Chapter 13: DON'T YOU DARE
My eyes flew open as the realization slammed into me—Emma had sent me into Damien's room. And now she'd run off, leaving me here to take the fall.
What the hell?
The door to the room swung open faster than expected, and in no time, Damien stood seething in front of me, his face twisted with anger.
My hands were still trapped in the wardrobe—I hadn't been fast enough to shut it—and I knew instantly this was going to cause even more trouble.
I watched as his golden-brown eyes narrowed at my hands stuck in the wardrobe. My heartbeat quickened. Before I knew it, the words tumbled out of my mouth, stammering: "She… asked me to check your room."
My terrified eyes darted to Emma, who stood not too far behind him, a sly smile playing on her lips.
"How dare you?" Damien spoke for the first time, and my heart practically shattered from the fear in his voice. I couldn't hide it—my legs were trembling.
"Weren't you warned to stay away from my things?" he continued, his voice sharp and cutting.
"I swear… she asked me to—"
He cut me off sharply. "You're always so quick to blame someone else, aren't you?"
He stepped toward me, and I felt like I was dissolving in fear.
"Please…" I whispered, but his index finger pressed against my lips, silencing me.
Without care, he grabbed my hand and yanked it from the wardrobe.
"Don't test my patience," he said coldly.
"I'm not patient enough to tolerate stupidity. I'm telling you the truth," he added, his eyes piercing into mine. Cold shivers raced down my spine.
"Alpha, I even warned her not to come into this room," Emma's voice rang out, syrupy sweet and laced with false innocence. Her words stoked the rage simmering in my chest.
"How dare you?" I snapped before I could stop myself. "You asked me to come into this room and look around. Why are you lying now?"
My eyes burned with fury. How could she be such a dirty liar?
"Oh please," she said, voice soft, eyes downcast. "I know you don't like me, but you don't need to lie about me. It breaks my heart."
The fake sadness In her voice made me pause for a moment. Was she really lying? Or was I losing my grip on what was real? Her deceit was so seamless, I almost doubted myself.
"I see you're going to be a lot of trouble," Damien's voice cut through my thoughts, dark and cold. "But believe me, I know how to handle girls like you."
His words stung worse than I expected, and I blinked back the pain.
"Alpha, please ask your wife-to-be to like me," Emma added with a fake pout. "I can't stand her hating me. I want us to be close."
I was stunned. What had I gotten myself into?
In human marriages, a woman never marries into a family that hates her—it always ends in heartbreak. I knew that well. Yet here I was, engaged to a man whose entire household resented me… except his mother.
I hadn't even officially become his wife, and already, it felt like a nightmare.
"Hey," Damien sneered, "if you want to live in this house peacefully, you better learn to get along with Emma."
I wanted to scream at him, but the warning glare in his eyes silenced me.
"Now get out of my room before I lose my temper," he growled, grabbing my arm and shoving me out harshly.
"Keep a close eye on her. If she ever steps foot in this room again or does anything foolish, report it to me immediately," Damien said, turning to Emma with a commanding tone.
"Alpha, can you let me handle her mess myself?" she asked, desperation lacing her voice.
I expected Damien to say no, to put her in her place. But instead, he stood there—right in front of me—and gave his approval. That was the moment I knew I was done for.
I watched as Damien walked away, leaving me alone with Emma. She didn't even bother hiding her satisfaction. She waited until he was far enough, then turned to me with a wicked grin spreading across her face.
"That's the least I can do to you," she sneered. "Since I can't use my powers on you yet, this is the best way to deal with you—for daring to come into this house to become Damien's wife."
Her face was twisted in irritation and pure spite. I wanted to fight back, to throw her cruelty right back in her face—but no words came out. I just stood there, feeling pathetic.
"I'll make sure you regret ever setting foot here," she said with a mocking smile, then shoved me. "Now get out. I have better things to do with my time."
I stumbled but managed to find my balance, watching her walk away until she was completely out of sight.
How did I end up here? I felt the tears escape before I could stop them.
As I stood there, helpless and heartbroken, Eva's face flashed through my mind. Yes—Eva. I had gone to see her, just as Damien had suggested.
I had told her everything—every painful detail. She cried for me. She begged me not to go. But I had no choice. I was weak, defeated, and cornered.
I remembered how she clung to my gown, refusing to let go. I had to pry her hands off gently, promising her I'd visit her as often as I could. She was a vital part of my life—I couldn't lose her.
Sniffling, I wiped my tears and slowly pushed myself off the wall that had been bearing the weight of my frustration.
No. I couldn't be weak. Not anymore.
I needed to be strong. I needed to face Emma in her own game. She had no right to dictate my place here—not when I was the one who would stand beside Damien.
From now on, I would be the one to frustrate her. I would put her in her place.
My fists clenched with renewed resolve as a surge of purpose washed through me.
I won't let her win. That's a promise.