CHAPTER 10: CLOSE CALL (2)
735words
By dinner, I'd convinced myself I was overreacting. If Damon had truly suspected something, he would have confronted me immediately. Alphas weren't known for their patience with deception.
I was picking at my food when Noah nudged me. "Mail call. You got something."
I looked up to see the dorm supervisor distributing packages and letters. He placed a small envelope on our table.
"Silver," he announced before moving on.
I stared at it, recognizing Rafe's handwriting immediately. With trembling fingers, I opened it, angling the paper away from curious eyes.
*A—*
*Wedding postponed, not canceled. D still searching. Stay put. More neutralizer enclosed. Also sent your favorite cookies because we're awesome brothers. Don't share with roommates who ask too many questions.*
*—R*
Relief washed through me. The wedding was postponed—I had more time. But Dominic was still looking for me, which meant I couldn't go home yet.
"Good news?" Noah asked.
I nodded, tucking the letter away. "Just family stuff. And cookies."
"Speaking of family," he said, lowering his voice, "rumor has it Dominic Blackwood himself is visiting campus this weekend."
My blood turned to ice. "What? Why?"
Noah shrugged. "Official story is recruitment for his security team. But everyone knows he's still looking for his runaway bride."
I forced myself to breathe normally. "Interesting."
"Yeah. Wonder if he'll recognize her if he sees her. They say they never actually met in person—just a formal agreement between packs."
This, at least, was true. The arrangement had been made entirely through intermediaries. Dominic had seen pictures, but we'd never been introduced. Still, the thought of him on campus terrified me.
"You okay?" Noah asked. "You look pale."
"Just tired," I lied. "Think I'll head back early."
I needed to warn my brothers, make contingency plans. If Dominic came to campus, my chances of discovery increased exponentially.
Back in my room, I paced anxiously. Should I hide off-campus during his visit? Fake illness? The small vial of extra neutralizer seemed woefully inadequate protection against an Alpha of Dominic's caliber.
The door opened, and Damon entered. He paused when he saw me, his expression curious.
"Everything okay?" he asked. "You're wearing a path in the floor."
I nodded too quickly. "Fine. Just... studying."
"Studying what? How to have a nervous breakdown?" He moved closer. "Heard my brother's visiting this weekend."
"Oh?" I tried to sound casual. "That's... nice."
"Is it?" He studied me for a moment. "You don't seem thrilled."
"I'm fine," I insisted, backing away until I hit my desk. "Just... pre-exam jitters."
"We don't have exams for two weeks."
"I like to panic early. Beat the rush."
Damon laughed, the tension breaking. "Fair enough. Want to talk about whatever's actually bothering you?"
"Nothing's bothering me," I lied.
He shrugged, not pushing further. "If you say so. But if you ever want to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks." I hesitated, then added, "Want a cookie? My brother sent them."
His expression brightened. "Sure."
We sat on our respective beds, sharing cookies in companionable silence. It was a small moment of normalcy in the chaos my life had become.
"These are good," he said, reaching for another. "Almost as good as seeing your face when you walked in on me naked."
I choked on my cookie. "I thought we had an agreement!"
"The agreement was that I wouldn't tell anyone else," he clarified with a mischievous grin. "I never promised not to remind you about it. Constantly. For the rest of your life."
"You're the worst," I groaned, but couldn't help smiling.
Later that night, as I lay in bed pretending to sleep, I heard Damon's phone buzz. He answered quietly, but in the silent room, his words carried.
"Yes, I know he's coming... No, I haven't seen or heard anything about her... Of course I'd tell you if I did... Look, maybe she just doesn't want to be found... That's not my problem... Fine, I'll keep an eye out."
He hung up with a frustrated sigh. I remained perfectly still, heart hammering. He was talking about me—the missing princess. And while he hadn't given me away, the conversation made one thing clear: family loyalty ran deep.
If Damon discovered who I really was, would that loyalty extend to me? Or would he deliver me straight to his brother?
I couldn't afford to find out.
But a small, growing part of me wanted to risk it anyway.
