Chapter 3
727words
"What made you come tonight?" he asks. "Mila mentioned you don't usually attend these events."
"Mila convinced me. I needed to get out for a while."
He smiles. "Lucky night for me, then."
Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I look away.
The path leads to a garden with stone benches and flowering shrubs. Fairy lights twinkle in the trees.
We sit together on stone steps, looking up at the star-filled sky.
"This is beautiful," I say honestly.
"Yeah, I come here when I need a break from pack stuff," Damon says.
"Is it difficult being Second?"
He smiles. "It has its challenges. But our Alpha, Ivan, has it worse. He carries the weight of every pack member on his shoulders."
"Sounds lonely," I observe quietly.
"It can be," Damon agrees thoughtfully. "Ivan took over young when his father died. He feels the weight of every pack member's wellbeing on his shoulders."
I nod, feeling unexpected sympathy. "That's a heavy burden to carry alone. Leaders often forget they need support too."
A warm smile lights up Damon's face. "Talking with you tonight has been more support than you know."
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I'm suddenly aware of how close we're sitting, his shoulder nearly touching mine, warmth radiating from his body.
Whether it's the whiskey or the starlight or just him, I feel something I haven't allowed myself to feel in years—a reckless, undeniable attraction.
"I'm glad," I say softly, not pulling away when his hand brushes against mine. "I've enjoyed this too."
"Tell me something about yourself that Mila wouldn't have shared."
"I run at night," I admit. "When everyone else is asleep. Just me and my wolf under the stars."
His eyes light with interest. "Solo runs can be the most freeing."
"Exactly. No pack expectations, no small talk. Just..." I trail off.
"Just you," he finishes. "No masks, no pretending."
I look at him, startled by his understanding. "Yes."
A comfortable silence falls between us. In the distance, the party continues, but here in this garden, it feels like we've stepped into a different world.
"Would you like another drink?" Damon asks eventually.
"Just water," I say. "I still have to drive home."
When he rises, his fingers slide from mine slowly, almost reluctantly.
As he walks to the bar, I press my palm to my racing heart. He's attractive, intelligent, and easy to talk to—exactly the kind of man I would have pursued before understanding the curse.
Damon returns with two waters, our fingers brushing during the exchange.
He sits beside me again, this time a fraction closer. "Can I ask you something, Luci?"
"Sure."
"What's your view on relationships outside of mate bonds? Some wolves only wait for their true mate, but..."
I tense slightly. "You're asking if I'd consider dating someone who isn't my mate?"
He nods. "I find you intriguing. I'd like to get to know you better."
My wolf stirs with interest, but caution rises in me. "I... haven't given it much thought," I lie.
"No pressure," he says gently. "Just something to consider."
A howl cuts through the night—a summons. Damon straightens immediately.
"Pack business. I'm sorry to cut this short."
"No need to apologize. I understand."
Damon stands, then hesitates. "Will you be here a while longer?"
"I should probably find Mila," I say.
He takes my hand, bringing it briefly to his lips.
"Think about what I said," he murmurs before departing.
I remain seated for several minutes, then follow the path back, my mind still on Damon.
I round a bend, not watching where I'm going, when I collide with someone.
"I'm sorry," I stammer, stepping back.
And then I freeze.
The man before me is tall with broad shoulders and a powerful build. Dark hair frames a face with strong features and penetrating silver-gray eyes.
His posture radiates authority. His eyes widen slightly as he looks at me, something unreadable crossing his expression.
I don't recognize him from the party. My head spins slightly from the evening's drinks and emotions.
"Excuse me," I murmur, averting my eyes. "My friend is waiting."
Without waiting for a response, I hurry past him toward the main house, feeling his eyes on my back the entire way.
