Page 11 of Bound to the Guard

As we approach the elevator, my heart pounds harder. The thought of being trapped in the small space with an Alpha, even one as unthreatening as Damien, sends a shiver of fear down my spine.

Damien must sense my hesitation because he pauses, turning to face me. “We don’t have to take the elevator if you’re not comfortable. We can take the stairs instead, if you can handle them.”

I swallow hard, considering my options. The stairs would give me more room to maneuver and more chances to escape if I need to.

Weak as I am, the thought of climbing all those steps is too daunting. “The elevator is fine.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.” Damien presses the button to call the lift.

As we wait, he assesses me, but not in the cold, clinical way the Doctor did. Genuine concern radiates from him that I’m not used to being directed at me.

The elevator dings, and the doors slide open.

Damien steps inside, moving to stand against the wall, leaving the doorway unblocked.

With a steadying breath, I follow him in, hurrying past him to stand in the opposite corner.

The doors close with a soft whoosh, taking away any chance of escape. The elevator is spacious, but still too small, too confined. Pressed into the corner, I clutch the blanket tighter around my shoulders.

Damien leans on the opposite wall, giving me as much space as he can. He says nothing, just watches with that same steadiness.

As the elevator ascends, panic tightens my chest. My breath comes in sharp gasps, and I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the memories of being strapped down and experimented on.

A gentle touch on my arm brings me out of it. I flinch, my eyes flying open to find Damien standing in front of me, his hand resting on my shoulder.

“Breathe,” he encourages. “You’re safe here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

I search his face for any sign of deceit or malice. But all I sense is protectiveness.

I take a deep, shuddering breath. Then another. And another. His pheromones fill the air, slipping into my lungs and easing my tension.

By the time the elevator reaches its destination, my breaths are steady, the panic pushed back for now.

The doors slide open, revealing an elegant hallway.

Damien’s hand leaves me, but the warmth of his skin remains, and his pheromones cling to me, wrapping around me like a shield.

He steps out first, holding the door open, and waits for me to join him.

This new space differs from the medical area downstairs, with gleaming hardwood floors and an ornate, red carpet-runner down the center. Wood paneling covers the lower half of the walls, with cream velvet wallpaper on the top. Small, crystal wall-sconces light the way.

It’s as scary as the hospital, but Damien’s solid, reassuring presence urges me forward.

My feet move, taking one step after another, trusting this Alpha not to betray me.

4

Damien leads me down the hall, passing other doors until he stops in front of one.

He punches a number into the lock on the door, making no effort to hide the passcode from me, and I commit it to memory.

The door swings inward, and Damien steps inside first, then waits for me to join him.

I shuffle forward but freeze in the doorway, surprised as I take in the opulent space before me.

High ceilings soar above, adorned with intricate crown molding. The walls, painted a warm cream color, hold pictures of family. A plush sofa and matching armchairs form a cozy seating area in front of an enormous television, and every corner of the room holds the greenery of plants.

They can’t filter out the pheromones that saturate the space, though. Damien’s scent wraps around me like a second blanket, both comforting and overwhelming.

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