“It also explains why they let miss Nora on their territory so easily. The Sapphire Moon wolves’ instinct probably prevented them from attacking. She is Royalty to them, it would be even harder than attacking their own Alpha,” explains Isaac.
“So, what, now they want to have her as a part of their Clan?”
That is a good question. William’s attitude was confusing on that part. He called me their Princess, and did say I belonged there, but... I feel like there is more than that. He is really mysterious and cunning. He was watching our interactions with the Gold Moon Clan, too.
“I don’t like this,” says Nathaniel. “Even if Nora is their Princess, that doesn’t change the fact that they hate the Gold Moon Clan and us. King is probably going to play with that until one of us actually starts a war. And now they want Nora and are ready to capture Liam for that. We can’t leave it at that, Damian. If the other Clans learn about this...”
Nathaniel is right. The tension at the border was no joke. If I wasn’t there, they probably wouldn’t even have bothered with words. I feel like we only won a short reprieve because I happened to be there.
“I still don’t get why they hate you guys so much! I couldn’t get anything out of William about that...”
“William? You are on a first-name basis with him now?”
I turn to Damian, surprised by his pissed-off tone. A bit annoyed, too. “What? Don’t you dare start acting jealous, Damian, because I’m so not in the mood for this right now!”
All the others look at us, a bit awkwardly, but I don’t care. I’m angry and exhausted, and I really can’t take any more from Damian right now. I’m about to explode.
“I don’t care if you’re mad because I’m mad, too! I had to listen to that woman’s crap for the second time in two weeks; that’s enough! I’m tired of trying to sort things out, tired of all those secrets, and tired of you getting mad at me whenever I take a step out without telling you!”
“You’re the one who said no more secrets!” He yells back.
Great, now we are both mad and yelling at each other! I see Nathaniel gesturing for the rest of the group to leave us alone, but I couldn’t care less. I just need to get it all out right now.
“I don’t want to have to lie to you, but you would never have let me go to William’s territory if I didn’t sneak out! And I couldn’t stay behind, I had to try!”
“Why the hell do you think you have to solve everything! You’re just a teen, Nora! You may be a Princess, but you don’t have to carry the whole fate of Silver City! Why do you feel like you have to go and save the situation on your own!”
“Because I’m damn scared, Damian!” I yell, as I start crying, too.
“Why are you so scared? Nora, I told you I will protect you no matter what!”
“I’m scared of losing you, you idiot!”
I burst into tears.
Gosh, I’ve been crying way too much these days. All these emotions bottled up inside, and I can’t hold them anymore. I may act tough, I may be doing my best in front of others, but I just break all of my armor when it’s just Damian and me.
“Nora...”
“I’ve lost too many people already, Damian, I don’t think I can take it, anymore. My dad died when I was young, the mother who raised me, too... Even Alec... I even lost my former pack! I’m so scared I’m going to lose you, too, because I’m so selfish...”
I try to wipe away my tears, to breathe in the middle of it, but it pours, and I can’t seem to stop. Damian looks at me, all trace of anger dissipated already. He looks worried and unsure about what to do. I keep talking, with my voice hoarse and breaking.
“You know why I got so mad earlier? At you? Because that woman was right. She’s right, Damian! I don’t have anything to support you as a Luna should! I’m all the things King said! A powerless orphan! I don’t care if I’m a Princess, what good is it? I know you love me, I get it, but this is never going to be enough! When William was talking about Queen Diane, all I could think of was how she was unable to protect her own children! My mom died, Damian, she died before I could meether, I don’t even remember her! What if I lose you because I’m not strong enough to protect you? If this war really happens? What if...?”
Before I can finish, Damian grabs my wrist and forces a kiss on me. It’s not like any of our previous kisses. This one is more brutal, imposing. I can tell he’s mad. His lips pressed against mine, I have a hard time catching my breath. It’s still passionate and enticing. I feel my body going numb while the fire roars inside. I can’t escape his grip, and he keeps kissing me savagely until my legs give up. When he feels me falling, he suddenly stops and hugs me tight.
Trapped in his arms, I feel his breathing against my skin. We need to catch some air. He slides down against his desk until we are seated on the ground. He rubs my back gently, allowing me to calm down.
“Nora, listen, my Love. I’m sorry I let you feel like this. I know you went through all that, and I’m glad that you finally stop acting tough. It’s okay to be scared, my Love. You can tell me everything.”
I put my arms around his neck, holding him close. Only Damian can find the words to reassure me right now. He caresses my hair and keeps stroking my hair gently.
“Nora, I’m scared you’ll get hurt trying to protect me or anyone. If there is something that worries you, tell me. If something scares you, tell me. Nora, you’re the one who said no more secrets, so don’t keep any from me, too. Don’t close yourself to me. I can’t read all of your emotions, and sometimes I have no idea what you are thinking about. I want to know my Love, everything about you.”
I nod against his shoulder and raise my head up to face him. My eyes must be red and all teary because I see him frowning a bit. I don’t care. I put my hand on his cheek, feeling his warmth under my fingers.
“I hate her... I hate that woman, Damian, and I’m scared she is going to take you away from me. If I don’t have you, I don’t have anything. I want to be your Luna, the only one for you. I don’t want another woman to look at you or touch you. I want to be selfish.”
