Chapter 4
Damian's eyes scanned the contract again, his disbelief growing with every line. The language was precise, cold, and unyielding. The document didn't just bar him from working with or associating with Tanin's family—it explicitly forbade any partnerships, social events, or even the possibility of familial ties in the future.
**Clause 4.2** detailed that any breach of this agreement would result in immediate nullification of his authority as Tanin's mate and a public declaration of separation.
Damian frowned deeply, his golden eyes narrowing as he read **Clause 5.1**, which stated:
"_Under no circumstances shall Kitana Scottsdale or any member of the Scottsdale lineage be employed, contracted, or partnered with the Lillard family or its associated enterprises, regardless of the circumstances."_
This wasn't a simple request. It was a full-scale declaration of independence from her family. Damian's gaze shot up to Tanin, who sat across from him, her posture graceful yet firm, her hands folded neatly across her chest.
"Tanin," he said slowly, his voice low and measured. "This is… extreme. What is this about?"
Tanin tilted her head, her lips curving into a serene smile. "It's about us, Damian. About ensuring that nothing—and no one—comes between us. Is that so bad?"
Damian's eyes flicked back to the contract. "No one would dare interfere with us, Tanin. I'm your mate. Your husband."
Her smile didn't falter, but there was something behind her eyes—a flicker of pain, a shadow of a past she hadn't shared. "Sometimes, the greatest threats come from the people closest to you," she said softly. "I just want to protect what we have."
Damian leaned back a little bit, his jaw tightening. "You're asking me to sever all ties with your family. This goes beyond protecting us. There's something you're not telling me."
Tanin's hands tightened on her arms, her nails almost digging into her skin but her expression remained calm. "I trust you, Damian. Can't you trust me on this?"
Damian hesitated. His instincts screamed that there was more to this than she was letting on. But he cares about her. Whatever her reasons, he wanted to believe they were for their benefit.
"Fine," he said finally, picking up the pen. "If this is what you need."
Tanin's heart pounded as she watched him sign the document. The weight of her past lifted slightly from her shoulders. This was the first step toward rewriting her future—toward ensuring Kitana Scottsdale could never ruin her life again.
When Damian handed the signed papers back to her, she clutched them tightly, her knuckles white. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly despite her effort to sound composed.
Damian's sharp gaze lingered on her, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned and gestured toward the door. "Let's go"
The palace doors swung open, and the cool breeze hit them as they stepped outside. A sleek black car waited for them, gleaming under the morning sun. The driver bowed as they approached, quickly opening the door for Damian.
Damian slid into the car, his movements calm and precise, but his mind was still restless. Tanin followed, holding the documents close to her chest like a shield.
The drive to the company was quiet. Damian gazed out the window, his expression unreadable, while Tanin's thoughts raced. She could feel the tension in the air but didn't dare speak. This wasn't the time to explain her motives—or the depth of her plans.
---
The car came to a smooth halt in front of **Lillard Enterprises**, and Tanin's breath caught in her throat.
The building was a towering masterpiece of steel and glass, its surface reflecting the sky above like a shimmering jewel. The company's logo—a golden wolf's head encircled by elegant script—shone proudly at the entrance. Beneath it, the motto read: "**Dominance through Innovation**."
Damian stepped out first, his commanding presence drawing the attention of nearby employees. His Beta, Rowan Steele, rushed out of the building, bowing deeply.
"Lycan Damian," Rowan said respectfully, his voice steady but tinged with urgency.
Damian nodded in acknowledgment, his sharp gaze scanning Rowan's face. "What's the update?"
Rowan hesitated, his eyes darting to Tanin as she stepped out of the car.
Tanin's heels clicked against the pavement as she stood beside Damian, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the building. She had seen pictures in her past life but had never stepped foot here. Back then, she had chosen to be a housewife, believing her place was at Damian's side, supporting him quietly. That choice had cost her everything.
Not this time.
Rowan turned to her and bowed slightly. "High Luna," he greeted.
Tanin nodded gracefully, her expression calm, but inside, she felt a surge of determination. This place—the empire Damian had built—was part of her future now. She wouldn't allow anyone to undermine her or her position here.
"Rowan," Damian said, his tone firm. "Speak."
Rowan straightened, his posture tense. "There's a situation with the eastern investors, Lycan. They're demanding a renegotiation of their terms, citing concerns about the new project."
Damian's jaw tightened, his golden eyes flashing with irritation. "Set up a meeting for tomorrow morning. I'll handle it."
"Yes, Lycan," Rowan replied, his voice steady.
Damian turned to Tanin, his expression softening slightly. "Come," he said. "Let me show you around."
Tanin followed him inside, her eyes sweeping over the grandeur of the lobby. The space was vast, with polished marble floors that gleamed under the light of a massive chandelier. The walls were adorned with sleek panels, and the air buzzed with efficiency as employees moved with purpose.
"This is incredible," Tanin murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Damian glanced at her, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "It's taken years to build this," he said. "But it's only the beginning."
As they walked through the lobby, employees paused to bow respectfully, their gazes lingering on Tanin. She felt their curiosity but didn't let it show on her face.
They entered the elevator, and Damian pressed the button for the top floor. The ride was smooth and silent, the tension between them palpable.
When the doors opened, they stepped into Damian's office—a vast, elegant space with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. The furniture was sleek and modern, and a large desk dominated the room.
"This is your empire," Tanin said softly, her voice filled with awe.
"It's ours," Damian corrected, his gaze steady. "What's mine is yours."
Tanin smiled faintly, but her grip on the documents tightened. She wouldn't let her guard down, not even for a moment.
As Damian turned to speak with Rowan about the investors, Tanin walked to the window, staring out at the city below. In her past life, she had been passive, allowing others to dictate her fate. This time, she would be the one in control.
She glanced over her shoulder at Damian, her heart aching with a mix of love and determination.
"No one will take this from me," she whispered to herself.