Chapter 103 - CLARA - 59%

All sleep vanished as I leaped out of bed, drawn by Alicia's laughter. I hurried downstairs to the living room, where they were. Standing by the doorway, I watched Alicia laugh—at what, I couldn't guess—while Damon stared at her. He noticed me immediately.

"Clara, you're awake," he said. I pushed off the doorframe and approached him, giving Alicia a curt nod before frowning. "Why did you leave without waking me?"

He sighed. "You barely slept last night, so I didn't want to disturb you. Alicia wanted to talk, so I spoke with her and asked a few questions. Don't be mad, okay?"

I sighed and nodded. I couldn't be angry; he hadn't done anything wrongyet.

Alicia murmured, "Sorry I 'stole' Damon away. I just wanted to catch up. We have years to make up for, so I thought I'd start early."

What did she mean by "stole him away"?

Damon interrupted, "That's enough. Get ready. I'll take you to my father's mansion so he can properly see you and authorize your stay here." He took my hand and led me away before I could respond. Turning back, I saw Alicia's frown.

He then asked, "Do you want to go on a date tonight, or go wedding dress shopping with Delilah?"

"You still want to get married?" I asked. He paused, frowning.

"Of course, why would you ask that?"

I sighed. I was insecure. Alicia looked like a goddess; I felt ordinary in comparison.

When I didn't answer, Damon gently cupped my face. "We're already married; you're my wife. I just want a proper wedding before I make you my Luna. Nothing will change that. I love you."

I smiled and nodded. "I love you." He hugged me. "She just arrived. Why are you so bothered?"

I wondered the same thing—she hadn't made a move on him yet—but I knew it was coming. I didn't want to give her a chance to be alone with him.

Damon took me back to our room. We showered and, as usual, it led to passionate sex. Afterward, we dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. In the dining room, I was shocked to see Alicia seated in my usual place, next to Damon.

"You're finally here! I'm starving. The cooks made my favorite. Come sit, let me feed you," she said, smiling.

"You can't feed him; I'm his wife, and I'll feed him. Plus, you're in my seat," I muttered. She frowned.

"I was here first, and this is where I always sat. So, technically, you're in my spot," she retorted. I clenched my fist.

Damon intervened, "That's enough. Let's just eat. You still need to give my mother her medicine, right?"

I nodded.

"Medicine? Your mother relapsed?" Alicia asked, a smirk playing on her lips as we sat down. A frown appeared on her face. I didn't care if I was being petty; Damon was mine, and she needed to see that.

"Yes, Clara's been treating her. She's very good at making medicine," Damon said proudly, glancing at me. I smiled.

"What? You're letting her treat your mother? Does she even know the right herbs?" Alicia asked, frowning.

"I was a healer in my pack, so I know what I'm doing," I replied. She scoffed.

"I'm back now, and I'll continue treating your mother. She'll be better in no time," Alicia declared.

Before I could respond, Damon said, "Clara is already treating her and doing a good job. My mother is already getting better." I smiled; he was defending me. Alicia seemed surprised but said nothing further.

That was the most awkward breakfast ever. Alicia constantly tried to engage Damon in conversation about their past, but he only gave one-word answers and tried to talk to me instead. She constantly talked over me. Fortunately, it ended, and Damon thankfully had Alicia in a separate car.

"Give her time to adjust to the idea that I'm happy with you. I have a feeling you two will be good friends," he murmured.

I scoffed. I highly doubted that.

We arrived at his parents' mansion, where his father waited.

"Father!" Alicia exclaimed, running to him and hugging him. He chuckled, then looked at her. "My, you've grown. Have you been well?"

"I've missed you and Mother so much! Is she awake? I want to see her," she said.

He nodded. "Yes, she's awake and expecting you."

She squealed, linking arms with him. "Good, let's go see her!" She pulled him into the house, leaving us watching.

Father? Mother? My relationship with Damon's parents was still strained. Jealousy gnawed at me, seeing Alicia's closeness to them. I didn't know why, but I felt something bad was about to happen.

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