'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture
I wouldn't know how to be this way now and never back down
So I wanna say thank you
-Christina Aguilera

Octavia

Trying to catch my breath after that insanely wonderful moment. A million thoughts running through my mind.

"We need to talk" I hear him say

Still struggling to come down off that high he just left me on.

"What was the information that was so important he had to take you out in the woods " he asks, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear

Who knew the big bad Alpha was such a softy

"Well, he was warning me that my old Alpha was looking for me" I say, nervously trying to think of the best way to explain this

"Oh, why is he interested in finding you. Is that why he's so determined to come here himself" he says, trying to hold back his anger.

"I'm not really sure. But there is something I need to tell you" I respond, trying not to look directly at him. This isn't going to go over well.

"You see, he was actually my first mate" I blurt out, avoiding eye contact

"But, before you get mad. Please know that it was a really hard time for me. That whole pack abused me since I was a child. When I found out he was my mate, he tortured me and kept me prisoner while taking another she-wolf to mate and make Luna"

His fists tighten against his sides, his eyes are so black and the veins in his neck look like they're about to explode.

"Making Jessica his Luna wasn't enough to suppress the bond we had. So, some nights he'd come to the basement and let his wolf take in my scent. He would forcefully kiss me and then make sure I was covered in his scent" I said, as a tear started to fall from my eye.

His muscles tighten and his breathing gets heavier. I can tell he's about to flip out on me. I hope he doesn't hurt me for not telling him about Juda. The past has been so traumatic for me, just bringing it up makes me have so many different emotions. I just want to bury it all and not think about it again.

"Please don't be mad at me for not telling you sooner, I really haven't had much of a chance. And I honestly thought you'd reject me anyway" I sob out. Trying to stop my tears.

He slowly brings his hand to my cheek, and wipes away the tears that are falling. His other hand wraps around my waist and he pulls me into his chest. His hug is completely unexpected but his touch makes me melt into him. I never thought there would be this side to Damion.

He pulls my face to look directly into his

"Octavia, I already told you before. You are mine. I will never let something happen to you. I promise" he says while softly caressing my cheek. He slowly leans down and plants a soft kiss on my lips. My heart flutters wildly in my chest. I'm falling hard.

Everything about him was scary and dark but this side of him is so calm and unexpected. I never knew there could be such a warm side to him. I can't help myself, I've fallen for the big bad Alpha and I don't care who knows. I smile as he releases me. The spot still warm where his hand was.

"We need to head back to the pack house. Don't worry about collecting your things. I've already sent someone to do it. You'll be in my room from today onwards" he says, reaching down to grab my hand. Guiding me out of the thickness of the woods.

I can't help but feel excited. A fresh start with a mate who wants me. I can finally be happy. Tomorrow there will be consequences to all of this and I'll have to make sure Gavin is ok, but for now I'll just savor the moment I have with Damion.

"When this John guy arrives" he starts

"Juda" I say

"Right, Juda"

I don't miss the subtle aggression saying his name

"Well, when this Juda guy arrives. My warriors will keep an eye on him. The tournament will continue on as planned but you will not participate" he states.

What

"What do you mean I won't participate" I cry out

"I mean, that MY mate will not risk herself getting hurt, or worse giving Juda an opportunity to try and make a move" he replies

His voice getting stronger now, trying to use his Alpha voice to command me

Yeah right buddy

I stop walking, still holding his hand. He lets out a huff of annoyance.

"I am absolutely going to fight in this tournament and you will not stop me" I say, pointing my finger at him.

Clearly I've lost my mind

He lets out a chuckle

He's laughing. What is going on

"Ok my little Luna. If you wish to fight, then fight. It will be good to show our pack that not only is their Luna the most beautiful she-wolf, she is the strongest too" he says, giving me a quick smile.

I can't believe he smiled at me

I'm sure I look like a fish with my mouth gaping open as if I'm struggling for air. He's absolutely left me speechless. I thought I was going to have to sneak out and join the tournament behind his back. But here he is just cheering me on telling me to kick ass. I did not see that coming.

"So you think I'll actually have a chance" I whisper out.

"Baby, I know you'll kick ass" he lets out with a chuckle
"You are so strong and fierce, I've seen you practice. They should be terrified once you step foot out there" he tells me.

I must admit, I'm enjoying this boost of confidence.

"Come on, let's get back to our room and you can show me some of your moves" he growls, pulling me forward as we walk on.

The events of tonight have completely exhausted me. I didn't even realize how tired I was until we started walking again. I'm not sure I can even manage to make it back without falling out. Being so close to Damion has my body so relaxed. Just being in his presence calms me and calms Atia.

I could stay forever in this moment next to him. As if he's reading my mind, or channeling directly into my feelings, he reaches behind me and swoops me up into his arms. I don't even resist. I just fall against his very firm, large chest and relax. His body heat soothes me and within a second my eyes are closing.

I awake to the sun peeking through the curtains

Curtains

Where am I

I look around the room, trying to piece together how I ended up in this place. I honestly don't remember anything after I passed out in Damions arms. He must've just carried me all the way to his room, or should I say our room now

Just thinking about it being our room makes me feel all giddy inside

"Glad to see you are finally awake" I hear him say

"I've ordered someone to bring a tray up for breakfast. You are exhausted so I don't want you over doing it today. Just relax for a bit. I have to go down and handle some pack business, but I'll come check on you around lunch" he says, his face emotion-less like usual.

Is he regretting last night?

"Oh ok" I simply reply. Not sure how to process his gloomy expression. I turn my head to focus on the window, not wanting him to see my face.

He walks over to the side of the bed I'm sitting on, and kneels down next to me. Slowly he brings his hand up to my face, gently cupping it in his palm

"I don't regret a single thing about you" he says
"I meant every word I said last night, Octavia. This is all very new for me, and I'm still learning how to navigate my feelings. I didn't think the Moon Goddess would ever give me a mate, especially one so beautiful, for years I've been alone. Now I have to learn how to be better for you. My expressions may not change right away, and I might have a hard time controlling my anger. But for you I'm willing to do anything. As long as you are happy, my wolf and I will be at ease. I live only for you now"

He leans in and shatters my last wall I built up with a mind blowing kiss. For years I've been alone as well and now I have this Greek God swearing his life to me. I never imagined that this would even be possible. My heart swells, it's running a million miles a second.

Loving this man is going to drag me through hell but I'll gladly go there. I know I need to be strong now, strong for him and strong for myself. He has so many enemies that will now be my enemies. Hundreds of lives in this pack depend on him and now they'll depend on me. I can't be that scared little girl who cowered in the corner when I was in Novilunium Pack.

No, I'll never be that girl again.

From now on I'll set a blaze of fire wherever I go and I dare anyone to stand In my way.