Becoming Luna

Chapter 33

Damien led us along a small dirt path that brought us further away from the pack us and deeper into the forest. Tall trees stood as silent giants, their leaves creating a mosaic of sunlight and shadow on the ground. The air carried the scent of earth, pine, and the subtle fragrance of blooming wildflowers, creating a symphony of nature that enveloped us as we walked.

I couldn't help but glance at Damien as we strolled along the narrow trail. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, highlighting his features with a warm, golden glow. The strong lines of his jaw and the way his eyes reflected the shifting hues of the forest captivated me. There was a serene strength about him, a blend of Alpha authority and a vulnerability that seemed to surface in the tranquility of the woods.

We moved in a comfortable silence, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves beneath our feet and the occasional distant call of a bird. It felt like a world apart from the chaos that my life has become. The tension that usually lingered between Damien and me seemed to fade away among the ancient trees.

As we walked, my thoughts swirled with unspoken questions, a whirlwind of emotions I hesitated to unleash. The path offered a haven for contemplation, a place where the echoes of our footsteps matched the rhythm of my racing thoughts. Damien's emotions have been all over the place recently, and while I really enjoy his moments of affection, I can help but feel unsure of how long this peace will actually last.

But, as the question danced on the tip of my tongue, I hesitated. I know from experience that Damien is quick to anger, leaving me torn between seeking answers and preserving the fragile peace we were walking on.

Before I could say anything thought, Damien suddenly sighed, breaking the silence. His eyes, usually guarded, now held a touch of weariness. "Amara," he began, the sound of his voice low and sincere, "I don't think I ever apologized for what happened with your old pack. While im grateful we showed up in time before anything could happen to you, im sorry that we couldn't save more people."

His words hung in the air, heavy with regret. I studied his face, searching for sincerity in his eyes. The sunlight continued to weave through the leaves, casting gentle patterns on the ground.

"And I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you since you got here," Damien continued, his voice carrying the weight of remorse. "I know that no amount of apologies can undo the damage. But I want you to know that I'm committed to making this right. I'll admit, I'm not the easiest person to deal with sometimes but I'm hoping you can be patient with me while I try to be better, for you."

Damien's apology lingered in the air, and for a moment I remained silent, letting his words seep into the spaces between us.

Finally, I spoke, my voice measured but carrying the weight of the hurt that had lingered for months. "The way you've been acting has hurt me," I said, each word carefully chosen. "I can't pretend that everything is okay, and I won't forget what happened."

As Damien began to apologize again, his expression slightly panicked, I raised a hand, effectively cutting him off. "But," I continued, my tone firm, "we're mates, and that means something to me."

His eyes, a mixture of regret and hope, met mine. I could see the sincerity in them, a look I don't think I've ever seen on his face. "I'm still mad at you," I admitted, my gaze unwavering, "for how you've been acting, for the pain you've caused me. But, Damien, you're my mate, and that means we're meant for each other." I pulled Damien to a stop, turning to face him fully. 

"Look," I said, a soft smile playing on my lips as I studied his face. "I know you can be an asshole sometimes." Damien's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and something akin to sheepishness. 

"But," I continued, "you're my asshole. And no matter what, I'm not leaving you."

I smiled up at him, the sunlight filtering through the leaves casting a warm glow on our faces. Damien's gaze softened, and I could see his body slightly relax in relief.

"So," I teased, my smile widening, " to conclude, you're stuck with me." The tension that had lingered between us eased, replaced by a shared understanding.

Damien chuckled, a genuine sound that resonated through the clearing. "I guess I'm lucky to have you as my mate," he admitted, a touch of gratitude in his voice.

Suddenly, without warning, Damien's hand reached down and effortlessly scooped me up. In an instant, I found myself securely positioned on his back, my arms instinctively wrapping around his shoulders to keep from tumbling down. I let out a surprised, joyous laugh, the sound echoing through the forest around us.

"What in the world—" I began, but Damien cut me off with a blinding smile.

"You've walked far enough," he declared, his voice carrying a playful tone. "It's my duty to save you the pain of walking back. Consider it a service from your considerate mate."

I rolled my eyes, a smile playing on my lips. "Oh, how thoughtful of you," I retorted, a teasing lilt in my voice. But, truth be told, there was a warmth in my chest, a feeling of being cared for that transcended the playful banter. I didn't protest. Instead, I tightened my grasp on him, settling my chin on his shoulder.

"Well, if you insist on carrying me, who am I to refuse?" I replied, my tone light. Damien's laughter echoed through the woods, a sound that resonated with the joy of the moment.

As Damien continued to walk back towards the house, I let my eyes slip closed and focused on the warmth that was seeping into my skin where our bodies were pressed together. While a part of me was scared that Damien was going to go right back to his old ways, the sincerity and soft look I saw in his eyes earlier made me feel hopeful that he actually meant what he said and that things were finally going to be better between us.