Chapter 8 8

_Selene's POV_

The journey through the forest felt endless. The moonlight barely illuminated the path, and Damon's steady pace made it clear that he knew exactly where we were going. I, on the other hand, stumbled over roots and rocks. I was struggling to keep up.

"Do you ever slow down?" I asked, panting.

Damon glanced over his shoulder. I could see a smirk tugging at his lips. "You're the one who wanted your bag back, remember? Keep up, Selene."

I grumbled under my breath but didn't stop moving. Despite the tension between us, I couldn't deny how safe I felt with him. It was a strange feeling-comforting and unsettling at the same time.

After some more minutes, we emerged into a clearing. My breath caught in my throat. A massive gated yard loomed ahead, surrounded by towering walls. The iron gate was intricately designed, and the yard behind it seemed vast, though I couldn't make out much in the darkness.

Two guards stood by the gate. They were large, imposing men, and their sharp gazes immediately locked onto us.

"Alpha," one of them said while bowing his head slightly as Damon approached.

Alpha? My stomach twisted. Was Damon the Alpha of Rogues? He had saved my life, but that didn't mean I could trust him completely.

"Open the gate," Damon ordered.

The guards nodded and moved quickly to obey. They pulled the massive gate open with ease. Damon stepped through without hesitation, and I followed, my heart pounding.

Inside, the yard stretched out endlessly. There were carefully maintained gardens, wide paths, and what looked like a training area in the distance. But what truly stole my breath was the mansion.

It was enormous. The building rose high into the sky. Its design was elegant and imposing. The windows glimmered in the moonlight, and the stone walls seemed to radiate strength. I couldn't believe something so grand existed in the middle of the forest.

"How...?" I began, but Damon interrupted me.

"This is the Silverfang Pack," he said, his tone softer now. "As long as you stay within these walls, you'll be safe. My pack is kind. They'll accept you without question."

His words were reassuring, but I still felt uneasy. I glanced around, taking in the guards patrolling the yard and the distant lights flickering inside the mansion. Was I really safe here? Or was I trading one danger for another?

Damon led me to the front doors of the mansion, which opened silently as we approached. The inside was even more breathtaking than the exterior.

The foyer was vast, with high ceilings and a grand staircase that curved gracefully to the upper floors. A massive chandelier hung overhead, its crystals catching the light and casting rainbows across the walls. The floors were polished wood, and the walls were adorned with paintings and tapestries that looked expensive and old.

I couldn't help but stare. "How did you build all this in the middle of the forest?"

Damon glanced at me. There was a faint smile playing on his lips. "It wasn't just me. Everyone in the pack helped. We work together here. It's how we survive."

His words surprised me. I had expected something different-arrogance, maybe, or some kind of power-hungry boast. Instead, there was pride in his voice, but it was the kind of pride that came from unity, not dominance.

He gestured for me to follow him up the staircase. As we climbed, I couldn't help but notice the small details-the carved banisters, the intricate patterns in the rugs, the faint scent of pine and something floral that lingered in the air. It was beautiful, almost too perfect.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice hesitant.

"To your room," he replied simply.

We reached the second floor, and Damon led me down a long corridor. The walls were lined with more paintings, and soft light from sconces illuminated our path.

Finally, he stopped in front of a door and pushed it open. "This is your room for now. You can stay here as long as you need."

I stepped inside, and my breath caught again. The room was spacious, with a large bed covered in soft, gray blankets. There was a fireplace in one corner, already lit and casting a warm glow. A desk sat by the window, which offered a view of the expansive yard below.

"It's... beautiful," I said softly, running my fingers over the smooth surface of the desk.

Damon leaned against the doorframe, watching me. "If you need anything, just ask. My room is at the end of the corridor." He pointed to a door farther down the hallway.

I nodded, my mind racing. "Thank you, Damon. For everything."

His expression softened, and for a moment, I thought he was going to say something more. But instead, he straightened and stepped back into the hallway. "Get some rest, Selene. You've had a long day."

I watched him go, the door clicking shut behind him. The silence that followed felt heavy, but it gave me time to think.

Damon had saved my life-twice. He had brought me here, offered me safety, and treated me with kindness. But why? What did he want in return?

I sat down on the edge of the bed, my thoughts swirling. My mate had rejected me as if I were nothing to him. And now I was here, in the home of a man who called himself Alpha. A man who, despite his rough exterior, had shown me more compassion in a day than I had received in months.

I didn't know what to make of it.

A knock at the door startled me, and I jumped to my feet. "Come in," I called hesitantly.

The door opened, and a young woman stepped inside. She was tall and willowy, with long auburn hair and bright green eyes. She smiled warmly.

"Hi, I'm Lila," she said, her voice cheerful. "Damon asked me to check on you. Do you need anything? Food? Clothes? A drink?"

Her friendliness caught me off guard. "Um, I'm fine, thank you."

Lila nodded but didn't leave. She leaned against the doorframe, studying me with curiosity. "So, you're the one Alpha Damon brought back. You must be special."

I frowned. "Special? I'm not-"

"Oh, don't be modest," she interrupted, her grin widening. "Alpha Damon doesn't usually go out of his way for anyone. If he brought you here, it means he sees something in you."

Her words made my cheeks flush. "I think he was just doing the right thing."

Lila shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe he likes you."

I opened my mouth to protest, but she laughed and held up her hands. "Relax, I'm just teasing. Anyway, if you need anything, just let me know. My room's downstairs."

"Thank you," I said again, feeling overwhelmed.

Lila gave me one last smile before slipping out of the room.

I sat back down on the bed and stared into the fire. Damon's pack was different from what I had expected-welcoming, kind. But I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to all of this, more to Damon.

As I lay down and closed my eyes, one thought lingered in my mind: What had I gotten myself into?