Chapter Nine
Damien’s POV:
I forced a smile, though my patience was wearing
caring thin “Wonderful,” I said dryly. “Truly, i like a dream come true.”
“See?” She cooed, completely ignoring the sarcasm dripping from my tone. “I knew you’d come around. This is perfect, Damien. A fresh start for us!”
I stepped back, crossing my arms over my chest. “Let me stop you right there, Ava. There’s no “us. There never was. And I don’t have the energy to deal with you.
Her smile faltered for a brief second, but she quickly recovered, her expression turning coy. “Oh, come on, Damien. Don’t be like that. We had something special once, didn’t we?”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Special? If by ‘special‘ you mean a complete disaster, then sure, let’s call it that ”
Her eyes narrowed slightly, a flash of irritation breaking through her facade. “You’re still holding a grudge,” She said, her voice softer now, almost coaxing. “I can see it in your eyes. But I’m here to make things right”
“You want to make things right?” I asked, my voice sharp as I took a step closer. “Then stay far away from me, Ava. The last thing I need is your chaos following me around again”
She pouted, leaning against the doorframe as if she had all the time in the world. “Chaos? That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” “Not harsh enough,” I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair. “Look, Ava, I don’t care why you’re here or what game you’re playing but stay out of my way. Got it?”
Before she could respond, Caspian, who had been quietly watching the exchange from the corner of the room, finally stepped
“Ava,” He said firmly. “You’ve made your point. Now, give him some space.
She turned to him, batting her lashes like she always did when she wanted to manipulate someone “Caspian, you’re still as charming as ever,” She purred.
“Save it,” he said, his expression unreadable. Tm not in the mood for your theatrics.”
Her smile faltered again, but she quickly straightened up, brushing imaginary lint off her blouse. “Fine,” she said with a huff, throwing me one last lingering look. “I’ll give you some space, Damien. For how
With that, she turned on her heel and sauntered out of the room, leaving behind the scent of her overly sweet perfume.
As soon as the door closed behind her, I let out a frustrated groan and sank onto the couch
“First Julian, now w Avai muttered, running both hands down my face. “What’s next? A circus?”
Caspian smirked, leaning against the wall. “If it is, you’d be the star attraction
I glared at him, but he just shrugged. “Look on the bright side,” He added. “At least things aren’t boring.”
“That’s the problem.” I shot back, rubbing a hand down my face. “I’d take boring over this mess any day.”
I exhaled and crossed the room, dropping onto the couch with a thud. Leaning forward, I rested my elbows on my knees and clasped my hands together, trying to make sense of everything.
Ave and I had a brief but high–profile relationship at Harvard–one that had been the talk of the school
Our breakup had sent shockwaves through campus, yet after I left and took over the Pack, she had vanished from my life. No calls, no sudden appearances Nothing
+15 BONUS
So why now?
Then it hit me.
I was making changes.
Taking this position as a lecturer was an attempt to rewrite mine and Elara’s fate, but maybe, just maybe, it had set off a chain
reaction.
The college Elara attended in the past was this exact same one, and maybe it was the same place Ava had taught in the past. That could explain her presence:
But Julian?
I had always kept tabs on him, and never–not once–had he been anywhere near this college. So what changed? What had drawn him here?
Could Julian be her mate in this life? Did the Moon Goddess choose him to give Elara the happiness I had stolen from her before?
Should I step back and let them have their chance?
The very idea clawed at my chest.
the pain of my mistakes if I was
But if that were the case, then why was I reborn with my past memories? Why show me th powerless to change anything?
Was this my punishment to watch from the sidelines as she found happiness with someone else?
Over the next two days, I barely saw Elara, except from a distance, usually on the Lawn Tennis field. But I never approached her.
Caspian didn’t ask why, but his eyes had unspoken questions every time he caught me watching her. He knew something
was off
However, I drowned myself in work, throwing my focus into orientation, introductions, and familiarizing myself with my new responsibilities. Anything to keep my mind occupied.
But fate had other plans
Just when I thought I could avoid Elara lon
long enough to figure out what to do, I received my class schedule
Werewolf History I & II
For first–year students
My stomach twisted as I stared at the list of students that would be taking the course.
And Elara’s name was on it.
Tomorrow, I would stand before my students, and she would be there–watching me, listening to me.
The past I was trying to escape was about to collide head–on with the present.
And I had no idea how to handle it
Sighing. I tossed the file aside and turned to Caspian, who was busy typing away on his laptop.
“I don’t get it ” I said, crossing my arms. “We had almost the same scores in college, so how is it that you’re handling the
second years while I’m stuck with the first years?”
Caspian looked up, a smug grin already forming “Glad you
said “almost” and not exactly
I rolled my eyes as he leaned back in his chair.
“Besides,” He continued. “I was way more active in school than you were. You spent most of your time chasing girls and soaking up the fame, while I was leading clubs and, you know, learning i
Thuffed ‘Fair point.”
Caspian closed his laptop and studied me for a moment before speaking again. “Also He hesitated, then leaned forward. ” The whole reason you dragged me into this–forcing me to take a lecturer position was because you wanted to be close to Elara, right?”
I stiffened
“But ever since the whole thing with Julian and Ava, you’ve been acting off His tone was cautious, but his eyes held a glare. Texhaled slowly, shaking my head. “I just… I don’t know,”
want her anymore, we can leave. It’d be better than letting history
He watched me carefully before sighing “Look, if you don’t w repeat itself, don’t you think?”
My jaw clenched. “I will never let that happen again!
Not with Elara.
Caspian held
קטן
his hands in surrender. “Good. Then do yourself a favor and step back. Don’t ruin tonight for them,
I leaned forward. “What’s happening tonight?”
His brows lifted slightly. “You seriously don’t know?”
I shook my head, my grip tightening on the armrest.
Caspian let out a slow breath before answering. “Julian and Elata have a date tonight.”
