Several minutes later, Damon pulled away, his face etched with concern as he inspected my body.

“Are you okay, my love? Were you hurt anywhere?” he asked, turning to look at my face. I shook my head. “No, they didn’t hurt me. I’m okay,” I replied. He heaved a sigh of relief, then cupped my face and kissed me. Pulling away seconds later, he buried his nose in my neck, inhaling my scent.

“Thank God, I was worried sick. I almost lost my mind,” he murmured, sending shivers down my spine.

“What do you mean, ‘almost’?” Luca said from behind, approaching us.

“Who dropped you off? Your uncle?” Damon asked, ignoring Luca completely. I nodded.

“Yes, but if you’re planning on looking for him, don’t bother. He’s long gone,” I said. He frowned.

“Now that you’re back with me, I can finally focus on finishing off those bastards. Let’s get you home; you need to rest,” he murmured, caressing my cheek. Too tired to respond, I simply nodded.

Damon led me to his car. As we drove away, I couldn’t help but dread what was to come, staring at the dead bodies on the street. I knew this was just the beginning, and the Hunters would strike with full force.

I gasped as Damon suddenly pulled me onto his lap, growling softly as he inhaled my scent.

“Fuck, I can hardly believe you’re here, my love. I missed you so much. Don’t ever leave me again; I won’t survive it. I can’t breathe without you,” he said. The sincerity and sadness in his eyes ached my heart.

I adjusted myself, cupped his face, and kissed him softly.

“I’m never leaving your side again,” I reassured him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and letting him rest his head on my chest. We remained in that position until we reached the pack. To say I was happy to be home is an understatement; there truly is no place like home.

Upon our return, Damon wouldn't let anyone speak to me, literally carrying me to our room.

“Everyone’s waiting to speak with Mr. Damon. Put me down!” I yelled, glaring at him.

“I don’t care. I’ve been away from you for weeks, so now I’m going to have my fill of you before anyone else gets the chance to breathe the same air as you,” he said, setting me on my feet.

Before I could reply, he kissed me deeply. I didn’t resist; I missed my husband more than anything.

The sex we had that day was unlike any other. It was filled with longing, promises, and overwhelming love. I moaned his name, my hand on his cheek, as he moved inside me mercilessly. We both tried to maintain eye contact, but the intense pleasure made it difficult.

Damon groaned, burying his head in my neck as I ran my fingers along his neck, moaning wildly. I cried out sharply as he bit my neck—not painfully, but intensely pleasurable.

“Fuck, I can’t!” I screamed, pushing against his chest. It wasn't that I wanted him to stop, but the pleasure was overwhelming.

“You can, and you will,” he growled, lifting his head and increasing his pace.

“Fuck, Damon!” I screamed, dragging my fingers down his arm, staining my claws with his blood.

I didn’t realize I was crying until Damon licked away my tears and peppered my face with kisses. Our emotions were so heightened that we both wept uncontrollably. This separation had only reinforced how much we needed each other, how we couldn't live without one another.

“I love you,” Damon murmured before he climaxed inside me. I came as well, for the fourth time.

We remained there for a while, neither of us wanting to move. My heart was pounding so rapidly, I thought I might have a heart attack.

Finally, Damon pulled out and lay down beside me.

“I hope I didn’t hurt you or the baby?” he asked softly, placing his hand on my stomach and caressing it.

“No, I loved it, and I missed you, but I think I need to see everyone now. They must feel bad about everything that happened. They need to know I’m not angry,” I explained. He wrapped his arms around my waist, preventing me from moving, and shook his head.

“I haven’t had my fill of you yet, so no one gets to see or talk to you. Now stay still; I want to feel our child,” he said, placing his head on my stomach. I sighed.

“You’re going to have to let me go eventually,” I told him. He shook his head.

“I’ll never let you go, never let you out of my sight. The only way that’ll ever happen is if I’m dead,” he said. His tone suggested something was brewing in his mind.

“You know your little massacre is going to cause a war, right? They’re already out to get you, Damon, and if…”

“Don’t worry about that, Clara. I don’t want you involved; leave everything to me. As long…”

The passage ends abruptly.