43 Chapter 43 Sanctuary at Last
43 Chapter 43 Sanctuary at Last
Elena’s POV
The moment I stepped into Alpha Damien’s packhouse, he guided me straight to the kitchen and insisted I eat something. He could tell I hadn’t had a proper meal in hours. My nerves were getting the better of me though. I found myself perched at the kitchen island, my leg bouncing restlessly while my eyes kept darting toward the windows. “Elena. Take a breath. This pack sits nine hours away from yours. You made incredible time getting here.” Damien’s voice cut through my anxious thoughts.
“Six hours actually. Your warrior and I both pushed our limits on the road.” I corrected
him.
“Even better. Marcus won’t think to search this far out.”
“He witnessed us talking at the ball though. He might connect the dots.” The worry crept into my voice despite my efforts to stay calm.
“Did you keep that phone I gave you?” he asked.
“I tucked it under my mother’s pillow. I need to call her and let her know I’m safe. But as far as Marcus’s concerned, I crashed my car and I’m somewhere lost in the wilderness.” I explained my cover story.
“Smart thinking. Will your mother keep quiet about it?”
“Absolutely. She despises Marcus and his father even more. You don’t have to worry about her betraying me.” I said with certainty.
“What if he uses an Alpha command on her?” Damien’s question made my stomach drop.
“God, I hope not. She’s so frail right now. An Alpha command could actually kill her.” The thought sent a chill through me.
“Surely he wouldn’t go that far.” Damien tried to sound reassuring.
“You really haven’t figured out what kind of person he is yet, have you?” I met his eyes directly.
“Hey there, Elena.” Gage’s voice interrupted our conversation as he entered the
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43 Chapter 43 Sanctuary at Last
kitchen, draping his arm casually around my shoulders.
“Gage. Good to see you again.” I managed a genuine smile for the first time in days. “I have to admit, I’m surprised you actually reached out to Damien for help. Wasn’t sure you’d take that step. Gage settled across from me at the island.
“I ran out of options. Staying there wasn’t possible anymore.” I said simply.
“What happened with the mate bond?” Gage’s question hit right to the heart of it.
“I rejected him during the drive here.” The words came out matter–of–factly.
Damien spun around so fast I thought he might get whiplash.
“You didn’t mention that detail.” His tone held surprise and concern.
“Didn’t seem like the most crucial information.” I shrugged.
“Elena, think about this. You staged a car accident and then rejected him. He would have experienced that rejection pain. He might actually believe you’re dead, not just wandering around lost in the woods.” Damien pointed out the implications.
“Huh. That possibility never crossed my mind. Actually, that works even better for me. If he thinks I’m dead, he’ll stop hunting for me.” A bitter laugh escaped me.
“You’re really okay with him thinking that?” Gage studied my face carefully.
“Today his plastic girlfriend announced their engagement to the entire pack. I was standing right there watching it happen. He wasn’t planning to reject me as his mate, but he was still going to marry someone else. I couldn’t live in that situation anymore. It was destroying me piece by piece.” The pain in my chest flared as I remembered the
scene.
“Well, you won’t have to deal with any of that here.” Damien’s voice softened.
“I can see that. This pack seems really peaceful. What I’ve seen of it anyway. Like a quiet little town.” I observed.
“It gets livelier during the day. That werewolf college I mentioned before, it sits right on our border. We don’t allow wolves from other packs onto our territory, but they can get day passes since we’re the nearest town for supplies and services.” Damien explained.
“That must boost the local economy significantly.” I noted.
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43 Chapter 43 Sanctuary at Last
“It does. Are you planning to enroll there?” he asked.
“That’s the plan. I’ll find work too and get my own place as quickly as possible. I don’t want to impose on your hospitality for too long.” I said.
“Elena, you’re not imposing on anyone. This house usually feels pretty empty with so few people living here. Having some new company around will be a welcome change.” Damien insisted.
“I really can’t express how grateful I am for everything you’re doing. I know this could put you and your pack at risk too.” I felt the weight of what he was sacrificing for me. “Stop worrying about that. Like I told you before, we can handle whatever comes our way.” Damien’s confidence was reassuring.
After we finished eating, Damien grabbed my bag and led me through the house to the fourth floor, which he explained was reserved for the Alpha’s quarters.
He opened a door and ushered me into an enormous bedroom that took my breath away. The walls were painted in soft, calming colors, and a stone fireplace dominated one wall. A massive flat–screen television faced the king–size bed, which looked like it could sleep four people comfortably. The walk–in closet was bigger than my entire bedroom back home, and the ensuite bathroom looked like something from a luxury hotel.
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