Chapter 24

Damian pov

"Sodom, really? That's a name?" Neon asked, her tone mocking. I kept my eyes fixed on the magazine articles that had arrived in the morning mail. "And Arla, is that a name too?" He added that his skepticism was evident. But when she said, "Laura, now that's a name," he nodded, as if the familiarity of it stirred memories in my mind.

Neon, don't even mention Laura's name around me," I warned, my eyes fixed on the magazine articles that had caught my attention. "We're not compatible; she's indifferent, and her name should be off-limits to you." I chuckled weakly, my gaze darting between the pages as I tapped on some images that had caught my eye. "Just focus on the entertaining content here; it's more interesting than dwelling on her."

He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, so you're saying she's off-limits? That only makes me more curious." He leaned in, Neon's voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "What's the story with you two, anyway? You're clearly still hung up on her."

I sighed, trying to steer my attention back to the magazine. "There's no story, Neon. We just didn't work out, okay? I made it clear I didn't see her as a potential mate, and that was the end of it." I tried to sound nonchalant, but Neon's knowing gaze made me squirm. "I rejected her months ago, and that's all there is to it. Can we just drop it now?"

But Neon wasn't having it. He snatched the magazine out of my hands, his eyes scanning the pages with a mocking gaze. "Oh, sure, you're totally over her. That's why you're still thinking about her, and your eyes light up whenever her name is mentioned."

"Yes!" I exclaimed hoarsely, my voice cracking with emotion. "That's because she's nothing to me; don't you get it?!" The frustration and irritation were building up inside me, my words tumbling out in a rush. "She's just a distant memory, a fleeting moment in my past. I've moved on, and I don't want to revisit it."

My voice was shaking with eagerness, and my thoughts were racing with the desperation to convince Neon—and maybe even myself. "Can't you just drop it, Neon? Please?”

I felt my face grow hot with anger and embarrassment. "Neon, stop it," I warned, my voice low and even. "You're pushing your luck."


Firstly, I think Laura deserves a chance to play your Luna and mate," Neon said, flinging the magazine at me with a flick of his wrist. "Arla isn't good for you, Alpha Damian, and neither is anyone else around or available. They're all wrong for you. You need to call Laura and apologize; give her another chance."

The magazine hit me square in the face, the pages fluttering open to reveal a model in a bikini, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. I felt a pang in my chest.

"Apologies?" I asked, my eyes locked on Neon's, my voice firm and even. I could feel my adrenaline surge and my body tense and ready to react. "Neon, I don't appreciate the way you're speaking to me," I continued, my voice low and measured but laced with a warning. "Your words are provocative, and they're pushing me to the edge. I'm cautioning you, Neon, tread carefully."

The air was charged with tension as I held Neon's gaze, my eyes flashing with a hint of warning. I was trying to keep my cool, but Neon's needling was testing my patience, and I was struggling to keep my temper in check.

"Arla called out from the garden, her voice carrying me up to the balcony where I stood, oblivious to her presence until now. I darted a glance at Neon, whose gaze was fixed on me with an unspoken warning. "Damian," she called again, her voice sweeter this time. "Hey, Neon," she greeted, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Hey, Arla," Neon replied, his voice laced with a hint of trouble and irritation, his eyes never leaving mine.

The tension was palpable, and I could sense the unease in Neon's tone. Arla seemed oblivious to it, though, as she continued to chat with Neon, her voice dripping with sweetness. I watched the exchange, my mind racing with thoughts of Laura.

"You've been having a great time with Damian, I see," Neon said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe 'Bring Back Laura' should be your new motto, since you looked so thrilled when she left." He directed a pointed glance at me, his words making Arla squirm uncomfortably.


"Neon, that's enough," I cut in, trying to intervene before things escalated further. "Let's go check out the fitness center—it's his favorite spot, and he's been going there since childhood," I suggested, trying to steer the conversation towards a more neutral topic and avoid any more tension.

Arla nodded in agreement, seeming relieved to escape the awkwardness. "Yeah, let's go," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. As we walked away, I could feel Neon's eyes on me, his gaze burning with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

As we walked towards the fitness center, I could feel the tension between us like a palpable force. Neon's words had struck a nerve, and I knew I needed to address the issue head-on.

"Neon, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, my voice low and even.

He raised an eyebrow but nodded, following me to a quiet corner of the gym. "What's up, Damian?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.

"I know you're trying to get a rise out of me, but it's not going to work," I said, my eyes locked on his. "Laura and I have history, but that's all it is—history. I'm not pining for her, and I'm definitely not going to bring her back." Neon snorted. "Save it, Damian. I know you too well. You're still hung up on her, and you're not over her by a long shot."

I felt my temper flare, but I kept it in check. "Even if that were true, which it's not, what business is it of yours?" I asked, my voice firm but controlled. His eyes glinted with a knowing light. "Because I'm your friend, Damian, and I don't want to see you get hurt again."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. This conversation was going nowhere fast. "Look, Neon, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle my own love life. Let's just drop it, okay?”