Classic Novel
Chapter 8
“Have you got nothing better to do than flirt with me?” I asked, raising an eyebrow, hoping my voice sounded steadier than I felt. Damon laughed, a low, easy sound like I hadn‘ t just called him out. He stepped closer, his eyes glinting with amusement, and before I knew it, I was backed up against the wall. He didn’t crowd me, but he was close enough that I couldn’t ignore the heat radiating off him. I could feel the tension, a mix of challenge and something else that made my pulse quicken.
“Come with me,” he said, his voice teasing but firm.
My brain short–circuited. Go where? Do what? The pounding of my heart drowned out my thoughts, and I prayed he couldn’t hear it too. But when he glanced down briefly at my chest, then back up at my face, grinning, I knew he could.
“I guess that sa yes,” Damon said, chuckling as he stepped back, giving me space to breathe.
I stood there, frozen, trying to think of a snappy comeback, but my mind was blank. He turned, casually tossing over his shoulder, “We run at six tomorrow. See you around, Stone.
And just like that, he walked away, leaving me standing there, bewildered. Did I just get talked into whatever he wanted? Apparently, yes. I watched him go, still processing the fact that my life had just taken a wild turn.
The next day, I wasn’t the only warrior chosen from our pack, but Damon made it sound like I was special. His eyes found mine, and for a moment, I almost felt like maybe I was. It was stupid, but his confidence had a way of making me second–guess everything.
I said my goodbyes to the Alpha, Luna, and my parents. Even Jasper was there, standing off to the side, staring at me like he could burn a hole through my skull. I ignored him, feeling the weight of his gaze but refusing to give him the satisfaction of even a glance. I knew he was against me leaving–it was the final nail in the coffin for him. If 1
left, he lost me for good, and we both knew it. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me. Not anymore.
Leaving Moonlake behind, I traveled to the royal territory. It was breathtaking, grander than anything I could have imagined. Every warrior there exuded strength, even those of the lowest ranks. And now, I am part of it. My new life has begun.
For the next four months, it was nothing but grueling, rigorous training. Breaks were rare, and the pace was relentless. It was exactly what I needed to shake off the remnants of my old life. Occasionally, Jake would visit on my days off, bringing news from home. Mostly, though, I found myself dealing with anonymous gifts from a certain admirer. I hav
a pretty good idea who it was, but I wasn’t about to embarrass myself by assuming.
For the first time in a long time, my life felt less stressful. No Jasper. No Briana. No constant drama pulling me in every direction. It was just me, my training, and my goal of becoming stronger.
But, of course, peace never lasts.
The rumors began circulating among the warriors–whispers of a war brewing between the packs and the rogues. At first, it seemed like just that, whispers. Then, the news hit. One of the strongest packs had fallen to the legion of rogues. It wasn’t just talk anymore. It was real.
We were all called to a meeting. I sat beside Jake, the room buzzing with tension. Damon walked in with the other officials, his demeanor serious for once. Gone was the teasing, flirty Damon who once cornered me against the wall. This was Damon who commanded respect as the King’s Gamma.
As he and the other leaders briefed us on the situation, the reality sank in. The rogues weren’t just a nuisance anymore–they were al threat. A big one at that. The knights were divided into tasks, focusing on their strengths. Mine was to rescue the survivors of the fallen pack and prepare for what was likely to come.
My team would be mobilizing under Damon’s command, and while I was used to fighting, this would be my first large–scale battle against the rogues. My nerves fluttered in my stomach, but excitement pulsed through me too. This was what I had trained for, what I had left my old life behind to do.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.
However, the thought of going into battle alongside Damon was a strange mix of exhilarating and nerve–wracking. There was something about him, about the way he looked at me, that made me feel both stronger and more vulnerable at the same time. I wasn’t sure what to make of it.
As we prepared for the mission, I caught Damon watching me again. His gaze was intense and focused, but when our eyes met, that familiar smirk appeared on his face. It was like he could read my thoughts and knew exactly what I was feeling.
“Ready, Stone?” he asked, his voice carrying that teasing edge.
“Always,” I shot back, refusing to let him see any sign of hesitation.
He grinned. “Good. Let’s see if you live up to my expectations.”