Chapter Twenty Four Damien's POV- As soon as I heard Julian's words , I panicked from where I was standing . I could tell just what he was about to say to Elara . Something to sweeten his way into her life , something about being , " together " talk , something about her " freedom " since she hadn't found her mate yet My blood was rushing . I could hear it in my ears , and I was unable to refrain myself from shouting across the corridor , my words ringing in the air , unarguable " What on earth are you still doing there ?! It's time for class ! " I had purposely added that part about him being a teacher just to hide my desperation , but I was shaking inside . I was scared I couldn't allow him to finish that sentence I couldn't allow him to ask her to be his , not when every fiber of mine still shrieked that she was mine . What I did not expect was Elara's reaction . I'd steeled myself for her to turn on me , to scold me for interrupting , even to agree defiantly , about whatever it was Julian was proposing , just to spite me . But she didn't , she'd taken the excuse to be free , her face flushed as she muttered something about class and rushed into the lecture hall . It was a wave of relief , and shock too . But to again it served as a flicker of hope . She had not waited for him to explain . She hadn't wanted to . That meant something , right ? It meant she wasn't succumbing to Julian's charms , that despite all the distance with which she'd separated us , she wasn't going to leap into his arms , For the first time in days , I felt able to breathe . - My mind was spinning as I watched her walk out through the doors . The mate bond wounded me deeper than he could've known . Back in our previous life when Elara had sensed it the instant we met , her eyes Julian's suspicious mention of it had flickering to life with an intimacy that had unraveled me . But this was a different experience . She didn't appear to feel it at all , or if she did she was fightin fighting it with everything she had . I had pried open the truth , without saying it a thousand times , the bond that still flickered in my heart , binding me to her over time I couldn't tell her - not now If I did , she'd refuse me , break that bond with that cold resolve I'd seen in her eyes . And that would kill me . I had survived losing her once , but losing her forever ? I couldn't bear it . Still , doubt gnawed at me Why was this life so different ? There'd been a time in our past when she had loved me fiercely , when her trust had been unbreakable , right up until Sabrina's lies and my stupidity shattered it . But now she hated me , and the walls she had erected were higher than I could scale What has changed ? Had the Moon Goddess done this , some punishment for my sins ? Or was it me - had I broken something between us that would never heal ? +25 ROMUS I let out a sigh , shoulders drooping , and then I felt it - the pricking awareness that drew my gaze to the side . Julian was still standing there , leaning back against a tree , arms crossed , a smug smile spread across his face . We locked eyes , and the air between us crackled with tension . He laughed , a deep and mocking laugh that pushed me to the edge . " Why do you keep butting in on my moments with Elara , Damien ? " he said , his voice light yet laced with venom " What , got a problem with me talking to her ? " I felt anger , hot and immediate . I took a step toward him , fists balled at my sides . " Get away from her , Julian , " I growled , my voice low and dangerous . " You don't get to play your dumb games with her . She's not a pawn in whatever you're up to . " He smiled wider , but his eyes hardened and sparkled with challenge . " Games ? Nah , Damien , this isn't a game . I love her . And I'm gonna get her , whether you like it or not " He tilted his head and looked at me up then down , then smirked . " What's the matter ? Feeling threatened ? Love her ? The words hit me like a blow , sparking a possessive rage I could barely control Julian didn't know her . Not the way I did . He hadn't rocked her through nightmares , hadn't witnessed her smile break the morning , hadn't known the sorrow of missing her . He was taking advantage of her , I was certain of it , He was aimed at using her , playing with her emotions , getting under my skin , and trying to resolve whatever score he thought we had I leaned near , my voice dropping to a snarl . "I know what you're trying to do Julian , You're using her against me , and I'm not going to take it back off . " He let out a full laugh a sharp , mocking noise that reverberated through the empty quad Using her ? Man , you're paranoid . Maybe I just noticed what you're too dull to see . Elara's wonderful , and I'm not the one who keeps messing up with her . " He straightened and stepped toward me , his voice low . " Tell me , Damien - do you love her ? Is that what you're so worked up about ? " I snorted , hiding the truth that was aching in my chest . " It's none of your business how I feel , " I shot back , but those words felt hollow I hated how effortlessly he saw through me , how he took every moment and used it to serve his advantage . Julian's smile turned wily , and he bent in , " Yeah , it's my business if I love her . And because you want her so badly , I'll make it my mission to claim her first " He stopped , his eyes flashing with malice . " What's wrong . Damien ? Afraid she's leaving for good ? " That was it +25 DONUS It felt like his words were cracking something open inside me , bursting something loose in me that could no longer hold back the flood of my jealousy , because of my feelings , my desperation . I'd lost Elara once - seen her die because of my mistakes - and I'd be damned if I let Julian take her from me now My vision narrowed , my wolf restless beneath my skin and demanding I act I didn't think so . I didn't hesitate . My punch swung forward , aimed directly at his smug face .