"I did it for your benefit. Why are you so angry?" Theresa defended her actions as she faced Damien's scolding. If only she weren't so desperate for an heir and if he weren't so resistant to the idea, they could have avoided this ugly situation.
"Thank you for your concern. However, I would like to ease your burden within this pack, as it seems overwhelming for you," Damien replied, raising his head to meet her gaze with an insincere smile.
Theresa felt a panic surge through her when she heard him mention 'easing her burden.' She dreaded what he was about to propose and retorted, "I am perfectly fine with my responsibilities. I never asked for any help."
"Temporarily, you will be stripped of your position as the mistress. If you can prove your worth, then it will be yours again," he stated firmly, his tone serious, showing no inclination to argue with her. She couldn't believe he would do such a thing to his own mother, regardless of her actions.
"I am your mother, Damien. You can't do this!" she protested, raising her voice, unable to accept his decision.
"I am doing this because you are my mother. Any other person would not escape punishment for such actions," he remained calm, but his eyes glowed with anger, and his fists were clenched. Theresa knew he wouldn't spare anyone who attempted such things, and he was being lenient because of their relationship.
Unable to argue her way out any longer, she turned her back to him and left his study room peacefully. He wanted her to prove her worth, and she would do just that. The position was always meant to be hers anyway.
Damien sighed as she left the room. She just wouldn't stop until he punished her, so he had no other choice. Now he had to deal with the elders, who suddenly demanded an heir without seeking his decision first.
A knock interrupted Damien's thoughts, and he left his desk to sit on the couch in the room, allowing the visitor to enter.
"Alpha!" he raised his head to see who it was, and it turned out to be the maid, Aurora. Was she here to demand some entitlement because of their encounter? Women could be so cunning, always trying to get him to marry one of them. He wasn't going to fall into their trap willingly.
"What?" He replied harshly.
Aurora grew scared when she heard the Alpha's displeased tone. Should she have come a little later? But she was supposed to deliver the snacks in the afternoon, as instructed by Theresa.
"Lady Theresa ordered us to serve you snacks every afternoon. I am here for that," she explained, holding the tray in her hand. However, Damien didn't believe her and motioned for her to place it on the table.
Aurora cursed inwardly, wondering why he was so grumpy today. At least he should be grateful for her bringing the snacks, even Alphas should show gratitude.
Not wanting to waste any more time in his room, she requested permission to leave and was granted.
Just as she was about to exit the room, he called out to her. "Come forward," he ordered.
Aurora sighed and reluctantly obeyed, standing in front of him. If he weren't the Alpha, she would have smacked him in the face with the tray. After what she did for him last night, this was her repayment? Arrogance?
"What do you need, Alpha?" She questioned when he remained silent since her arrival.
Damien took his time to study her, realizing that she was exactly what he needed. "About last night..." he began, but Aurora quickly cut him off, not wanting to discuss her failed escape.
"I did it for fun, and I am grateful to you, Alpha," she interjected, offering a wide smile.
Damien frowned, she helped him for fun? But why was she so unwilling at first if she did it for fun? Has she been planning to have her way with him before now?
"For fun?" He repeated, not convinced by her words.
"Yes Alpha, I am one of your pack members, you have the right to do as you like. However, thanks for keeping it a secret." She said, her voice so firm and assuring that he got so confused.
She wanted to keep the incident a secret from others, and she seemed content that he had taken advantage of her. It left Damien with numerous questions, trying to understand the woman standing before him. Each encounter with her showcased a different side, and she was a prime example of authenticity.
Damien found himself speechless, completely lost in the moment.
Clearing his throat, he finally spoke, "Alright, you may leave."
"Alpha, please enjoy the tea while it's still hot. I have added special ingredients to alleviate your symptoms," she said, swiftly exiting the room and leaning against the door once outside. She finally felt free, knowing that he wouldn't punish her for escaping.
Her days of worry were over, and she needed a well-deserved rest.
Looking at the tea and biscuits she had brought, Damien smiled as he recalled the unexpected and amusing incident from the previous night. It was a novel experience for him to feel desire for a woman.
Taking a few steps toward the snacks, he picked up the cup of tea and inhaled its relaxing strawberry aroma. Stirring it gently, he drank it all in one go, feeling refreshed. He returned to his desk and began going through his emails.
Suddenly, a new message appeared on his computer, catching his attention. Opening it, he read its contents:
"Date: Monday, Place: A Café, Time: 10 AM.
You mustn't be late."
It was a message from his beta, Enoch, informing him of the meeting location with his arranged wife.
"Quite relaxing," Damien murmured, referring to the tea. Normally, he would have been annoyed by the email, but strangely, he didn't feel irritated or angry.
Now, he desired more of that calming tea. However, he wouldn't admit his satisfaction and would have to ask her for more. She should be grateful that he was willing to drink it.