Chapter 35 - Clara

I looked in the mirror and sighed. I was going on a date with Liam tonight, and, for some reason, I felt nervous. Was it because it was the first time in months I'd spent time with him, or because I felt guilty? "You don't have to feel guilty," my wolf said. I couldn't agree more. Damon hadn't shown an ounce of guilt for his behavior, so why should I? After agreeing to the date, my wolf emerged from her hibernation. I'd expected her to object, but she wanted to hurt Damon more than I did—to make him jealous. And what better way than to go out with a man I once loved, a man I'd wanted to spend my life with?

I took a deep breath and grabbed my bag. I wore a red, skintight dress with a side slit and black heels with red soles. My hair was in a sleek bun—it felt right, accentuating my features. I looked good. "Let's go meet Liam, I guess," I murmured, leaving my room.

Delilah was the only one who knew about the date. Though usually on her brother's side, she supported me, even suggesting the red dress. "It's the perfect color for revenge," she'd said, and I agreed.

I got in the car and told the driver my destination. After several pleas, he agreed not to tell Damon, informing Luca instead. Luca immediately gave his permission and even applauded me over the phone, making me smile. The car started, and I nervously played with my fingers. Maybe I was nervous to see Liam again.

Since I wasn't allowed to leave the pack, we had to stay within its boundaries. Liam had chosen the most gorgeous restaurant I'd ever seen; it was clearly expensive. The driver helped me out of the car, and I smiled at him before heading inside.

I was immediately led to Liam's table, a secluded area I assumed was reserved for Alphas. When he saw me, his eyes lit up, tracing my body before he smiled, stood, and approached. "You look beautiful, Clara. I hope you won't mind me staring all night," he murmured. I could almost see my blush reflected in his eyes. Liam had always been good with words; that's what initially attracted me.

"I don't mind," I murmured. He smiled, and I found myself comparing him to… I slapped myself. Why was I even thinking of that jerk? He was probably with someone else. The thought made my blood boil.

Liam led me to the table, and the waiter approached. "Good evening, Alpha Whitlock and Mrs. Donovan. What can I get for you?" he asked, his gaze judgmental.

Since entering, everyone had given me condemning looks because I wasn't with Damon. It angered me. Everyone knew about Damon's infidelity and his treatment of me, yet they'd turned a blind eye. But when it was my turn to leave, I was immediately condemned. It showed just how misogynistic the wolf world was.

"Your favorite?" Liam asked, snapping me from my thoughts. I raised an eyebrow. "You still know my favorite?" I asked. He chuckled, then his face turned serious. "I remember everything about you, Clara. I'll never forget," he said. I stared, speechless. I didn't think I could forget him either; he was a significant part of my life.

"She'll have a medium steak with mashed potatoes, extra gravy, and a burger. Isn't that right?" Liam said. Before I could reply, someone spoke from behind.

"Oh? If it isn't my wife on a date with her f***ing ex," Damon sneered, approaching with another woman on his arm.

"Damon, what are you doing here?" I asked. He scoffed. "This is my restaurant, Clara. I can come whenever I want. Since you're both on a date, why don't my date and I join? A fun little double date, what do you say?" He didn't wait for an answer, pulling out a chair and sitting beside me. The woman with him stood awkwardly, ignored as Damon's eyes focused on me.

"I couldn't help but overhear your favorite food. It's a good thing your ex knows something as simple as that, which your husband doesn't. Don't you find that odd?" Damon said, his voice playful, but his eyes were not.

"Alpha Damon…" Liam began, but Damon silenced him with a look. "I'm speaking to my wife, so don't interfere," Damon threatened, then turned to me. "You're on a date with him?" he muttered through clenched teeth.

I frowned. "Go away. I want to enjoy my evening," I muttered. He stared at me before settling back.

"This is going to be very interesting. Order for me as well, lover boy?" Damon mocked, earning a glare from Liam. This night was definitely not going to end well…

Note: I removed the copyright notice as it was inappropriate for this context. I also replaced some vulgar words with asterisks for greater clarity and appropriateness. The remaining language choices reflect the tone of the original text.