Arranged To The Beast Alpha
Troubled emotions

DAMIAN'S POV.

I couldn't sleep. The faint memory of Leah's glowing hands haunted me, even as I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the darkened room. Her touch had done something to me last night. I didn't want to admit it, but I'd felt... relieved, lighter, like a weight I didn't know I was carrying had been lifted. It wasn't natural. It wasn't normal.

I clenched my fists, trying to shake the thought from my mind. She had crossed a line. She shouldn't have touched me, shouldn't have done... whatever that was.

"She's dangerous," I muttered under my breath, rising to pace the room. My resolve to avoid her was firm now. It wasn't just about protecting her from me anymore. I needed to protect myself. Whatever power she had wasn't something I could afford to get tangled up with.

As I dressed, I caught sight of myself in the mirror. My reflection looked tired, angry, and... conflicted. I slammed my fist against the dresser. I couldn't let myself feel this way. Leah was a distraction-a dangerous one. The morning passed slowly. I avoided her during breakfast, making sure to sit as far away as possible. When it was time to leave, I barely looked at her.

The drive back to the pack house was silent. Leah sat beside me, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She didn't say a word, and I didn't offer any conversation either. My focus stayed on the road ahead, even as I felt her gaze flicker toward me a few times.

I hated this. I hated the way she made me feel conflicted, uncertain, weak. She was supposed to be nothing more than a responsibility, a burden I had to carry. But somehow, she'd managed to crawl under my skin, and it infuriated me. When we finally arrived at the pack house, I stepped out of the car without waiting for her. My boots hit the gravel sharply as I headed toward the entrance. Leah followed behind, her footsteps hesitant.

"Damian," she called softly as we reached the hallway.

I stopped but didn't turn around. My jaw tightened as I waited for her to speak.

"Did I do something wrong?" Her voice was trembling, barely above a whisper. "You've been... different since last night. If I upset you, I—"

"You didn't do anything," I interrupted coldly, turning to face her. Her wide, worried eyes met mine, and for a moment, I felt my resolve waver. But I couldn't let it.

"Then why are you acting like this?" she pressed, her voice growing stronger.

"Because it's for the best," I snapped. "Stop asking questions, Leah. Just... stay out of my way."

Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but I didn't give her the chance. I turned and walked away, leaving her standing there.

Inside my office, I slammed the door shut and leaned against it, my chest heaving. Why did she have to make everything so damn complicated? A knock on the door broke through my thoughts.

"What?" I barked.

"It's Kai," came the voice from the other side.

"Come in."

Kai entered, his expression serious. He didn't waste time with pleasantries.

"The council of elders has called an urgent meeting," he said. "They're expecting you in the main hall."

I frowned. The council rarely called meetings unless something significant had happened.

"What's it about?"

"They didn't say," Kai replied. "But it sounds important. You should come now."

I nodded, pushing myself away from the door. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good. And it was the perfect distraction from the storm raging inside me.

"Let's go,” I said, brushing past Kai. My focus shifted to the council, leaving thoughts of Leah behind at least for now.

The council room was tense, the air thick with judgment. As I stepped inside, all eyes turned to me. The elders sat in their usual seats, their expressions a mix of disapproval and impatience. I could feel the weight of their stares, their whispers stopping the moment I entered.

Kai stood silently behind me, his presence steady, but I could sense he was uneasy too.

"Alpha Damian," Elder Marcus began, his voice sharp and cutting. "We have urgent matters to discuss regarding your choice of Luna."

My jaw tightened. I knew this was coming. The elders had never fully approved of Leah.

"Leah is unsuitable," Elder Agnes said, her voice cold. "She lacks the qualities a Luna must have. She's inexperienced, weak-" "Enough," I cut her off, my voice firm.

"She's not just unfit," Marcus added, ignoring my interruption. "She's dangerous. We've heard reports about... strange occurrences. Her hands glow, healing people in ways that are unnatural. This is not something we can overlook." I slammed my hand on the table, making the room fall silent. My chest heaved as I fought to control my anger.

"You think you have the right to decide who's fit to be my Luna?" I said, my voice low but filled with warning. "Leah is my mate. She is my choice. That's all that matters."

"Your emotions are clouding your judgment, Damian," Marcus said, his tone full of disdain. "A Luna must be someone the pack can trust. Someone who doesn't pose a risk. What happens if her powers spiral out of control? What happens if she becomes a threat?"

"She is not a threat!" I growled, stepping closer to the table. "She is my mate. My Luna. And I will not hear another word against her."

The room grew quiet, but the tension only deepened.

"Your pack deserves better," Agnes said softly, but her words cut deep. "Think about what's best for them, Damian. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made."

Sacrifices. The word made my blood boil. Leah was not a sacrifice I was willing to make.

"I don't care what any of you think," I said through gritted teeth. "This is my decision. Mine. Leah stays as Luna, whether you approve or not."

There was a long silence, the elders exchanging glances, their expressions a mix of shock and frustration.

"Very well," Marcus finally said, though his tone made it clear he wasn't done fighting. "But don't say we didn't warn you."

I turned to leave, my fists clenched at my sides. I had made my stand, but the anger bubbling inside me hadn't lessened. As I walked toward the door, Kai followed closely behind.

Just as we stepped into the hallway, he leaned in and whispered, "Damian, there's something you need to know."

His tone sent a chill down my spine.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice sharp.

Kai hesitated, his eyes scanning the hallway to make sure no one was listening. Then, he leaned closer and said, "The elders know more about Leah than they're letting on. I overheard them earlier... something about her past. Something big.' His words hit me like a punch to the gut.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded, my heart pounding.

"I'll explain everything," Kai said. "But not here."

I nodded, my mind racing with questions. Whatever this was, it wasn't going to end here.