CHAPTER FOUR

DAMIEN’S POV

  

  My fists remained tightly clenched. I hadn’t woken up on the good side of the bed, and everyone in the mansion had better be well-behaved today.

  

  “Get me the Beta and the head of security,” I ordered the guard behind me after descending the stairs.

  

  “Yes, Alpha,” he responded.

  

  My gaze landed on Maya, the one the moon goddess had chosen as my mate out of all the beautiful and strong maidens in the pack.

  

  As usual, she was working like the slave she was and would always be. I looked away before her presence irritated me more than it already did.

  

  “She’s been distant lately. I don’t think you’ve noticed,” my wolf, Roman, growled.

  

  “How am I supposed to notice? You’re the one connected to her,” I shot back coldly. And I was right.

  

  Breakfast had been served, but I had lost my appetite for reasons I couldn’t explain. I made my way to the living room and sat on the throne, something I was never tired of doing.

  

  “Actually, you’re right,” I admitted to Roman.

  

  I couldn’t stop thinking about his words. Maya had indeed been distant, but I had been too preoccupied to notice.

  

  “I can’t even remember the last time she came knocking at my door at night. She used to do that all the time.”

  

  “Took you long enough to realize,” Roman howled. She used to come every night to ask if I needed her in bed or for errands. Not anymore.

  

  “It’s nothing to worry about. I’ll just call her to order,” I muttered before Roman could remind me again how important she was.

  

  The blood ritual was close, and I hadn’t gotten anyone else who would partake in the blood ritual that drained life to empower me.

  

  I had been lying to Maya that it was harmless. Otherwise, she would never agree to participate and keep participating, and forcing her wasn’t an option.

  

  One thing about the blood ritual was that the partaker had to do it out of free will, or I wouldn’t be able to draw her strength.

  

  “Maya!”

  

  She dropped the mop in her hand and looked toward me. Was she trying to put up an attitude for no reason?

  

  “You sent for us, Alpha,” Beta Tobias said as he arrived with the head of security.

  

  “I’m here, Alpha,” Maya cooed, stepping forward.

  It took her minutes to reach the living room from the dining area. Her eyes stayed on the floor, hiding her expression.

  

  “Go to my room. There’s a parcel on the bed. Deliver it to Alpha Rasmus today,” I instructed the Beta, keeping my attention fixed on him.

  

  “Be careful while delivering it to Lycan Rasmus, or you won’t return in one piece,” I added.

  

  “Get the pack soldiers ready. Delivering that parcel will have consequences. Something huge is coming,” I told the head of security.

  

  For the longest time, I had desired to take over the Moonlight Pack from Lycan Rasmus. Not just to conquer it, but to merge it with mine and become more respected.

  

  After several failed attempts, I had paused, but now I was ready to try again. This time, it was either I win or I win.

  

  “How are you doing today?” I asked Maya.

  

  “Fine,” she muttered. The coldness in her voice was unexpected.

  

  I dismissed Tobias and the head of security so I could speak to her alone. They couldn’t know she was my mate.

  

  “Look at me,” I ordered, and she obeyed. I noticed dark patches on her face that hadn’t been there before.

  

  “What happened to your face?” I asked out of curiosity. It wasn’t that I cared.

  

  “Did the werewolves I asked you to spy on do this to you?” I pressed when she stayed silent. Someone had definitely hit her, but she suddenly went mute instead of answering.

  

  “Hi baby, I was just on my way to your room, and I decided…”

  

  “Hello, Kendra.”

  

  She had appeared out of nowhere, and I had cut her off before she said too much in Maya’s presence.

  

  “And how is my man doing today?”

  

  A kiss landed on my lips before I could react. Maya saw it, but she didn’t look shocked or upset. Perhaps she wasn’t the jealous type.

  

  “Why don’t you wait for me upstairs?” I whispered into Kendra’s ear. Her fingers lingered on the arm of my golden throne.

  

  “You didn’t even compliment my outfit. I put in so much effort just for you.”

  

  “I’m in the middle of something, Kendra. Go upstairs!” My voice rose.

  

  “Fine,” she spat, though she didn’t move an inch.

  She glared at Maya, and I knew exactly what that was about. Jealousy.

  

  Maya made a funny sound, covered her mouth with both hands, and took off running without asking if it was fine to excuse herself.

  

  “She’s been doing that for days now, but she refuses to seek medical attention. She looks pale too,” Kendra said.

  

  I remained silent. This had better not be what it seemed, or I would be doomed. I wasn’t exaggerating.