Chapter 30 - DAMON -

I made a terrible mistake. I couldn’t keep my hands off her. I’d never been insatiable, but with her, I wanted her constantly. I only stopped because she was tired, and I didn't know her limits. Even in our sleep, I held her close. After just one night, I was obsessed. I'd never experienced such intense pleasure. I fell asleep, and when I woke, Clara was gone. This angered me; I was usually the one leaving. I bathed, dressed, and went downstairs for breakfast. I paused at the stairs, hearing Clara laughing with Delilah. I scoffed and stomped into the dining room. Silence fell as they turned. Clara’s face flushed, and she looked away.

“Good morning, Alpha,” Luca greeted.

“Good morning, brother,” Delilah added cheerfully, but my eyes were fixed on Clara, even though she ignored me. I waited for her greeting, but when it didn't come, I huffed and sat beside her. She tensed but remained silent.

“You seemed to be having fun. Why did you stop?” I asked, glancing at them before focusing on Clara, who still avoided my gaze.

Delilah began to explain about Clara's new job, but I tuned her out, still staring at Clara.

“Are you ignoring me, Clara?” I asked. Delilah fell silent, turning to us.

“Why would you ask that? Of course not,” Clara murmured. I scoffed.

“Look at me,” I demanded. She shook her head.

“Everyone out,” I growled, and they all left, leaving Clara and me alone.

“Damon, please…”

“Why are you ignoring me?” I asked. She sighed.

“Because I didn’t know how to face you after last night. I’m shy,” she murmured. I chuckled.

“Look at me, Clara,” I said softly. She shook her head. “I don’t want to.” I rolled my eyes and turned her chair to face me. Her face flushed crimson.

“You said no strings attached. Why are you shy now? Last night was amazing; there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. If you weren’t working, I’d have done it again and f***ed you until you begged me to stop,” I murmured. She gasped, her eyes wide.

“Damon,” she whispered, and I had a flashback of her moaning my name last night.

“Sorry, but Clara has to get to work. Despite being your wife, she’s treated like everyone else; lateness means a sanction,” Luca said, entering the room. I growled as Clara stood.

“I’ll see you later,” she mumbled, hurrying out, her heels clicking. (Thankfully, her clothes had been brought in last night.) I sighed, then frowned at Luca’s strange expression.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I can smell you all over her, and was that a fresh mate mark on her neck? You know what happens when you mate? You become obsessed,” he said. I scoffed.

“Save that bullshit for someone who cares,” I retorted. But Luca was right. At meetings, work, even signings with other Alphas, I could only think of Clara, driving me insane. I canceled several meetings.

“This is f***ing bullshit! Clara must be a witch,” I muttered, pacing my office. Luca sighed.

“She’s not a witch.”

“Then why can’t I get her out of my head? I’ve had countless lovers, but none have lingered in my mind like this. Why is she different?”

“Because she’s your mate. How did you feel with her? Wasn't it different?” Luca asked.

I nodded. It was different, and my dick was already hard at the thought of her.

“There you have it. She’s your mate, so you’re obsessed,” Luca stated. I scoffed.

“That’s not it. I just need to f*** other women. Let’s go to a sex parlor,” I said, looking to Luca for approval. He frowned.

“What?”

He sighed and stood. “You’re the Alpha, so I can’t question your actions, but don’t hurt her. She’s been hurt before,” he murmured. I glared.

“No one asked for your opinion. Shut up before I shut you up. In the end, I will hurt her because if it's love she wants, I can't give her that. It'll never happen.” He sighed and bowed his head.

I ordered him to drive me to a sex parlor. On the way, we passed Clara’s workplace.

“Stop,” I commanded.

I stared at the building for some time before Luca spoke. “Alpha? Are you okay? You’ve been staring for minutes.”

“Why can’t I see her?” I asked, instantly regretting it as Luca laughed.

“Wow, are you stalking her?” he asked. I growled.

“Of course not. I just want to make sure she’s doing her job properly,” I muttered. He chuckled.

“How about I check on her?” he offered. I raised my chin.

“Fine, but I didn’t ask you to,” I grumbled. He chuckled, got out of the car, and as the door swung open, I gasped. Clara was walking around with a tray, smiling. I felt a pang of jealousy towards the men who could see my wife.

The door slammed shut, and disappointment washed over me. “What the f*** is wrong with me?” I muttered, massaging my temples. I must be going insane.

Luca returned with two bags. I tried to see Clara but couldn’t. Luca climbed back in and handed me a bag.

“She’s in there and asked me to give you this. She said it’s the best in the house,” Luca said. I couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. I scoffed, opened the bag, and pulled out a pastry.

“Why is she suddenly acting caring… tulips!” I yelled, throwing the pastry at Luca. He threw it out the window, staring at me with wide eyes.

“Did your wife just try to kill you?” he muttered. I clenched my fist. That bitch!