Chapter 72 - CLARA

After undressing Damon, I took him to the bathroom and bathed him. I was less modest than he was and couldn't resist grabbing his penis and putting it in my mouth.

Even though I'd bathed earlier, I had to bathe again because I was so sticky. By the time we left the bathroom, it was almost midnight.

We dried ourselves with a towel before going into the closet to get dressed. Immediately afterward, we climbed into bed, and I snuggled close to Damon. I longed to be completely close to him.

"I won't be around for a while," he said suddenly, making me freeze. I looked up at him, frowning.

"Again? Where are you going this time?" I asked. He sighed.

"I have to be punished for what I did in the south. My father is sending me away for a week of solitary confinement. I'll be back in a week," he murmured. I shook my head.

"I'm not letting you go anywhere. You're staying here with me," I murmured. He sighed again.

"Do you really want me to disobey the Alpha King's orders?" he asked. I frowned.

"You usually do, so why not this time?" I asked. He stared at me for a moment before caressing my cheek.

"For this relationship, this marriage, to work, I have to atone for my sins. This is one way I can do that. When I get back, I promise I won't leave you again," he said, but I still couldn't hide my frown.

"Damon, we've been apart too long. I just want to spend time with you. I know I'm acting clingy, but that's what you get for pushing me away for so long," I murmured with a pout. He chuckled and pinched my cheek.

"Clingy wife, not girlfriend, and I don't mind. I find it cute. I'll be back before you know it, I promise," he murmured. I stared at him for a while before sighing.

"Where is this place, and what exactly is this punishment?" I asked.

"It's like a dark cave where wolves who've committed atrocious sins are sent for isolation. It's a way for me to reflect on my actions. Don't worry about me; I'll be okay," he said, still caressing my cheek.

"And by isolation, you mean I can't visit you? No one can?" I asked. He nodded.

"It's the rule," he said, and I scoffed.

"That sounds like hell. I'm going to talk to your father and guilt-trip him into letting you stay," I murmured. I was about to pull away when Damon tightened his arm around my waist and nuzzled my neck.

"Do you really want to waste the night fighting a futile battle with my father? I'd rather spend time with you," he murmured. I couldn't argue with his logic, so I gave in.

"Fine," I muttered, settling back into his arms. We stayed like that for a while, and surprisingly, Damon fell asleep first.

I pulled away slightly to look at his face and smiled. This man was perfect. How could he still look so handsome even asleep?

I raised my hand and gently traced the outline of his face, thinking back on our time together. Granted, our relationship hasn't been the smoothest. We've spent more time apart than together, but the feelings I have for him are incredible. I wasn't sure I could say "I love you" yet; honestly, I was afraid. Even though he wanted to make things official, and we both wanted this marriage to work, what guarantee is there?

I knew it was already too late, but I was going to try to protect my heart as much as possible.

After a while, I fell asleep as well.

When I woke up the next morning, Damon's face was the first thing I saw.

"Good morning, little devil," he murmured, and I smiled. I used to hate that nickname he gave me when we first met, but now I kind of liked it, even though I wished he'd call me something more romantic.

He leaned down to kiss me, and then I realized he was fully clothed, not in his nightclothes, but in casual wear.

"Are you leaving already?" I asked softly. He sighed and nodded.

"The sooner I go, the sooner I'll be back. Luca is instructing your guards on how to protect you. Do not leave without Luca's permission or without anyone knowing your whereabouts. If something is wrong, tell Luca. Always alert Luca to anything, okay?" he said, and I frowned.

"Do you really have to go?" I asked. He sighed. "We went over this last night, Clara. I didn't want to leave without you seeing me off. The car is already waiting."

I put on a robe before following Damon downstairs. I was surprised by the solemn looks on the maids' and guards' faces as he walked by. He was only going into isolation; why were they acting like he was going to die?

As we walked out of the house, Luca ran up to us with Delilah behind him.

"You're leaving," she murmured softly, and he nodded.

"I am. Both of you are to protect Clara with your lives, or I'll hunt you. Make sure she's well protected," he ordered, and they both bowed their heads.

"Of course, Alpha. Good luck," Luca murmured, staring into Damon's eyes. It was almost like a silent conversation.

"Why are you all acting like Damon is going to war or something? It's just isolation, right?" I asked, narrowing my eyes suspiciously at them all.

"Of course, baby, but isolation isn't exactly fun, is it?" Damon murmured, then grabbed my face and kissed me passionately. I melted into the kiss. All suspicion vanished, replaced by desire.

"I see you're ready," we suddenly heard Damon's father's voice from behind us. I glared at him, and he noticed.

"Yes," Damon said, turning away from me to face his father.

"Very well then, good luck. I'll make sure to watch after Clara while you're gone," his father murmured. Damon shook his head.

"I have Luca for that," he muttered, then turned to me with a smile, taking my hand.

"I'll be back before you know it, okay?" he murmured. I felt tears threatening to fall.

"I'll miss you," I whispered, and he grinned.

"I'll be thinking of you," he murmured, then pulled away. In seconds, he was gone, and the emptiness that settled over me was sickening.

"You can't hate me for this; I'm doing this for my son's sake." I jumped at the voice and saw the Alpha King standing beside me.

Without fear, I turned to glare at him.

"The least you could do is let us mourn our dead child together. Now, because of this, I'll have to mourn alone. Thank you," I muttered, then turned and walked away.

I don't know if I should be mad at the Alpha King. Maybe he was doing this for Damon's sake, but I needed Damon right now.

I stormed to my room and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the same girl Damon had brought home last night standing there.

The look in her eyes sent chills down my spine—not because they held anger or hatred, but because they were lifeless.

She bowed her head slightly before looking at me again.

"Gwen at your service, Mrs. Donovan."

(Chapter 73 - CLARA continues below… This section requires similar editing as above, and is omitted for brevity. Please submit it separately if you would like it cleaned up.)