Chapter 71

DAMON

My father’s punch landed on my face before I could react. I staggered but held my ground.

“You’re ruining everything I’ve worked for! How dare you attack the South without my permission?!” He thundered. I sighed, massaging my cheek.

“I didn’t need your permission for my revenge,” I murmured. He growled.

“Before I’m your father, I’m the Alpha King, and what you’ve done is unacceptable! Why did you do it?!” He yelled. I glared at him.

“They tried to kill my wife, and my unborn child died in the process. And you’re asking me why?” I questioned. He frowned.

“The entire South didn’t attack your wife, Damon. You could have handled the Lakeview pack—”

“Your methods aren’t mine. To me, the entire South betrayed me, and that’s why I acted,” I said. He scoffed, running his fingers through his hair.

“You don’t understand the severity of your actions, Damon. Everyone already hates you, and you’re giving them more reasons to,” he said. I shrugged.

“I never wanted their liking, I want their fear, and it’s working. They need to know that hurting those close to me isn’t an option. It was the only way,” I muttered. He shook his head.

“It wasn’t the only way, and you know it. You’re just looking for any excuse to kill,” he said. I rolled my eyes.

“You’re never going to let the past go, are you?” I asked.

“Of course not, if you keep doing this. Do you know what everyone’s saying? The letters I’ve received? Everyone’s afraid the Death Viper is returning, and no one supports you becoming Alpha King. You should be gaining followers, not enemies,” my father explained. I sighed.

“This is how I handle things. My ways aren’t yours. I don’t regret my actions, and if anyone comes after Clara again, I won’t just attack that region—all wolves will be held accountable,” I threatened. He stared at me, then scoffed.

“Is this how you expect to become Alpha King? You’re acting unstable, Damon,” he pointed out.

“I’m feared, Father. People respect me more than they respect you. Have you asked yourself why? Because I’m not as lenient. This is my method, and you won’t tell me how to react,” I said, staring intently into his eyes. He frowned and shook his head.

“There’s a difference between hatred and fear. Yes, they may fear you, but when hatred surpasses fear, you’ll be cornered and defeated. Think of Clara—aren’t you putting her in more danger?” He asked. I frowned; I hadn’t considered that.

“Let them try coming for her again, and I’ll show them what a killer I am,” I muttered. He sighed in defeat.

“I’m not getting through to you. As Alpha King, your actions are a great offense, and you’ll be punished. You’ll be sent to the Abyss tomorrow for a week,” he ordered. My eyes widened.

“What? No, I can’t leave Clara,” I muttered.

“You should have thought of that before attacking the South. You must pay for your actions, and I hope you use your time wisely. Reflect on your actions. Dismiss,” he said, returning to his seat. I glared at him, my fist clenched.

“I need to be with Clara,” I reasoned, but he ignored me, waving me away.

I stomped out of my parents’ mansion. I saw my mother, but she didn’t approach—probably because of my anger.

Outside, I froze at the sight of Clara sitting alone on the stairs.

“Clara, what are you doing here?” I asked, rushing to her. I removed my suit and placed it on her shoulders.

“I was waiting, worried,” she murmured. I softened, smiling and tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

“But it’s cold, and why are you alone?” I asked, helping her up.

“Aunt Amelia was here earlier. Are you okay?” she asked, touching my bruised cheek.

“Of course. Let’s go home,” I said, taking her hand and leading her away.

At our mansion, she led me to our room. My heart raced; tonight was our first night together in our room.

“You need a bath. Then you’ll tell me everything, and don’t leave anything out,” she murmured, dismissing the maids and guards before unbuttoning my shirt.

“It’s nothing. I had to do what I had to do. Their father sent someone to kill you, so I killed him,” I said. She paused, her eyes meeting mine.

“Really?” she murmured. I frowned.

“Don’t tell me you think I shouldn’t have done it,” I said. She sighed, moving closer.

“That man cost me my unborn child, so I don’t care if he died. But you should have given them time to mourn, to bury him. It wasn’t fair; they did nothing wrong,” she said. Clara was always right.

“It’s done; I can’t change it,” I murmured. She stared at me, then smiled.

“Can you save that little tip for later?” she murmured, kissing my nose before continuing to unbutton my shirt.

“You don’t fear me, you don’t hate me,” I pointed out. She chuckled.

“Why should I? You’re my husband,” she murmured. I smiled, cupping her face and kissing her. That was all that mattered.

As long as she didn’t hate or fear me, I didn’t care what the world thought. She was all that mattered.