Chapter 2 - The Call Of The Blood

• Damon
• She challenges me. Despite her weakness, despite her fear, I see that glint in her eyes - the glint of a she-wolf who refuses to give up completely. That's what attracts me to her. Her fragility conceals a raw strength, a spark that no humiliation has succeeded in extinguishing.
• I take her back to my domain, crossing the forest with sure steps. My men stand back, watching the shadow slip through the trees. They know better than to approach me when I'm in this state. I'm not in the mood for conversation. Not after the hunt.
• The large iron gates open before me and I enter the protected territory of my pack. My domain extends over several hectares, an imposing manor house dominating the heart of the forest. The dark stonework and large black windows create a cold, impenetrable atmosphere - just like me.
• The gates of the manor open before I even reach the staircase. Elias, my second-in-command, is waiting for me at the entrance, his dark, piercing gaze immediately shifting to Alina.
• - So it's her?" he asks in a neutral tone.
• I didn't answer. I cross the threshold of the manor house, Alina still in my arms. I feel her warm breath against my throat, her tiny hand clinging to my shoulder. Even unconscious, her body instinctively seeks my protection.
• I climb the stairs to the first floor, Élias following close behind.
• - Are you sure this is a good idea? he continues. She's weak. Too fragile to survive what you are.
• I glare at him.
• - That's not your problem.
• - But it will be when it can't stand your brand.
• My fangs reveal themselves with a dull growl.
• - She'll put up with it.
• I push open the door to my bedroom and place Alina on the huge bed covered in black sheets. She moans faintly, her long eyelashes quivering on her pale cheek. Her dress is torn, revealing the milky skin of her shoulder and the red mark left by my claws when I caught her in the forest. I feel a twinge of guilt, but I ignore it.
• Élias leans against the doorframe, arms folded.
• - If she dies, it will be an unnecessary loss.
• I move slowly towards Alina, brushing her cheek with my fingertips.
• - She won't die.
• - Are you sure? Because she's shaking, and I'm not sure if it's from cold.
• I turn to him, my eyes blazing.
• - It's mine. It's not an option.
• Élias sighs, but he knows he has no say in the matter. He straightens up and leaves the room, leaving me alone with her.
• I sit on the edge of the bed, my eyes roaming over her sleeping face. She's beautiful - too beautiful. Her blonde hair frames her face in a silky cascade, and her pink mouth opens slightly as she takes a jerky breath. I reach out, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. She moans faintly, her head unconsciously tilting towards my hand.
• A smile grazes my lips.
• - You're already feeling the call, aren't you?
• My wolf is growling inside me, impatient. It demands her, demands to mark her, to possess her completely. But I'm not an animal without control. I'm not yet.
• Suddenly, Alina's eyes opened.
• Her golden eyes widen when she sees me. She immediately tries to back away, her body pressing against the headboard.
• - Don't touch me.
• I laugh softly.
• - It's a bit late for that, little wolf.
• She gritted her teeth, her eyes shining with fear and defiance.
• - Let go of me!
• I lean towards her, my hands on either side of her head, trapping her against the bed.
• - I've saved you. You're mine now.
• - I'm not yours!" she spat.
• My gaze hardened.
• - Is it?
• In one fluid movement, I graze his neck with my fingertips. Her breath catches. I feel the tension run through her body as she senses the warmth of my touch.
• - Explain to me why you don't push me away then.
• His eyes blur, a mixture of fear and desire reflected in them. I put my lips close to his ear, my voice dark and sharp.
• - Your body's already asking for me. You can't deny it.
• She trembles beneath me, and I know I'm right. She's fighting attraction, but it's a battle she's already lost. The bond is there, nascent, fragile, but real.
• She pushes me weakly, her frail hands against my chest.
• - You can't force me.
• My smile widens.
• - I won't need to force you. You'll come to me of your own free will.
• I back away slowly, my burning gaze locked on hers. She hates me right now, but beneath that anger lies a darker truth: she wants me. She feels it. Her body feels it.
• I straighten up and turn away from her, leaving her panting and shaking on the bed.
• - Get some rest, Alina," I said, heading for the door. You'll need your strength.
• - Why?
• I take one last look over my shoulder, my eyes shining in the darkness.
• - Because tomorrow... I start to break you.
• I close the door behind me, a cruel smile forming on my lips. My wolf howls with satisfaction. The game has just begun.