Chapter 104 - DAMON - 59%

I knew Alicia's presence was bothering Clara, and I had no idea why. Couldn't she see that I only had eyes for Clara? I didn't know what else to do. I couldn't ask Alicia to leave because my parents adored her; they considered her a second daughter. I know how devastated they were when she was presumed dead. I didn't want to admit it, but I was glad Alicia was back. She had been like a best friend to me, and it felt great to know she was okay all these years. I knew she and Clara could get along if they tried.

I grabbed Clara's hand and kissed her cheek. "You have nothing to worry about," I murmured. "My parents may not always show it, but they love you." I didn't need to see to know how jealous she was of the attention Alicia was receiving from my parents. I didn't know if Clara was aware of my ability, but I could feel her emotions, and I didn't know what to do except reassure her.

She smiled up at me, then leaned into my arms as we watched Alicia interact with my parents. "I'm just glad you're okay, dear. We were so worried about you, but now you're back, and look how lovely you look," my mother complimented, and Alicia giggled.

"Thank you, Mother. A very nice family took me in in the human territory, so that's where I've been. Anyway, I heard you relapsed. Are you okay? Do you feel any pain?" Alicia murmured worriedly, placing the back of her hand on my mother's forehead.

"I'm okay. Clara has been treating me, and she's doing a great job," my mother murmured. I glanced down at Clara and smiled at her own smile.

"Oh, it seems she is, but don't you think I should just continue treating you? I'm the one who knows your disease best," Alicia said, and Clara's smile immediately vanished, replaced by a frown, which made me frown. Before I could say anything, my mother said, "Thank you, Alicia, but my daughter-in-law is doing a very good job. I feel so much better, and she just started yesterday. By the way, dear, aren't you here to give me my medicine?" My mother asked, turning her attention to Clara.

Clara seemed taken aback but nevertheless smiled and nodded before leaving my side and walking toward my mother. I have to admit, I missed her warmth. Fuck, what this girl was doing to me was illegal. Alicia got up from the bed so Clara could sit down and immediately came to stand beside me. She tried engaging me in conversation, but I couldn't hear her; my eyes were glued to my wife.

"Today's medicine is going to be bitter, okay?" Clara murmured softly, and my mother sighed and nodded. She grimaced as Clara fed her the medicine.

"That's the worst thing I've ever tasted!" my mother exclaimed, then reached for my father, who immediately came to her. He kissed her forehead and gave her water. I never understood why my parents were so obsessed with each other, even after years together. I knew being mates played a role, but being with Clara showed me it was more than just a mate bond. I was desperately in love with my wife.

12:11 Tue, 2 Jul Chapter 104

"The more bitter it is, the more effective the medicine is. Tonight's won't be as bitter, don't worry," Clara said as she slowly stood up from the bed. I immediately walked up to her, pulled her into my embrace, and purred at how well her body fit into mine. "Good job," I murmured, kissing her lips. She smiled.

Soon after, we said goodbye to our parents. "So, can I take my wife on a date tonight?" I asked, and she made a thinking face. "Only if you get to sing for me again," she murmured, and I chuckled. "It's a deal," I said as we walked out of the house.

"Damon, I'd like to speak with you." Clara and I turned around and found Alicia behind us. I glanced at Clara, and seeing her hesitation, I was about to tell Alicia no when Clara spoke. "I'll be waiting for you in the car. Be quick," she murmured, then kissed me before walking away.

As soon as she was gone, I turned to Alicia. "What is it?" I asked, and she frowned. "You don't have to be so cold toward me, Damon. Did I wrong you? We were on good terms before I left. I tried reaching you several times, but…"

"I can't do this with you, Alicia. My wife is waiting for me, and I've worked hard to get us where we are. I won't let anything ruin this. We're on good terms, but I'm not the Damon you once knew," I said, about to walk away when she spoke.

"You love her that much, huh? Everything we went through in the past means nothing to you because you seem too happy to throw it all away. I never stopped thinking about you, Damon, and now I regret leaving because if I hadn't, you wouldn't be with her," she murmured, and I sighed.

"Alicia, I'm not having this conversation with you," I muttered, trying to walk away when she spoke again. "Please don't go. I promise I'm not going to make any move on you anymore, but can we at least be friends? I missed how close we used to be, and I know we can't be lovers anymore, but I can still be your friend, right? I'm more than willing to be Clara's friend too, if she'd let me," she said. I stared at her for a while, then nodded.

"Sure, we can be friends, and I'm sure you'll get along with Clara, and I would really like that. I have to go now," I muttered, turning and walking away despite her calling me back. I was away from Clara for too long. It was almost like her body had a magnetic pull on mine. As soon as I got into the car, I pulled her onto my lap and buried my nose in her neck, inhaling her scent. My whole body immediately shivered with desire. She was going to be the death of me.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"Never been better."