Chapter 31

Clutching the metallic rails of the bench, Emmaline stared at the splendid scenery ahead with dreamy eyes, its tranquillity soothing the inner pain that has torn the little soul apart.

The exotic and various colors dispersed all around her intrigued her and at the same time make her wonder if nature is so colorful then why her life was so dull. So hopeless, filled with despair.

She knew there was nothing to write home about her life but at least she had peace. The death of her parents had left her with a cross to bear- a life like a can of worms, an empty pocket, and the hardships she had to face for being born a girl.

The girl had witnessed everything. To make her life easier, she shed her blood, sweat, and tears, and turned her heart cold to fight against the evils because cowards won't stand a chance in this cruel world. She had everything but still couldn’t fill the lacunae that turned all efforts in vain.

And that was power.

The power of money and fame.

Her mind was jumbled up. The events that transpired last night left her bogged with depression and agony. But they made her realize something.

She can never win against that cruel Alpha.

Flashback

“So, if you aren't willing to accept me then I also wouldn't mind forcing you."

Those words sliced her heart into two. Since the recent encounters, the negative image Emmaline had of Damien in her mind was slightly changed but again he proved her wrong. She was disgusted but other than that she was scared. The man was so crazy about her that he was even ready to reveal his biggest secret.

Also, she was more scared for those innocent people. Yes, they degraded her and humiliated her but no one deserves to die. They all had families. And no one could understand the importance of having one better than her. She can't let them be killed by a man who had no relationship with her. Also, by doing so, she would give him another chance to indebt her.

Clenching her jaw, Emmaline looked at the man whose angry golden eyes had held her hostage. She gripped his fingers that were intertwined with hers before stepping closer to him.

"All right, if that's what you are dying to hear from me then fine, I am sorry for slapping you, and thanks for saving me. Happy? Now, please leave." She spoke coldly while swallowing her pride as she wanted to sort things out before they escalate further.

Another dread that was following her from inside was that if Damien reveals his identity, then she also had to come out of her cloak to save him from creating a massacre. Her secret will also be divulged which she can’t afford at any cost. That's why she stepped down in front of the Alpha and apologized to him but her efforts turned down the drain when Damien let out a humorous chuckle.

"You think so highly of yourself, aren't you?" He spoke and shook his head in disapproval.

Her face flushed with fury. He was making fun of her. But before she could retort, Damien gripped her chin between his index finger and thumb. Emmaline moaned in pain as his hold was way too tight. She immediately tried to move back and slap his hands away but Damien was fast enough. He grabbed both her hands with his other hand and pinned them behind her. Her chest arched but Damien pressed himself more on her, squishing her soft mounds.

Emmaline blanched at his deprave acts, "HOW DAR-"

"Not.a.word."

Damien hissed shutting her midway, his golden eyes boring holes in her terrified ones.

"I kept quiet only because I loved you but seems like I did a mistake. You're feisty, independent, and elegant. I admired everything about you and even regretted misbehaving with you. I respected your decisions and after your warning, I stayed within my limits because I fucking admitted my mistake. I knew I did horrible things with you but never gave up on you. I was adamant about winning your heart. Maybe one day you'll forgive me and see my efforts. Maybe one day you'll love me the way I do. I was willing, fucking willing to wait for your answer even if it takes an eternity. I let you slap me, humiliate me, scorn me in private BUT I NEVER GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO DISRESPECT ME IN FRONT OF MY PACK!!" He growled making her jump in fright.

Emmaline hadn't accepted him to confess his feelings openly. The way he delivered those words touched her heart. Unbeknownst to her, she started listening to him attentively but his sudden growl took her off guard.

Damien leaned forward, making her squeeze her eyes, "No one, no one ever dared to disrespect me. No one ever fucking dared to treat me the way you do. Like a rabid dog, I kept following you. I did everything for you only to get humiliated. I came here just to save your bloody ass but you keep jerking me off as I am a filth." He sneered in her face.

Emmaline was startled but his words charred her. Squaring her shoulder, she spat, "Watch your mouth, Mr. Knight."

"OR WHAT??"

Damien shouted back and cupped her face in her palms roughly making her flinch, "Or what you're gonna do? You can't even save yourself from these leeches who were making a standing joke of you in the middle of the street. If I hadn't come on time, you would have been sent to jail or worse chew them alive." He husked and threw her a smirk.

Her jaw ticked, "Mind your damn business. I have tremendous control. You don't need to worry about me." Emmaline spoke with difficulty as her cheeks were squished but she couldn't stop herself from retaliating as the way he insinuated his derision urged her to kill him on spot.

Damien snickered while eyeing her cute pout, "Yeah I have seen how much self-control you have. Come on, Em, just agree that you can't live without me. You aren't saved and you need me." He spoke and suddenly hauled her near his lips turning her eyes to the size of saucers,

"Accept me and I will let everything go." His voice suddenly dropped an octave.

Emmaline was boiling from inside. She continued glaring at him but a violent chill ran down her spine when Damien leaned more and brushed his lips against her dry ones. Her heart jackhammered against her chest when he started to speak while pressing his lips on her mouth. She almost retched at his perverted acts.

"You have no idea to what extent I can go to make you mine. You have already seen the trailer don't force me to show you the whole picture. So, better come to me on your own without throwing any fits and be mine." He said and moved back.

That’s when her resolve broke. Her eyes turned heavy with tears but she didn't open them. She didn't want to show him her weakness. But unfortunately, Damien noticed it. Huffing out loud, he cupped her face in her palms and kissed her forehead. Emmaline didn't say a word and remained standing like a mannequin.

"You are responsible for all this Em. Your stubbornness incited me to take this step. All this could have been avoided if you just love me back."

This time his voice was soft. The defeated look on her face was troubling him but he didn't let it sway his mind. Wiping her tears, he grabbed her shoulders and spoke sternly.

"Now go back to your room and sleep. No one will say a word to you and don't worry, no one will remember anything."

With that, he strutted with his retinue trailing behind him leaving Emmaline drowned in misery.

She lost the war. Once and for all.

End of Flashback.

A tear slid down her cheek to her neck and got absorbed in her shirt. Just like her voice which was silenced by Damien's powers who straightaway threatened her leaving no room for argument. The air of vain had emancipated her leaving a perspicacious picture in front of her. She can't win against that inimical man who can ravage her life in a snap of his fingers. Yes, it was trampling her self-esteem but it was the bitter truth that she forced herself to swallow.

Emmaline stifled a sob and closed her eyes while freeing them from tears of helplessness. The way Damien delivered those threats made her understand the gravity of the situation. She did a mistake and underestimated him. He is a billionaire and on top of that, an Alpha of a pack. She can’t win over him.

Emmaline sobbed and sobbed. She was depressed but the truth was that Damien had made her lose faith in herself. She had no idea how powerful his pack was but her confidence had staggered that she was willing to accept defeat. Her sordid condition made her question her abilities. All she could see was darkness around her. There were possibilities, and ways to fight but her zero confidence and bruised pride pushed her to roam in the loop of darkness.

She doesn’t want to leave it; she doesn’t want to look for the exit.

She was lost. Completely lost.