Alpha Damon (Sienna) novel Chapter 135

Damon:

The walk back to the house was quiet.

Sienna was beside me, her steps graceful but guarded. I didn’t have to look at her to know her thoughts were spiraling. I could feel the unease bleeding off her in waves, subtle, but constant. Her shoulders were tight, her jaw set too firmly, and she hadn’t spoken a word since we left the office.

I knew that she did not want to leave, and I knew that she wanted us to stay within the office. In her mind, it was her sanctuary, our sanctuary, away from everything that was at home, away from her.

The wind brushed through the trees, soft and cool against our faces, but it did nothing to settle her. And I knew that she was not going to want to admit it. She was not going to want to speak. She was just going to keep it to herself. That was not something that I wanted.

I slowed my pace just slightly, waiting for her to do the same. And when she did, I finally glanced at her.

“Say it,” I said quietly.

She looked up, startled. “Say what?”

“What you’ve been trying not to say since we left.” I stopped walking. “You’re thinking about her. About Delilah. I don’t want you to keep it in Sienna. I want you to be able to speak to me when you feel something, even if it means that you want to reflect your jealousy. I’m more than willing to listen.”

Sienna hesitated, eyes darting toward the trees before they returned to mine.

“She’s here,” she said. “And she’s… different. I just don’t know how I feel about her presence being around you.”

I nodded. “She is.”

“She’s beautiful.”

“She’s not you.” I said, giving her a gentle smile.

Sienna blinked at that. “That’s not really…”

“She’s not you,” I repeated, stepping closer. “She doesn’t have your fire, your strength. She doesn’t have Isla. She doesn’t have what you and I have. I don’t want her, Sienna. And I never will. I just want you and that’s all it’s going to be.”

She looked away, lips tightening. “Then why do I feel like I’m losing you? Why does it feel like when she is around I just find myself feeling insecure?”

I reached out, cupping her cheek, forcing her to look at me.

“You’re not,” I said, firm and low. “I’ve already made sure she’s being watched. She’s not allowed to leave the guest quarters without permission. The guards know. Ethan knows. Hell, my mother knows. I won’t let her be a threat, not to you, not to Isla, and not to us. She’s just healing and then she’s going to leave.”

Sienna exhaled slowly, her shoulders softening just slightly. I pressed my forehead to hers.

“You don’t have to fight this alone,” I whispered. “I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere. And whenever you need assurance, I’m more than willing to offer it. I am your mate, I am your lover, and you are mine.”

She closed her eyes, breathing me in. I knew she needed that, something steady to hold onto.

“Do you want us to go inside or do you want us to go out?” I asked softly.

“I think that inside should be a more proper answer. Our daughter needs us. We cannot just ignore that as well. I need to go and check on her.” She said, and I hummed in response.

Later that evening, after dinner and putting Isla to sleep, I made my way down the east wing. The halls were quiet, the lights dim. The guest quarters had been isolated, far enough from the rest of the house that Delilah wouldn’t have any convenient “accidental” run-ins.

I stopped outside her door and knocked once before stepping in.

She was sitting by the window, fully dressed in something different that the silk robe she’s been roaming around with yesterday. She was planning to leave.

Her smile faltered, but she didn’t stop.

“You’re drawn to me. I see it.” She said, looking down at her feet for a moment, looking down on my chest before looking me in the eye. “I do not need to use anything. I don’t need to use anything. You are an alpha. You will not be falling for such a game. I’m not stupid.”

“No,” I said, stepping back, “I’m annoyed by you. There’s a difference.”

That hit.

She narrowed her eyes. “Then reject me, Alpha.”

I paused.

She stepped closer. “If you don’t want me, prove it. Reject me. Sever the bond. End it now.”

I stared at her, every instinct in me screaming that this was wrong. That this was all a game.

“I will,” I said slowly. “But not because you told me to. Not because I owe you that. I’ll do it when I decide it’s time. Not before.”

Her expression twisted in frustration.

“You’re playing with fire, Damon.”

I gave her a cold smile. “I always have. I believe that you know the way through the door. The guards will guide you out of the pack grounds.”