Page 58 of Forced Alpha Bride
“We have no evidence Valentine Creek was involved,” he says evenly.
“The attack is the evidence!” Regina yells. “You weakened us by retreating. Now they have come for us; the second they saw an opening.”
“I don’t believe this to be true,” Damon says carefully. “But a full investigation is underway, and once we have irrefutable proof, then we will—”
“We should move now,” Regina says forcefully. “Attack first, then we can investigate. We should sweep the hills, kill, and capture any wolf we find.”
“I won’t allow that, Regina!” Damon yells. “No killing anyone without evidence. I command it!”
“You’re weak,” she spits. “We need a strong alpha, and if you can’t do what needs to be done, we’ll hold another challenge. And this time, you won’t leave the ring alive.”
“Bring it on,” Damon snaps, losing his cool. “I beat your best already, and I’ll do it again. Your persecution of Valentine Creek is unjust, and I won’t allow a blind attack until we’ve had a full investigation.”
“Of course, you would say that,” Regina says, her voice low. “Because you’re just like them! You’re the son of—”
“Enough!” I scream, jumping in front of Damon to break Regina’s focus.
I’m pretty sure I know how that sentence was going to finish, and my reaction to protect Damon was instinctual. Even though Regina could be giving me an open door to walk out of this marriage by throwing down another challenge, I’m not sure I want to take it.
Especially if it means that Damon dies. I don’t think I could stand that.
“Elder Glass,” I say in a strong voice. “Our alpha has spoken. You will cease this disobedience immediately, and I will excuse it only because you seem distraught by tonight’s events. Too much stress is not good for a woman of your years.”
I hear Damon chuckle behind me as Regina’s face goes white with rage.
“Everyone, please go back to your homes now,” I address the crowd. “And anyone without a place to stay is welcome in the manor. The Brent family will see that you are comfortable.”
“Yes,” Isla chimes in, standing up. “We certainly will. Roderick never hesitated to open the doors to the pack, and we have plenty of room. By all means, come in, if our luna says it’s safe.”
“It is,” I answer, nodding and praying that it really is.
What am I, an engineer?
“I have council members on their way,” Damon says. “They will speak directly to those of you who have lost property. We also have relief centers set up in town. So far, it looks like no one was hurt, but the investigation is ongoing. Please move on now. Everyone needs to get some rest and clean up.”
Most people don’t move, but some head towards the manor. The moment he’s finished speaking, Damon falls against me, and I notice blood is still running down his leg.
“Let me see that,” I say.
“It’s fine,” he mutters. “I’ll heal.”
“You’re a goddamn fool!” I swear, dragging him towards the front gates. “I’m going to drive you home and look at that wound whether you let me or not! How did you get hurt?”
“I went into a burning building. I thought I heard someone inside, and part of the roof fell on me. Galen dragged me out.”
“You fucking idiot,” I swear again, struggling to hold onto him as we shuffle towards the car.
“I had to,” he mumbles, falling against my shoulder.
I look at his face, shocked to see how pale his skin is. His skin has a light sheen of sweat. His long, dark lashes fall against his high cheekbones, making him look peaceful, almost angelic.
“Damon,” I urge, dragging him to the car, “I can’t lift you. Help me!”
Even though he doesn’t reply, he gets his feet under himself and manages to get to the car. I shove him inside, cursing to myself as I get in and drive all the way home.
As we stop out front of the house, Damon wakes up. His cheeks have a little color, and his eyes are bright.
“It’s good to be home,” he mutters. “I feel like I should be out in town, though—”
