Chapter 25-Waiting for the Show Damien's POV: I parked the car across from Golden Standard Pawnshop. Selene glanced out the window, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Why are we here?" "Waiting for a show," I replied mysteriously, placing her hand against my lips and kissing her knuckles. I could never tire of her warmth. A rosy flush crept across her adorable cheeks. She lowered her gaze, avoiding my direct stare. Did she realize I wanted more than just her hand? Every fiber of my being screamed to claim her here and now, but I restrained myself. I had glimpsed the fragile trust forming in her eyes-I could not risk shattering it. A small crowd had gathered in front of the pawnshop. I leaned close to Selene and murmured, "The show's about to begin." My gaze swept coldly across the street, then returned to her. She followed my line of sight and bit her lip as she saw that wretched woman. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Charges of theft and murder. I reported your case to the Council." I gently held her hand, stopping her nails from digging into her palm. Suddenly, Vanessa came barreling toward us, pounding on the car window. Nausea rose in me at the sight. After Selene nodded, I rolled down the window. "Aaron..." Vanessa's voice faltered. Seeing Selene, her eyes widened in shock, a trembling disbelief spreading through her pupils. "Selene? No... it can't be... impossible..." She shook her head violently, rubbing her eyes until her makeup smeared. "It's me. You saw correctly. If you need a closer look, I can step out," Selene said, sharp with sarcasm. She touched the door handle, but I stopped her. "Reporters," I reminded her. She glanced back, offering a reassuring pat to my hand. All was under my control-the media could report what I allowed. I was testing her readiness; exposing her identity could be advantageous. She wouldn't have to hide in that town anymore, and Lars's crimes could be brought to light. First, I needed to see if Selene was ready. Selene stepped toward Vanessa, and I followed, standing by her side. "See clearly now?" Selene said, arms spread as if presenting herself. "I'm right here, safe and sound. Disappointed?" Vanessa glared at her, then twisted her expression toward me, disbelief and fury contorting her features. "You two... you've been playing me! How dare you!" She raised a hand to strike Selene but was stopped by a nearby officer. Selene slapped her without hesitation. 1516 67.57 Hell yes-that's my woman. So damn sexy. "If there were a river here, I'd dunk your head in it so you'd understand death. Last night, I was almost raped and killed. I nearly never saw my grandmother again. Thanks to you!" Her words cut through me like knives. My blood froze, a new wave of rage surging inside. The pain she endured was a bitter poison I refused to swallow, and I barely restrained myself from unleashing it on the perpetrator behind her suffering. "Even if you refuse to see me as your sister, I'm still a life. Being small or poor doesn't make my life. worthless. Wealth doesn't give you the right to crush me like an insect. I will no longer stay silent. This time, you will pay," Selene stood tall, unflinching. "You think I'll be afraid? Dad will come for me soon, and then I'll teach you a lesson, you little pest!" Vanessa snarled, exposing her wolf in an attempt to intimidate Selene. But at the sound of my low growl, she recoiled. My wolf, like me, burned with rage, desperate to tear this woman apart. I held Selene closer, feeling the pain she'd endured beneath her strength. After what her family did to her, how could she not hurt? I signaled the officers to take this scheming woman away, and the journalists parted. "I'm sorry, angel. It's my fault you suffered," I whispered, pressing her face to my chest, chin resting atop her head. "What will happen to her?" she asked, voice barely audible. "She'll get the punishment she deserves," I replied coldly. My principle was not to strike women, but that didn't mean I'd show mercy. After what she did to my Selene, she would not leave unscathed. She needed to learn the consequences of her actions. "You're different from her, aren't you?" Selene placed a hand over my heart, feeling its rhythm. "Today, I saw how you use money to achieve your goals. But would you hurt others for it?" "No, I am nothing like her. I inherited some money from my parents, but I am not a slave to it. I am your slave, Selene-only yours. Whether I harm others depends on you. If you command me to destroy the world, I would do it without hesitation," I said. She lifted her head from my embrace, those favorite hazel eyes of mine shining, a smile blossoming across her face. I was intoxicated. My lips brushed her forehead, down to her chin, stopping inches from her mouth. Unsure if a kiss was appropriate now, I held my breath and asked, "May I?" Her lips grazed mine. My breathing quickened. Then I heard her whisper, "Only if you catch me!" and- pain shot through my lower lip-I realized she'd bitten me, hard. A mischievous smile curved her face as she broke free and sprinted into the street. Her curls shimmered in the soft streetlight, bouncing with each stride. She wanted to be chased. Not the romantic kind of chase, but primal, wild-the challenge a female wolf gives to her mate before accepting him. And she was testing me. 31536 07.573 The thought sent a thrill through my senses. My wolf cheered within me. I wiped the blood from my lips and surged after her. 14.76 Leave a comment