Soren
Damien's laughter filled the room suddenly startling everyone, a dark sound that silenced any lingering dissent. He glanced around, watching the Alphas with a look of amusement that sent shivers down their spines.
His presence alone had already shifted the power dynamic in the room, the Alphas who had been snarling and challenging me moments before now sat with their heads lowered, eyes cast to the side. It was pathetic how quickly they changed their tune in the face of real power.
"What I was trying to say is that, Alpha Soren has proven himself," Damien said, his voice smooth and commanding. "He has led you through trials that would have torn lesser Alphas apart. He took control of his pack when no one else had the guts to step up. And now, what? You doubt him because he's an omega?" He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "You should be ashamed. He deserves more than your respect; he deserves your loyalty."
No one dared speak against him. Damien's approval carried more weight in this room than any argument I could have made. It was a bitter realization, one that left a sour taste in my mouth. I should have been able to command this respect on my own, but the mere fact of my birth was a barrier I had yet to fully dismantle.
They are eager to get rid of me but not the one who got his power and has yet done anything with it, it was pathetic and if it wasn't that it was mandatory, I wouldn't dare come to this meeting.
Fuck them.
Damien was here acting like he had my best interest at heart, hell even the Alphas thought so because they were all staring at him like he was their god.
I hated being at anyone's mercy and right now, I could imagine how my pet felt being at my mercy. I felt my body tingle at the thought of him, for a second all of this nonsense was pushed to the back of my mind.
Yesterday when I used his mouth both gently and brutally, those were the best highlights of having him around. The way his eyes wanted to kill me for treating him like that or the stubborn way he set his chin as if he could defy my orders.
Damien turned back to me, his expression shifting from authoritative to something softer, almost fond. But I knew Damien well enough to see the steel beneath that look. "You've got this under control, Soren," he said. "Dismiss them. We need to talk."
I gave a curt nod. "You heard him," I said, my voice cold as I looked at the assembled Alphas. "This meeting is over. Leave. Now."
They stood hesitantly, as if they wanted to protest but thought better of it under Damien's gaze. One by one, they filed out of the room, leaving just the two of us. The silence that followed was thick, filled with a tension that was almost suffocating.
"What do you want, Damien?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. I didn't like the way he'd intervened. It felt like he'd done it more to establish his dominance than to support me. It was a reminder that no matter how much power I gained, Damien would always be a threat lurking in the background.
That one string from the past that I couldn't cut.
He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Straight to the point. I've always liked that about you, Soren." He took a step closer, his eyes gleaming with a familiar intensity. "I want you back."
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I'd known this was coming; he hadn't been subtle about his intentions since I became Alpha. But hearing it said so plainly still caught me off guard. I forced myself to keep my expression neutral, to not let him see how his words affected me.
"No," I said simply. I turned on my heel, ready to leave. Whatever game Damien was playing, I wasn't interested in being a part of it.
But before I could take a step, he was in front of me, his movements faster than I could track. He grabbed my arm, his grip firm but not painful, a reminder of the strength he held, of the power he could use if he chose to. "You're really going to turn me down?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous. "Do you remember who I am, Soren? What I can do?"
I met his gaze, refusing to flinch. "I remember exactly who you are, Damien," I said. "That's why I'm saying no."
His eyes narrowed, the playful smirk fading from his lips. "Don't be a fool," he hissed. "You think you've got control now? You think those Alphas will stay loyal without me keeping them in line? I can turn them against you with a single word. I can tear down everything you've built."
I clenched my fists, anger boiling under my skin. He was right, and that was the worst part.
The respect I commanded from the Alphas was tenuous at best, held together by fear and uncertainty. Damien could shatter it if he wanted to, and we both knew it. But I refused to show weakness, not here, not to him.
"I'm not afraid of you," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
He laughed, a harsh, barking sound. "Maybe not," he said. "But you should be."
I shook my head, trying to pull away from his grip, but he held fast. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I've heard you've got a new little Alpha hanging around you now," he said. "Who is he this time?"
My eyes narrowed. "Yes," I said, meeting his gaze with a challenge. "I'm looking to make him mine."
His eyes flashed with anger, his grip tightening painfully on my arm. I could feel the shift in his energy, the way his muscles tensed, how the air around him seemed to thicken with the force of his rage. He grew larger before my eyes, his aura swelling with power. It was a display meant to intimidate, to remind me of what he was capable of.
"You think you can replace me with some pup?" he snarled. His voice was low, dangerous, a growl that sent a shiver down my spine despite my resolve. "You think he can handle you the way I did? The way I still can?"
I yanked my arm free, taking a step back. My heart was pounding in my chest, but I refused to let him see my fear. "This isn't about him," I snapped. "This is about you not knowing when to let go. You're not in control here, Damien. Not anymore."
His eyes blazed with fury, and for a moment, I thought he might strike me. But then, just as quickly as the anger had flared, it was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating look.
He took a deep breath, visibly forcing himself to calm down. "Get rid of him," he said, his voice low and deadly. "Or I will."