Chapter 34

Damian POV

"I stood before the elders of my pack, my voice firm and authoritative, as I announced the new refundable tax policy. My words were laced with concern and a hint of bossiness, commanding the attention of the entire hall. The room was silent, the only sound being the weight of my words sinking in. The elders' piercing gazes bore into me, their eyes scrutinizing my every move, but I stood tall, unwavering in my decision."

"I know this new tax may come as a shock to many of you," I continued, my voice echoing off the walls of the hall. "But I assure you, it is necessary for the growth and prosperity of our pack. We must adapt to the changing times and ensure our future generations' survival."

The elders' gazes never wavered; their faces were expressionless, but I could sense their skepticism. I took a deep breath and pressed on, determined to convince them of the necessity of this new policy.

"I have made my decision," I declared, my voice firm and resolute. "But it won't be finalized until we have reached a collective agreement." I clenched my fists, my body tense with determination. I turned to Ally, who was attending the meeting, her eyes fixed on her phone with a sheepish smile. She glanced up at me, her eyes locking onto mine, and nodded slowly, indicating her acceptance and support.

"The fate of our pack's future depends on our ability to work together," I continued, my gaze sweeping across the room, meeting the eyes of each elder. "I urge you all to consider the long-term benefits of this new tax policy. Let us put aside our differences and unite for the greater good."

The room fell silent once more, the weight of my words hanging in the air. I could sense the tension, the uncertainty, but also the glimmer of hope. And in that moment, the pack has been on a fracker with me about rejecting Laura, but I really don't care.

"Ally, is your phone part of the meeting?" I asked, leaning in closer to her, my eyes trying to scan the screen that she was guarding closely. "Or are you cheating on me?" I accused, my voice low and intense, suddenly abandoning the discussion with the elders and focusing on this new suspicion.

The room fell silent, and the tension between us was palpable. I glared at her, waiting for a response, but she remained silent, her eyes fixed on mine, her expression unreadable. The elders' arguments faded into the background as I confronted Ally, my heart racing with a mix of anger and hurt.

"Answer me, Ally," I demanded, my voice rising. "What's going on? Who are you communicating with?" I felt a surge of jealousy and betrayal, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. The silence between us grew thicker and heavier until it became almost suffocating.

"What's wrong with me chatting with friends without you getting jealous?" Ally shot back, her voice quiet but laced with anger. "Don't look at me like that without answering my question, Damian."

I felt a sting of discomfort, her words hitting a nerve. "Ally, you shouldn't speak to me in that tone," I growled, my eyes scanning the hall to ensure we weren't being watched. I pulled her close, my grip aggressive. "Don't test my patience, Ally," I threatened, my voice low and commanding.

The air was charged with tension as we stood there, our bodies inches apart, our eyes locked in a silent challenge.

Ally's eyes flashed with defiance, but she didn't back down. "Or what, Damian? You'll punish me?" She whispered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're not my Alpha, nor my mate. Stop acting like you own me.”

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me feeling vulnerable and uncertain. "Really? But I thought you loved me." I asked, my eyes weakening and my voice laced with hurt and disappointment.

I felt a pang of dissatisfaction like a door had been slammed shut in my face. "Okay, fine," I replied, my face a mask of shame and defeat, my eyes cast downward, unable to meet Ally's gaze.

The silence that followed was deafening, and the tension between us was palpable. I felt like I was standing on shaky ground, my heart heavy with emotion. The realization that Ally didn't feel the same way I did was a hard pill to swallow.

"I thought we had something real, Ally," I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion. "But I guess I was wrong." I turned to walk away, feeling the weight of rejection and heartache.

But then Ally's voice cut through the silence, loud and remorseful. "I'm sorry, Damian." She kneels before me, her hands grasping my legs, her eyes pleading for forgiveness. The elders' discussion ceased, their attention drawn to our dramatic moment.

The hall fell silent, the only sound being Ally's ragged breathing and my own heavy heartbeat. I looked down at her, my eyes searching for answers, my mind reeling with confusion and hurt.

"What are you sorry for, Ally?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "For not loving me back? For leading me on? Or for breaking my heart?" I felt a lump form in my throat, and my eyes were stinging with tears. But why am I shedding tears over a woman? I thought as the tension began to ease, I felt guilty; this was the same plea Laura pleaded with me on the night of her rejection.