Chapter 38

Damon

“The Blood Moon pack is planning a conquest of smaller packs. What should we do?” My father asked, sitting across from me in my office. I hadn’t expected him; he’d been giving me the cold shoulder since my conflict with Clara.

“Easy, kill the Blood Moon Alpha and take the smaller packs,” I muttered. He glared.

“Damon,” he said sharply. I rolled my eyes.

“Relax, I’m joking,” I said. He scoffed.

“It wasn’t funny, and I can never tell when you’re joking,” he retorted. I rolled my eyes again.

“We should assert our authority over the Blood Moon pack. If their Alpha resists, we’ll eliminate him and replace him with someone more compliant,” I said. He nodded slowly.

“Good. What about an invasion? How would you handle that?” he asked. I groaned.

“Old man, I’m not taking this quiz. I’m busy,” I said. He sighed and fell silent while I returned to my work.

“Have you and Clara reconciled?” he asked. I paused, turning to him.

“Why do you ask?”

“Because I can see it on your face. You don’t look as stressed and tired,” he murmured. I rolled my eyes.

“Yes, we’ve settled our differences,” I said.

“You know your actions toward her were wrong, right? You should never put your mate in that position. I couldn't even bear to cheat on your mother. I've only ever loved her," he said. I sighed.

“All that matters is that Clara and I are better now. Let’s leave the past in the past,” I murmured.

“If you continue to treat her this way, you’ll lose her, and you won’t get her back,” he said, standing up.

“Father,” I called out as he reached the door. He turned.

“What is it, son?”

“How much do your wolf’s feelings influence yours?” I asked. He raised an eyebrow.

“In what sense? Love?” he asked. I shrugged.

“I don’t know. I crave her presence. I want to protect her, make her happy. I shouldn’t feel this way,” I murmured. He frowned.

“Why not? What’s wrong with feeling this way?” he asked. I sighed.

“I’m trying to protect her. You know what I was, and I have many enemies. If she becomes my weakness, she’ll be used as bait, and it will weaken me. I don’t want that,” I said. He stared at me for a moment before chuckling.

“Son, love can’t be fought. If you fall for her and she becomes your weakness, it’s not a bad thing. Being in love and loved is the most beautiful feeling. As for your earlier question, your wolf influences your emotions because you feel the same way he does. If you didn’t, he wouldn’t influence you,” he said, smiling before leaving. I sat in silence for a while before sighing.

My phone rang. The contact “Little Devil” (Clara) appeared on the screen, and I smiled involuntarily.

“She can’t do without me. So obsessed,” I murmured before answering.

“What do you want? I’m busy,” I said. I could almost see her rolling her eyes.

“Come home,” she said. My heart skipped a beat.

“Why? You miss me?” I teased.

“Yes, come home,” she murmured. I was surprised; I expected an insult.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, unable to hide my worry. Why was she acting so strangely?

“We promised to act like husband and wife, right? So I’m acting like a wife. Come home,” she repeated. I sighed.

“No, I’m busy,” I said, ending the call. I immediately called Luca.

Luca arrived, frowning as he saw me putting on my suit.

“Something wrong? You’re leaving?” he asked. I nodded.

“Take care of everything. I’ll sign the documents tomorrow,” I said, grabbing my phone as I headed for the door.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“Home, to my wife,” I said, smiling as I left.

On my way home, I worried. Even if Clara missed me, she wouldn’t say it like that. Our relationship wasn’t like that. Was something wrong?

At home, I expected the worst, but Clara wasn’t in the living room. I was about to call her when I smelled something delicious from the kitchen. It wasn’t dinner time.

I was about to ask what was going on when Clara emerged, wearing a flour-covered apron. Her face was also dusted with flour. She looked up, smiling as she approached.

“You’re here,” she said, stopping in front of me. The strange feeling returned. She looked like a typical wife.

“I said I wasn’t coming,” I murmured. She grinned.

“I understand our relationship. We usually don’t say what we mean,” she said, taking my hand and pulling me toward the dining room.

“Come and eat,” she murmured. I smiled at her excitement.

This strange feeling…why did I like it?