbing the floor, I heard a news. But little did I know that it is going to change my life. Rumours spread through the kingdom. Alpha Damon was coming. Leader of the Dark Howlers. The strongest Alpha King alive. A man powerful enough to wipe out entire packs. And he was coming for one reason. To marry Marcy. The entire Red Moon Pack exploded with excitement. Marcy spent weeks preparing for his arrival while I scrubbed floors like a ghost nobody noticed. Then one day, the gates of the Red Moon opened. A convoy of black armoured wolves from the Dark Howler’s pack entered the kingdom. And at the center of them stood Alpha Damon. Powerful. Terrifying. Beautiful. The entire kingdom bowed before him. And little did Talia know… the Alpha King standing in front of her— was the same stranger who once saved her in that parking lot years ago. And the craziest part? Nobody knew. Not Marcy. Not Talia. Not even Damon himself. Will they recognise each other? Will Damon save Talia… like he did years ago? He was the most powerful Alpha in all of North America. Women threw themselves at him. Rulers feared him. He could seduce a she-wolf with a glance, or tear out a man’s throat just as easily. Damon was untouchable. He scorned the idea of love. Rejected every political match. Not a single potential bride, despite the many presented, could win his affection. None were worthy of being his Luna, the proud she-wolf to rule by his side. Love was a distraction, an attempt to tame him. And Damon would never be tamed. Still, there were those who tried. Alpha Edward, leader of the Red Moon pack, was desperate to secure his political power. He invited Damon to meet his daughter, Princess Marcy, beautiful, cunning, cruel. She intended to make him hers. Talia feared their union. Would Marcy succeed where so many others had failed? Would Marcy’s cruelty only intensify as Luna to such a powerful Alpha? The moment Alpha Damon stepped onto Red Moon Pack grounds with his mated Betas, Caden and Maya, something felt off. His wolf stirred uneasily beneath the surface. Damon didn’t need confirmation; he already knew: no one in the Red Moon Pack could be trusted. They all sat down in the dining hall, its gaudy opulence a reflection of Red Moon’s inflated ego. Marcy arrived fashionably late, every detail of her appearance sharpened like a blade. Shimmering blond hair, a sculpted figure. She was the type of girl who got what she wanted. Her friend, Nora, wasn’t as restrained. She eyed Damon with hunger, her gaze sliding over him like a caress. The rumors had reached her ears: about his appetite, his stamina, his size. She didn’t care that Marcy was supposed to win the Alpha’s hand. Nora wanted a taste for herself. Marcy’s mother, Luna Layla, noticed the heat in Nora’s stare… and the flicker of fury in her daughter’s eyes. “Marcy,” Layla said, too sweetly, “Why don’t you show Alpha Damon to his room so you two can… talk?” While the Red Moon Pack celebrated Damon’s arrival, elsewhere in the kitchens, Talia worked until the sweat stung her eyes. All she could dream of was the scraps she might scavenge when the feast was over. The other Omegas had different plans for her. Anna, their cruel ringleader, stepped into Talia’s path, towering over her, “Listen up, slave.” The other Omegas giggled behind her like hyenas. Anna’s lips twisted into a cruel smirk. “You’re going to deliver towels to Alpha Damon’s room.” Talia froze. “Right now? But... what if he’s inside?” Anna raised her hand, ready to strike. “Are you questioning me?” Talia flinched, her heart pounding. Without her wolf, she was defenseless against the bullies. Without another word, she took the towels and hurried off, every step dragging her closer to the Alpha’s quarters and whatever fate awaited her behind that door. When Talia entered the room, she froze. Damon was in his room. But he wasn’t alone. There was Marcy. On her knees. Between Damon’s legs. Marcy whipped around, her eyes blazing with fury as they locked onto Talia’s. The insolence! A jolt of fear shot up Talia’s spine. Retribution would be certain. Damon’s eyes snapped to Talia. “Stop!” he barked. But Talia was gone, bolting from the room, too terrified to look back. What Talia didn’t know, what she couldn’t have known, is that in that moment, Damon’s world had shifted. Her scent. It hit his veins like a spark of kindling, igniting something primal within him. Could it be? His inner wolf howled the truth within him, again and again. She, a lowly omega, a serving girl without a friend, was his fated mate? Ignoring the mocking laughter of Anna and the others, Talia ran until she reached the attic, shoving the cabinet against the door before collapsing in the corner, struggling to quiet her frantic breathing. 'Is this it? Is this the day I die?' Back in Damon’s room, Marcy landed clumsily on her backside as Damon shoved her away, his expression thunderous and unreadable. "Who was that girl?" he demanded, hastily buttoning his pants. Marcy knew exactly who she was. Talia. That wolf-less bitch. How dare she step into an Alpha’s chambers uninvited? And worse, if word got out that Marcy had been pleasuring Damon before he’d even proposed... she’d be humiliated. A laughingstock. Her reputation would be in shreds. Marcy’s jaw clenched with fury. She should’ve done more than just beat the girl this morning. But Damon didn’t notice Marcy’s simmering rage. He was too distracted, his mind replaying the moment when she walked in. How that intoxicating scent, freesia and citrus, had struck him. How his wolf had howled, wild and urgent. All he could think about was pulling her into his arms. 'Mate.' His wolf howled in confirmation. He had never expected to hear that word. Never wanted to. And yet, the moment Talia entered the room, something inside him had shifted, changed. His wolf growled inside him. 'Find her!' Damon clenched his jaw. "Find her,” He ordered. “Now." Marcy hesitated, she was confused. Why would an Alpha give a shit about a slave? Damon’s Alpha energy radiated off of her, making her lower her head. "Yes, Alpha Damon." But Marcy already knew. She’d be doing much more than just finding her… Meanwhile, Damon paced, running his tongue over his teeth, irritated beyond reason. His body still ached with unfinished release, but the thought of Marcy’s coconut scent made him recoil. It wasn’t her scent he wanted, it wasn’t her body against his that he needed. It was her. Talia. The girl with the smart doe eyes and copper-colored hair. [SFX: HEAVY FOOTSTEPS ECHOING DOWN THE HALLWAY] Damon prowled through the packhouse, inhaling deeply. Nothing. No trace of her scent. His wolf snarled. 'Find her!' 'If she was really my mate, why did she run? Why didn’t she feel it too?' 'You had another woman on her knees in front of you,' his wolf sneered. 'What did you expect? That she’d throw herself into your arms?' Damon scowled. His instincts screamed at him to chase, but logic held him back. He needed to stay in control. If he lost control and Marcy found out the truth, there was no telling what they would do to her! For now, he would wait. [SFX: KNOCKS ON THE DOOR] Later that night, Marcy returned to Damon’s chambers. She couldn't wait to tell him how she put the girl in her place, that wretched, wolf-less slave. But when she saw Damon standing there, Marcy forgot all about the girl. And she would make him forget all about her too. But Damon barely acknowledged her, his mind consumed by the memory of that freesia scent. Marcy advanced, “Hello, Damon.” Damon swiftly turned toward the door to see Marcy peeking in. He wondered if she even knocked, but even if she did, he probably wouldn't have noticed. He never felt this distracted! What if that was an enemy? That copper-haired girl already caused him to be weak, and he didn't even acknowledge their mate bond. "Why are you here?" Damon asked. "You look tense..." Marcy said while reluctantly putting her palms on Damon's firm chest. "I can help you relax." Damon's lips lifted into a half-smirk. "And how would you do that?" "I know that nothing is confirmed, but technically, we are engaged," Damon observed her fingers as they moved slightly. She felt him out over the thin fabric of his shirt. He noticed a big ring on her right middle finger, an oval-shaped ruby with small diamonds surrounding it. Damon looked at her almond-shaped blue eyes, straight nose, and full lips, and he confirmed that she objectively appeared attractive. Damon felt his wolf's anger and dejection, but he decided to ignore it. Unaware of the conversation Damon had with his wolf, Marcy inched closer to Damon and she smiled seductively. "I can..." Before Marcy could finish her sentence, Damon's hand landed at the back of her head, and he pulled her closer for a kiss, pulling her toward the bed. “Wait,” Marcy breathed. "Wait?” Damon replied, “What happened to were technically engaged? Get out." Marcy didn't understand. "What?" "I said... GET OUT!" The clock struck two. Damon lay restless, tension coiled in his muscles, his thoughts tangled in a torment he refused to name. The oppressive stillness of the Red Moon packhouse suffocated him. He needed air. Control. Escape. He moved silently, intent on a midnight run—until it hit him. Freesia. That intoxicating scent. Sweet citrus and wild temptation. His pulse pounded, his body moving before his mind caught up, drawn to the scent like a predator to prey. His hunt led him to the kitchen, shadow pooling in the corner, the hum of the refrigerator filling the quiet. And there she was. A small figure bathed in the cold glow of the open fridge, unaware of the danger lurking just behind her. Damon closed the distance. Too close. Close enough that his heat ghosted over her nape, close enough that he could imagine how she’d feel beneath him. Soft. His. "Mhm." His voice came unbidden, dark, possessive. Talia gasped, jerking back—right into him. [SFX: SHARP INHALE, HEAD THUDDING AGAINST SHELF] She spun, eyes wide, body trembling. Fear. A scent he despised on her. "Aw," she whimpered, rubbing the back of her head, shrinking under his gaze. Wrong move, little one. You’re not leaving. She scurried sideways, but Damon was faster, his arm blocking her escape. "What are you sorry for?" he murmured, his voice low, dangerous. She stammered, refusing to meet his eye, her lip caught between her teeth—a sight that shouldn’t send heat curling in his gut, but damn it, it did. He cupped her chin, tilting her face toward the light. Sparks. A wildfire licked up his arm, searing through his vein. His wolf howled, triumphant. Mate. But that momentary euphoria crashed when he saw her bruise. His grip tightened. Rage. "What happened?" His voice was no longer smooth. It was a blade, sharp with violence. She flinched. "I—I fell." "Lies." His thumb ghosted over the mark on her cheek. It was shaped like—a ring. Marcy. His wolf roared inside him, demanding blood. Demanding vengeance. "Who did this?" he growled. Talia shuddered. "No one." A lie. A plea. A desperate attempt to protect the monster who hurt her. Damon inhaled deeply, trying to rein in the storm inside him, but her scent—the sweetness, the fragility—it wrecked him. "I will not hurt you," he swore, his tone softer now, but she didn't believe him. He could see it in the way her body coiled, ready to run. Then, she did. Gone. Vanished. She had run from him AGAIN, Damon couldn’t believe it. [SFX: DOOR SWINGING SHUT, FOOTSTEP FLEEING] Damon stood frozen for a second. Then—"Damn it!" His wolf snarled. Find her. Damon’s body moved on instinct, chasing the fading scent of freesia into the night. Damon halted in the middle of the garden, nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply, searching for her scent. The freesia and citrus still lingered in the air, but it was interwoven with the overpowering fragrance of hydrangeas and roses, scattered wildly by the wind. "Shit!" he cursed, his fists clenching. "I lost her. Why did she run?" 'Maybe because you scared the soul out of her.' His wolf growled. Damon frowned. 'I scared her?' 'You grabbed her, cornered her, demanded answers... You think she’s not used to being mistreated? And let’s not forget, the first time she saw you, another she-wolf was on her knees for you, and you barked at her to stop. Hardly a warm introduction, if I may say.' Damon cursed under his breath. He hadn’t considered it from that angle. The girl haunted him. Her wide, fearful eyes. The bruises marring her delicate face. The way she shrank when he spoke. It made something primal inside him snap. 'If she’s my mate, why didn’t she feel it? She should have wanted to be near me, not running for her life.' 'Maybe she doesn’t know you’re her mate.' 'Is she too young?' 'No, she’s small and malnourished, but she’s definitely over eighteen.' His wolf hesitated. 'The problem is... I can’t sense her wolf.' Damon’s body stiffened. 'She’s a human?' That thought made him recoil. A human? The Moon Goddess paired a fragile human with an Alpha like him? That was insanity. 'No,' his wolf corrected. 'She’s a she-wolf. But for some reason, her inner wolf hasn’t awakened. It could be abuse. Starvation. Or something darker. Maybe… her wolf has been silenced.” Silenced? Who would do such a thing? What reason could they possibly have to justify such cruelty? Ripping a wolf from her other half, severing the sacred bond between soul and beast. Damon couldn’t imagine a fate more brutal. More inhumane. Damon raked a hand through his hair, his frustration mounting. He’d frightened her. He let her leave without food. And now, she was out there—alone, vulnerable. 'How do I fix this?' His wolf growled. 'Fix what? You came here to seduce Marcy, ruin Alpha Edward’s plans, and leave. What changed? You want to apologize for being an ass and take her out for dinner?' Damon scowled, staring at the darkened tree line in the distance. [SFX: TREES RUSTLING IN THE WIND] He wasn’t the kind of man to coddle or chase after anyone. He told himself to forget her, to move on. But the truth was, he wasn’t sure if he could. Damon stormed up the stairs, each step heavier than the last. His blood ran hot, his chest tight with frustration he couldn’t shake. She ran from him. The copper-haired girl with those wide, frightened eyes and the scent that still clung to his skin. Like she wanted nothing to do with him. Fine. Let her go. He threw the bedroom door open without thinking—and froze. Nora was already there, draped across his bed like she belonged, wearing nothing but a wicked smirk. “I figured you’d need company,” she purred, stretching, letting her fingers trail across his pillow. Marking her territory. "Rough night?" Damon exhaled hard, his fists clenching at his sides. The girl’s scent was still in his head, citrus and freesia, clinging like a curse. But Nora smelled of want. Willing. Available. A distraction. That’s all he needed. That’s all this was. He closed the door with a snap and stepped toward the bed, gaze dark and unreadable. “Shut up,” he growled. Then he grabbed her. [SFX: SOUND OF THE SHOWER RUNNING AND TURNING OFF, DAMON SIGHS] Damon sat on the edge of the bed later, running a hand through his damp hair. The shower hadn’t washed away the frustration, nor the bitter aftertaste of what just happened. Nora was already gone. He glanced down and saw a pair of torn panties near the foot of the bed. Not Marcy’s. Nora’s. His lip curled. Perfect. Just another mess to clean up. "You’re a damn fool." His wolf's voice slithered into his mind, thick with disgust. "Did that make you forget her? Did she feel like our mate?" Damon clenched his jaw. No. Nora had been warm, willing—everything he should’ve wanted. But it had been empty. Pointless. The moment his release faded, the hunger in his chest only grew sharper. His wolf sneered. "I warned you. She is the only one who can satisfy us." Damon growled under his breath. He didn’t want this to be true. He didn’t want to need the girl with the copper-colored hair. And yet… he did. If he was ever going to find peace again, he needed to find her. His frail, elusive mate. The Omega who kept slipping through his fingers. [SFX: BIRDS CHIRPING, EARLY MORNING AMBIENCE] The next morning, Damon contacted Caden and Maya through their mind link. 'Are you guys up?' 'We are now,' Caden grumbled. They had an agreement—nights were private between him and Maya, and Damon only disturbed them if something urgent came up. Maya’s voice grew alert. 'Did something happen?' 'Caden, come to my room.' There was a pause before Caden responded. 'On my way.' When Caden arrived, he gave the room a once-over before raising a brow at Damon. "You look like shit. Were you attacked?" His gaze fell on the shredded panties discarded on the floor. "Oh. Never mind. Guess you had a long night." Damon wasn’t in the mood for jokes. He tossed and turned the entire night, plagued by nightmares. He saw the copper-haired girl trapped in darkness, shadowy hands choking her, bruising her skin. He clawed at an invisible barrier, screaming her name. Except he didn’t even know her name. "How did you feel when you met Maya?" Damon asked abruptly. Caden’s grin faded. "Why? Is Marcy your mate?" Damon rolled his eyes. "Just answer the damn question." [SFX: CADEN SIGHS] "Attraction, sparks, happiness. I needed Maya to be happy so I could be happy. I thought I knew what happiness was before, but after meeting her, I realized I’d been clueless." Damon clenched his jaw. That wasn’t what he felt. He felt restless, furious, out of control. "Did you ever think about resisting it?" Caden looked appalled. "Why the hell would I? She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I waited my whole life for her. Why would I reject her?" Damon’s stomach twisted. "What if Maya was in danger because of you? Would you pick her safety over your happiness? What if the only way to protect her was to reject her?" Caden frowned. "What kind of twisted scenario is that? I wouldn’t be happy if she suffered. Rejection would break us both, so I’d rather face danger together." He eyed Damon sharply. "What’s going on? Did last night fry your brain?" Damon exhaled harshly. "I don’t know what’s going on." Caden shrugged. "Alright. We’re still leaving after breakfast, right?" Damon hesitated. Could he really leave without seeing her again? Just one more time—to make sure she was okay, to confirm that the sparks weren’t in his head? "Let me think about it.” Caden studied his Alpha, his oldest friend. There was something Damon wasn’t saying. He could feel it. But he didn’t press. Damon would talk when he was ready, and when he did, Caden would be there. He always was. He couldn’t have known Damon’s mind was consumed by the copper-haired girl, his true fated mate. Or that beneath his calm exterior, he was seething over the bruise Marcy had left on her skin. That cruel woman. His so-called betrothed. He could tear her apart if it wouldn't start a damn war. Though maybe there were other ways to destroy her… Caden turned toward the door when Damon’s voice stopped him. “Could you look into Marcy for me? Anything we can use to discredit her: past scandals, secrets, whatever you can find.” Caden nodded without hesitation. “Anything, Damon.” He slipped out, closing the door softly behind him. [MUSIC: PENSIVE STRINGS] 'Are you thinking about rejecting her?' his wolf asked. Damon sighed. 'I need to protect her.' 'Then keep her close. Don’t reject her.' His wolf had explained that, without her wolf, Talia didn’t feel the bond. She wasn’t drawn to him the way he was to her. To win her, he’d have to do it the human way; court her, earn her trust. But without the bond, nothing guaranteed she would stay and that terrified Damon the most! Damon didn’t know the first thing about romance, but he knew one thing—no one could know she was his mate. If Alpha Edward learned, he’d use her against him. She’d become leverage, a hostage. Damon couldn’t allow that. After breakfast, Damon met with Alpha Edward in his office. "I wonder if you’re aware of how your Omegas are treated," Damon said. Alpha Edward frowned. "Elaborate." "Do they get paid? Fed? Protected?" Edward bristled. “We provide accommodations, three meals a day. They have access to the kitchen. We train them, discipline them if necessary, but no one is mistreated." Damon leaned forward. "Then why did I see one yesterday, perfectly fine—and hours later, covered in bruises?" Alpha Edward’s jaw tightened. "Disputes happen." Damon smirked. "Then maybe you should have a chat with your daughter." Edward’s eyes sharpened. "Marcy?" "A Luna should protect her people—not beat them to a pulp. If my mate was ever treated like that—" Damon cut himself off, clenching his fists. Edward narrowed his eyes. "I’ll speak with her." Damon smirked. "I’m counting on it." Later when Marcy entered Edward’s study, he cut straight to the point. "How is your relationship with Damon?" Marcy smiled. "We’re getting along well. I think he plans on making me his Luna." Edward’s voice darkened. "Then explain why he thinks you beat Omegas half to death." Marcy paled. "What were you thinking?!" he roared. "You don’t beat an Omega when an Alpha you’re trying to impress is watching!" Marcy swallowed hard. She had just made a very dangerous mistake. "Do whatever it takes. Do you understand me?" Alpha Edward’s voice was razor-sharp, slicing through the thick air between them. His hand slammed against the desk, the loud crack making Marcy jump. Marcy swallowed hard, nodding fervently. "Yes, Father." "Don’t just ‘yes, Father’ me!" he snapped, eyes gleaming with fury. "I gave you everything. Position, power, the opportunity to become Luna of the strongest pack! And you’re ruining it because of your carelessness. Do you know what happens if you fail me? If you mess this up?" Marcy’s breath hitched. "I—I can fix it. I promise." Edward’s jaw clenched. "You’d better. Find Damon. Make him yours. By any means necessary." Marcy rushed to her room, slamming the door shut behind her. Her hands trembled as she braced herself against the vanity. That was close. And it was all her fault. That lowly mutt, Talia. A constant thorn in Marcy’s side. Why would Alpha Damon, of all people, care so much about such a useless little omega? It made no sense. After a deep breath, Marcy steeled herself. She wouldn’t fail. She stripped off her dress, selected something more daring—plunging neckline, fabric that clung in all the right places—and touched up her makeup before making her way to find Damon. She found him outside his room, speaking with his mated betas Caden and Maya. "Are you guys going out?" she asked, feigning casual interest. Caden nodded. "James offered to show us around the warrior training grounds." Marcy barely suppressed her grimace. The training grounds reeked of sweat and desperation, two things she had no interest in. Damon’s eyes were cold as they landed on her. "Can I help you, Marcy?" She nearly flinched. His tone was ice. It was worse than anger—he was indifferent. He found out. The bruised little rat had reached his ears. Her father had been right. She needed to fix this—fast. She smiled sweetly. "I was hoping we could talk. Just the two of us." Damon glanced at Caden, who gave him a knowing nod before leading an eye rolling Maya away. Once they were alone, Marcy stepped forward and, without hesitation, wrapped her arms around Damon’s waist. He didn’t return the embrace. Instead, his hands gripped her wrists and peeled her off him as if she were something repugnant. "What are you doing?" "I’m sorry," Marcy said quickly. Damon arched a brow. "For what?" She hesitated. Did she mean last night? Or the Omega? Or both? "My behavior yesterday was… unacceptable." Damon leaned back against the chair, his arms folding over his chest. "You came here to apologize. Do it without touching me." Marcy took a breath. "I also want to fix things." His brow lifted. "Fix what, exactly?" She clenched her hands at her sides. Just do it. Give him what he wants. You can control him once you’re Luna. "I wasn’t thinking straight last night," she admitted. "I said things I didn’t mean." Damon smirked. "You didn’t mean what you said? About your limits? What you’d do?" Marcy’s cheeks burned. "I mean… I said we needed to know we were heading toward marriage first. And we are. So… I’m fine with whatever you want to do." Damon leaned forward, his smirk darkening. "Whatever I want?" Marcy swallowed. "Yes." "Undress." She blinked. He’s serious. With slightly trembling fingers, she unbuttoned the front of her dress, letting the fabric pool around her ankles. She stood before him in lace lingerie, heart hammering. Damon’s gaze swept over her body, unreadable. "All of it." She hesitated for only a second before obeying. The bra slid from her shoulders, the panties kicked to the side. She stood bare, feeling powerful and vulnerable all at once. Damon’s smirk remained. "Turn around." She did. Slowly. Gritting her teeth, she obeyed. Damon circled her slowly. And then— Smack! Marcy jolted as his palm connected with her bare skin, leaving a bright pink imprint on her skin. The sting melted into pleasure, making her whimper. She arched her hips, offering more. But Damon stepped away. She turned, confused, just in time to see him buttoning his cuffs. "What?" she gasped. "What are you doing?" Damon smirked, voice dripping amusement. "Parting is such sweet sorrow." And with that, he walked to the bathroom, washed his hands as if cleansing himself of her, and left without looking back. Marcy stood there, naked, humiliated. He. Just. Left. Damon used his mind link to check on Caden and Maya. "That was fast," Caden teased as Damon joined them. "Shut up," Damon replied. Maya crossed her arms. "Did you get anything we can use against Marcy?" Damon exhaled. "No." Caden and Maya exchanged a look. "She’s been careful," Caden admitted. "No photos. No proof of her messing around. Just whispers." Damon’s jaw tightened. "Keep digging. Someone has something." “We did find something else,” Maya said, holding up a sealed envelope. Damon’s eyes narrowed. “About Marcy?” “No,” Caden shook his head. “Another girl from the Red Moon Pack. A servant girl. With copper hair.” Damon’s eyes widened, his entire body stilled. He snatched the envelope from Maya’s hand and tore it open. He couldn't believe his eyes. His grip tightened, voice low and urgent. “We need to find her. The copper-haired girl. Now.” "You don’t even know her name," Maya pointed out. Damon clenched his fists. But I know her scent. He turned abruptly. "I’ll be back in ten minutes." Maya and Caden exchanged another look as he strode off. "What’s gotten into him?" Maya asked. Caden sighed. "Hell if I know. But I think we just found his weakness." As Damon searched the grounds more desperately, he hatched an idea. Damon knew that as a guest he couldn't go anywhere he wanted, so he asked Alpha Edward to assign him an escort. "Can Marcy accompany you?" Alpha Edward asked. He obviously wanted to increase the time that Damon and Marcy spent together. He immediately contacted Marcy through the mind link and after a brief pause, he said, "Oh, sorry. She's busy right now. Can you wait a little bit?" Damon guessed that Marcy sulked after he left her hanging in his room. That made him feel good. Damon didn't care who accompanied him. He had no clear goal in mind and as long as that person didn't get in his way, it seemed fine. "I'd like to start now if it's OK with you. You can tell Marcy to join me whenever she's ready." Alpha Edward wondered why Damon seemed in a rush, but he didn't question it. Damon wanted to walk around, and he even acted considerate enough to ask for someone to escort him. It took Alpha Edward two seconds to find his next candidate. A person who knew what went on and wouldn't embarrass him. Nora waited for Damon in front of the study with a big smile on her face. "Alpha Edward asked me to escort you and to answer any questions you might have." Damon hummed in understanding. "Take me to where Omegas stay." "Sure." Damon eyed Nora. If she was surprised by this demand, she didn't show it. Damon observed the two-story high building. The bottom floor had a kitchen, a common area that doubled as a lounge and dining room, and four bedrooms. The upper floor had ten bedrooms. Based on the information they received about the Red Moon pack, each room housed six to eight people, so Damon estimated about one hundred people in each building. Nora didn't understand why Damon asked to visit this place, but other than walking through the hallways, he didn't stop. "Do you want to see inside rooms?" Damon refused. "That's not necessary. Is this the only building for Omegas?" "No, there are three more," Nora responded. "I want to visit them." Three buildings later, Damon lost hope that he would find the mysterious copper haired girl. Not a single whiff of freesia appeared, no matter how much he searched. After four buildings without any hints of the copper haired girl., Damon was frustrated. "Are you looking for anything in particular?", Nora asked when she saw Damon spacing out in the middle of the hallway. Damon shrugged and shook his head. He was not sure himself. Nora stepped closer to him and spoke in a sultry voice, "Whatever you want, I can give you…" Damon frowned. "Keep your distance, Miss Nora, or people might get the wrong idea." She didn't move and his expression darkened. "Do you want to start the rumors about us? I wonder, what would Alpha Edward say if he thinks there is something going on between us? I'm sure you are aware of my reputation. One more girl won't make a difference, but for you who tried to ruin Marcy's chances of becoming the Luna of the Dark Howlers pack..." Damon clicked his tongue. Nora gave him a tight smile and increased the distance between them. She got the message to stay away. For now. Damon became immersed in his thoughts, completely ignoring Nora who fidgeted by his side. He was recollecting everything he knew about the copper haired girl and trying to come up with something that makes sense. Damon assumed that she was an Omega because she brought towels into his bathroom, and because of the poor treatment she received. If she had any standing, Alpha Edward wouldn't be oblivious that she was mistreated. Of course, there was a possibility that Alpha Edward knew about it, and he was pretending to be oblivious. However, if he was concealing the issue, he would deny it and not tell Damon that he would talk to Marcy. Damon spent the last decade among Alphas, and he learned a thing or two about reading them. He was confident that Alpha Edward didn't know that Marcy (and maybe someone else) was physically punishing Omegas. Damon wanted to ask Nora if she knew something about beatings or the girl with copper-colored hair, but he quickly decided not to. He didn't want to appear to be snooping into something that was not his business and if anyone suspected that he was specifically interested in one girl with poor standing, that could backfire big time. The last thing he wanted was to jeopardize her in any way. He had to connect the dots on his own. Anyone with such injuries would probably stay in bed, either in the pack hospital or in her room, and an Omega would help her out. Hell, even if she was an Omega, someone should take care of her and not let her search for food in the middle of the night. The fact that she was looking for food in the middle of the night while injured, meant that she didn't have dinner, and her skinny appearance told Damon that she skipped many other meals as well. His heart ached. He thought that maybe she committed some crime and was being punished, but if she was imprisoned or tortured, she wouldn't be able to come to the kitchen, so he crossed off that as a possibility. If she truly was an Omega, she would live in one of these common buildings, and Damon could pick up her scent. Another mystery was, why would she look for food in the packhouse when there was a kitchen in each of these buildings? The more Damon thought about it, the less sense it made. It all felt like he was trapped in a game of hide-and-seek. He was exasperated and his mind was a mess. His life was so much simpler before he saw that girl sneaking out of his room while Marcy was pleasuring him. Damon didn't want to think about the copper haired girl, and he couldn't believe that he spent so much time searching for her. The girl ran away, and she probably didn't care about him. The smartest thing to do was leave this pack and return to his routine. Eventually, her addictive scent would fade from his mind, and he would be normal again. Damon wanted to leave the Red Moon pack and go home. He really did. But as time passed, Damon realized that he couldn't leave without seeing the girl with the copper-colored hair again. Just one more time. He wanted to ensure that she was fine. At least that's what he told himself. Damon hoped that if he could inhale her sweet citrusy scent of freesia a few more times, he might get sated, or maybe he would find out that it didn't affect him anymore. And then there were those sparks that felt divine. Yes, he needed to feel those again also. Just once and then he would leave. Definitely. Damon came up with a million reasons to see the girl he couldn't get out of his mind, and he roamed around the packhouse and community buildings, but with no luck. It was like the girl simply disappeared. Damon was desperate. Was she a ghost who came to torture him? He was never this anxious. Caden and Maya realized that Damon was acting strangely, but he didn't explain anything, no matter how many times they asked. Damon was irritable and he said more than once that they were leaving, only to turn around and tell them they were staying longer. To say that Maya and Caden were confused, was an understatement. When Damon announced that they would stay another night, Caden and Maya started suspecting that Marcy or Alpha Edward drugged Damon or cast some mind-muddling spell on him because this was not Damon they knew. Damon was never indecisive, and he never refused a naked woman and this was enough proof for Caden and Maya that Damon was losing it. Caden and Maya agreed that if Damon's behavior escalated, they would take him away by force. The plan was that Maya would distract Damon, and Caden would whack Damon in the head, and then they would drag him into the car and drive away. Oblivious to Caden's and Maya's plans, Damon thought about his situation and realized that there was only one thing for him to do. He left his room around midnight and headed downstairs. Damon sat in the kitchen of the packhouse with the lights off and waited. That's where he saw the copper-haired girl, so he hoped that she would show up again. Damon didn't sleep the previous night, and he was not in his best shape, but every one of his muscles was tense, and he didn't feel like sleeping. His mind was going through numerous scenarios of what he would say when the mysterious girl showed up, and how she would respond. Would he play it cool and ask casually how she was doing? Or maybe he should show a stern expression and demand an explanation to why she disappeared last night without a goodbye? Or maybe he should make a pitiful expression and say how she hurt his feelings? Based on the internet, girls liked it when a man exposed his vulnerable side. Damon was still not sure if he should embrace this madness or reject her, but he knew that he had to see her. His wolf would growl in displeasure whenever Damon thought about rejecting her as his mate, and whimper sadly when Damon worried why she was not there yet. What if she is hurt? Did she leave? Was she hungry? Damon shoved his hand into his hair. Maybe the girl was fine and sleeping and he was an idiot for spending the night in the kitchen. Seconds ticked into minutes that turned to hours, painfully slow, and Damon was exasperated when he saw dawn cracking through the window. She didn't come. Damon was about to give up and head to his room when footsteps from the hallway got his attention. He impatiently jumped to his feet, in the hope that it was the copper haired girl. Damon's handsome eyebrows came together when he saw a woman with a duster in her hand. A blonde Omega in her late-twenties. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she stuttered. "Can… can I help you, Alpha Damon?" Damon rubbed his chin. Could she help him? Maybe. He looked around, making sure they were not overheard. "Can I ask you something, but you make sure it stays between us?" The woman nodded fervently in small jerky movements. "I'm trying to find a girl. I believe she is an Omega. This tall…" He gestured with his hand. "Skinny. Waifish. Copper-colored hair this long…" He pointed below his shoulder. The woman shook her head, indicating that she didn't know the person Damon was searching for. Damon remembered one more detail. "She wore old clothes that were oversized for her." The woman made a thoughtful expression. "You know her?", Damon asked in an urgent whisper while inching closer to the Omega who was now blushing profusely. "I… I…" The words were stuck in her throat. He was too handsome and too close, and all this was too sudden. "She… maybe…" "Yes? Yes!?" He asked impatiently. She blinked rapidly. "The attic. There is a girl living in the attic." Damon climbed to the attic faster than the wind and his lips curved into a smile when he inhaled the scent of freesia he was craving for. The girl was there. He stared at the closed door in front of him and took a moment to compose himself. Damon thought about how he went all around the Red Moon pack's properties in search of the girl. Why didn't he think of checking the packhouse thoroughly? He already knew that the girl was not in the common buildings because she came to the kitchen in the packhouse. Now that he was standing in the attic, he realized that the obvious places would be to check the basement and the attic, as well as any isolated places where guests didn't venture. It seemed that his mind was muddled and he didn't think straight. Well, it didn't matter. The time had come. She was right there. Behind that door. Hopefully. Damon knocked on the door lightly and waited. Nothing. He knocked again, this time with a bit more force. Damon thought that he heard some shuffling from inside, but he was not sure because his heart thundered in his ears. He was never this anxious. He gave it another knock and then turned the door handle. The dawn gave barely any light through the small windows, but Damon's Alpha sight was enough for him to see the scarce furniture and the girl sitting on the edge of the futon, in the corner, hugging her knees and looking at him with her big doe-like eyes. Damon stood at the door frozen, locked in some kind of a staring contest with Talia, overwhelmed by his emotions that were amplified by the joy of his wolf. Her head was buried in her knees, and he could see only her eyes between the strands of the copper-colored hair that fell over her face, but he knew she was watching him. ‘Say something!', Damon's wolf snapped, startling Damon out of his daze. "Hi…", Damon said awkwardly. "You are probably wondering why I'm here." Yes, she was wondering why he came to the attic. Did he come to hurt her? Or was this some prank? Since Olivia left the pack, no one came to the attic with good intentions. That's the scary Alpha who was the reason she got beaten twice. The first time because she looked in when Princess Marcy was between Alpha Damon's legs, and the second time because she complained how Princess Marcy hit her the first time. Well, the first time she was not watching on purpose, and she definitely didn't complain to anyone, but it didn't matter. She still got beat twice and the only conclusion Talia had was that nothing good ever came from being associated with this big scary Alpha. And now he was here, in the attic, bringing more misfortune with him. With every next second of Damon's presence in the attic, Talia sensed a calamity approaching, a calamity in the form of princess Marcy wanting to kill her. Talia didn't say anything and Damon stepped inside. She pushed with her legs, getting further into the corner while trying to increase the distance between them.'You are scaring the girl again…', his wolf growled in his head. Damon lifted his hands, palms facing Talia. "I won't hurt you."'Yeah, you won't hurt me, but others will because of you.', Talia thought. In slow movements, he closed the door behind him and approached her carefully until his feet touched the edge of the futon. He went down into a squat so that they were on the same level, but she was still much smaller than he was. "My name is Damon." He put on his best non-intimidating smile, but she saw it like a beast showing teeth before devouring its prey. "What's your name?" Damon asked. Talia's eyes darted to the door and then went back to him. "Please, leave." She said in a shaky voice, and his heart ached. He finally found her and there was no way he would leave just like that. Damon was not sure what to do. Why was she so scared? Why was she chasing him away? "I won't hurt you." He assured her. "I'm here only to talk." "Say what you have to and leave," Talia said and gestured toward the door, her hand moving enough for the sleeve to hitch higher and expose her swollen wrist. Damon grabbed her hand and pulled it toward him. Delightful sparks formed upon contact, catching him by surprise. The sensation was stronger than he remembered, and he inhaled a shaky breath. He focused mightily on inspecting her injury. "What happened? Don't tell me that you fell again." His expression darkened. "Is it Marcy? I will teach her a lesson." Talia panicked. "Please, don't. If you say anything, she will hit me more." Damon paused and observed her face which was now peeking up above her knees, and he noticed a few more bruises compared to what he saw the previous night. Rage rippled through Damon at the thought of Talia getting hurt again, and he was right here, in this packhouse, oblivious to her sufferings. It happened on his watch! Damon was enraged, and his wolf was as well. One fury amplified the other and Damon radiated inexplicable violence that was tangible. At the sight of Talia shivering in fear, Damon forced his rage down. Settling scores will need to wait. "Did Marcy hit you again?" Damon asked Talia, and the way she avoided him made him suspect another thing. "Was it because of me?" Talia's eyes widened and that was enough for him to confirm how his intuition was right. He knew that Marcy was a white lotus. There was no way Marcy would forget that Talia saw her in a compromising position – between Damon's legs – and when Damon told Alpha Edward that Marcy was hitting Omegas, Marcy probably knew that his comment was about Talia. In a way, it was his fault that Talia got hurt. Twice. He clenched his teeth as another wave of rage swelled within him. "I will kill her." "Don't," Talia pleaded. "Can you just leave and pretend that you didn't see anything? Don't come here and everyone will leave me alone." Damon's heart cracked. Even if everyone left her alone, how the hell was he supposed to do that? Didn't she know that he nearly went mad when he didn't know where she was? Without a word, Damon sat on the futon next to Talia and wrapped her in his arms, pulling her to lean on his chest. The feeling of Talia against him made Damon's whole body hum in pleasure. Delightful sparks overtook his senses, and he was lost in a daze. Talia froze. She was not used to physical contact of any kind. It took her a moment to collect herself and start squirming to get out of his hold. "Shh…" Damon coaxed Talia to calm down, unwilling to let go of her. He was not a hugger, and he never cuddled with a woman, but this girl was different. He wanted to hold her, and her resistance hurt. "I won't harm you. Can I hold you like this, just for a minute?" No, not a minute. He wanted an hour, or at least until he became immune to these sparks that were making him crave devouring her. But if he said that aloud, she would definitely freak out. Talia stopped struggling. Not because she agreed, but because she realized that he was too strong, and her struggle made her injuries ache more. Talia resigned herself to her fate. There was nothing she could do. Even if he wanted to harm her, she could only endure it. She was too weak to fight for herself and if she shouted for help, no one would come. Damon smirked when he felt that Talia relaxed. He wished to move her to sit on his lap, but he feared that it might be too much. With his arms around her, Talia appeared tiny and fragile, and Damon was confident that he could carry her around with ease. Or maybe he should stuff her into his pocket, so that she stays close to him all the time. Lost in the moment, Damon ran his fingers through Talia's coppery-colored hair and inhaled the sweet citrusy scent of freesia, and his world was at peace. Damon closed his eyes, his enjoyment amplified by the sounds of yips and whimpers his wolf made in pleasure. "Hey…" Talia called after some time. "When are you going to let me go?" "First, my name is Damon. Not, hey," Damon said with amusement in his voice. It'd been a while since he heard someone speak to him this casually (other than Caden), but the lack of respect didn't bother him. "And second…" he drawled, "I'm thinking about it." If it was up to him, never. To make his point clear, he tightened his hold on her, making sure he didn't crush her. Feeling that she was stiff again, he asked, "Am I hurting you?" Talia was absolutely confused with this development. "Well… no… but…" "Then, it's fine." Damon cut her off. He didn't want to hear any buts. As much as Damon enjoyed this newfound feeling, he couldn't ignore Talia's injuries. The scent of dried blood disturbed the sweet citrusy scent of freesia, telling him that she was not OK. Damon took Talia's hand in his and observed a cut that was on top of a nasty bruise. It was scabbing, but it still looked fresh.'Mate's healing is slow because she doesn't have her wolf,' Damon's wolf explained. Damon raised Talia's hand toward his lips and licked the cut. Talia jerked her hand away, but Damon's reflexes were top-notch, and he increased his grip, preventing her from doing so. "What are you doing?" Talia asked in panic. No one ever licked her before, and this was a scary Alpha! Would he eat her? "Shush! Don't you know that our saliva has analeptic properties? I'm helping your wound heal. You should say, thank you, and not complain." Damon said and grimaced. Considering her sweet scent, he assumed that she would taste sweet also, but… "Why was it bitter?" "I applied an herbal paste, so it didn't get infected," Talia said in a small voice. Damon observed her face and noticed that she was beet red. Is she sick? He touched her forehead. It was not warm, but he still asked, "Do you have a fever?" "No," Talia responded with urgency. She had no intention to admit she was flustered because a scary Alpha came, hugged her (and was still hugging her!), and then he licked her hand. Damon guessed that she didn't see a doctor. It was obvious that she didn't get proper first aid. "Did you make the medicinal paste yourself?" Talia confirmed with a nod. He was about to lick her hand again and paused. "Is it poisonous?" Talia was not sure if she should laugh or cry. "You should ask that before you put things into your mouth." "I was treating your wound and I didn't see that there was medicine…" He grumbled, and then he licked her again. "Can you stop doing that?" Talia protested. His coarse tongue touching her skin made her feel funny. Damon looked at Talia like he had no idea what she was talking about, and then he licked her again. Talia exhaled helplessly while wondering what game Damon was playing. He was an important guest, an Alpha, yet instead of mingling with the elite of the Red Moon pack, he was huddled in the corner of the attic, holding her close to him, and licking her hand. It didn't make sense no matter how she thought about it. Is this the part where Marcy barged in and they all started laughing at her? Actually, if they only laughed, that would be good. Maybe Damon would join Marcy and the two of them would give her another beating? Talia was anxious and she wanted this charade to be over. "When are you leaving?" Damon was not sure if she asked him about leaving the attic or the Red Moon pack. In either case, his answer would be the same. "Why are you eager to chase me away?" "Because this is where I stay. You are in a fancy bedroom, with Alpha and Luna, and your future wife." "My future wife?" Damon asked in confusion, like he heard about it for the first time. "Princess Marcy told me that you would get married when she came here and…" Talia didn't finish, but Damon understood. "She will NOT be my wife in this lifetime or in any next one." Damon said grimly. Talia shook her head. "Maybe you should tell that to her, and not to me. Your relationship with her is not my business. Can you, please, leave?" Damon was lost in her big honey-colored eyes that looked at him pleadingly and he wondered if he could leave. Could he? Yes, but only in one case. "Come with me." Talia was sure that her ears malfunctioned. She asked him to leave the attic before anyone can see them in this inexplicable situation, yet he wants her to join him? "What? Where?" "I am the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack. Come with me to my pack." Talia's brain paused. She thought that Damon had invited her to his room, to clean up or maybe to make fun of her, but now it seemed he was asking her to leave the Red Moon pack. With him. "Why?" "I will make sure you have a room, better than the ones downstairs. I will get you clothes that fit, and you can eat anytime you want and as much as you want. For every scratch and bruise, there will be a pack doctor to take care of you and if anyone gives you a hard time, I will deal with them. No one will bully you in my pack."'Our pack!', his wolf added eagerly. Unfortunately, only Damon heard him. Talia blinked. Now she was not wondering if her ears were tricking her, and if this last beating messed with her brain. Or maybe something was wrong with him. Did he eat a funny fruit and was talking gibberish? There were some herbs that could make people say things they didn't mean. Or did he confuse her with princess Marcy? It's not that Talia didn't think about leaving the Red Moon pack. Every time Anna and her henchmen bullied Talia, Talia thought about escaping, but she didn't know where to go. And here was an Alpha, offering her a new home with all the luxuries she ever dreamed of. Assuming that this was real and both of them were sane. Talia wondered if this was a prank, or if she was imagining this whole conversation, or maybe she was sleeping and the Cinderella story mixed with her dreams because Damon definitely looked like a prince. A handsome prince that smelled of the forest and dark chocolate. "Will you come with me?" Damon asked when his patience cracked. "Why do you want me to come?" "Because…" the words got stuck in his throat. Could he tell her she was his mate and that when he sees her harmed, his soul aches? No. That would only freak her out. Could he tell her that staying away from her was practically impossible? If she doesn't come willingly, he would kidnap her or maybe move in with her into this attic. Ah! He sounded like a creep to himself! Damon was exasperated. All this would be simpler if she could feel the bond and the delicious sparks that make him feel alive. "Because…" he repeated. "I feel responsible. You got hurt because of me, and it's not right. Let me help you. It will make me feel better." This was the truth. Part of the truth, at least. "Do you take every girl who gets hurt back to your pack?" Not really. But he is not the guy who would look away from injustice. However, he couldn't tell Talia that she was special either. "When you come to the Dark Howlers pack, you will see for yourself that we accept everyone who comes seeking help without bad intentions. I promise that if you don't like it in the Dark Howlers pack, I will help you resettle at the location of your choice." With his index finger, Damon made a cross over his chest where the heart was, to confirm his sincerity, but his silent promise had an additional clause how he would make sure she was treated well and she never wanted to leave. Talia bit the inside of her cheek while considering her options. One was staying at the Red Moon pack. Anna's bullying was escalating, and Marcy started picking on her also. Yesterday Marcy came to the attic and Talia got a beating for something she didn't do. The second option was to go to the Dark Howlers pack. Alpha Damon said that in his pack people were accepted. Could it be worse than here? Probably not. Of course, there was also the third option for Talia to leave on her own somewhere, but that option was scary and uncertain, and it will exist even if she goes with Alpha Damon. Damon saw that Talia was considering it and he spoke with urgency before she could decline his offer. "Grab your things. You only need to say that you reject the Red Moon pack and Edward Redmayne as your Alpha, and the mind link will break. With that, you are free to go, and they can't find you."Talia shook her head. "I don't have the mind link. Alpha Edward's father brought me here as a child, and I never went through the ceremony." "Good!" Damon exclaimed louder than intended. She doesn't belong anywhere, and he was more than happy to give her a home. With him. "Get your things." "Just like that?" Damon nodded. "Just like that." Talia paused and decided to ask the question that was bothering her from the moment he came to the attic. "How do I know that you are not tricking me?" Damon stood up and Talia felt chills surround her when his body separated from hers. He extended his hand toward Talia, palm up. "Let me prove it to you." Now that Damon has found his fated mate, how will he keep her safe?! Will Talia recognise Damon?! Will she trust Damon and escape the red moon pack with him? What will happen when Edward and Marcy discover Damon has found Talia?! To find out what happens next, install the Pocket FM app in the next minute to get free access to twenty two episodes of “Crowned in Shadow”. Click now before the offer disappears.