Never ownED myself

Chapter 15- Damon's strength

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People can step on you,
People can talk about you,
But it's up to you to decide
To live up to the ride
Or to carve a new you.
MJ
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In a cage, like a dog, lies a bruised man with deep wounds and dried blood. He was in the fetal position, but his eyes glinted with an air of pride and defiance. His body mapped the many frictions he had with the silver cage. Carving his flesh like a hot blade.

The man slyly moved, and a silent whimper caught between his teeth ending like a hiss. His burned femur would take longer to heal which was bothersome. His wolf Al was doing all he could to heal his body, taking a toll on his already weakened state.

"Sorry Al" Damon told his wolf getting into a sitting position to relieve his ached muscles.

Too weak to answer, his wolf groaned showing that he understood. Each one of them was working together to make sure to make it to the mark time.

"Annie, Isabella, Julie," he paused feeling his muscles relax. "Annie, Isabelle, Julie."

Vivid memories surged in his mind, the memories that were his to keep, the ones that had kept Al and Damon strong all that long.

A piece of heaven in the moments of darkness that surrounded his life.

◁◁ ▐ ▌(Flashback)◁◁ ▐ ▌

Annie's birth was a blessing. The moment he held her a connection deeper than the bond he had with his wife grew inside him. Al was just as mesmerized by her as if she was the most precious jewel in the world and she was theirs to keep. No one could understand the bond between them. Though she was way too young to show her wolf heritage and share a link, Al and Damon could feel Annie's emotions.

Isabella never complained about it, but he had noticed how quick she was to hand over the child. Since she was often called to serve the kingdom, he didn't bother to push things further.
In the end, a nanny was always around to take care of her basic needs.

The kid felt the drift between them, she was always cranky whenever she was around, and she would become restless around her. They were like magnets pushing one another.

The nights were like a nightmare, Annie would fight and refuse to be fed by her mother and she would only fall asleep with the use of an incantation. Things were different with Dad, Annie's behaviour was calm and cheerful around him. She would accept her mother's presence and even complied to be held in her arms.

Isabella was hurt, the silent cries in her room and the indifference around Annie were proof enough that she was suffering. Still, no one else knew what to say. After all, she was too young to have any magical abilities. After months of suffering, Isabella had come to a breaking point.

"How can I be a mother to her when she can't stand me?" She asked on the verge of tears next to the fire.

Annie was sleeping on Damon's lap letting the flames dey her wet her. She had had a terrible tantrum after the nanny had left for the night for an event she couldn't miss. Damon stroked Annie's hair and was awed by her angelic face.

"I don't know how to help you Isa. I spoke about what you told me and looked for second opinions, but Annie is fat too different from any other baby. There is nothing physical going on with her." Damon was just as a loss. The hopes of a happy family were carving a drift between them.

"There is a way. Let me handle it. I have enough experience. I can fix this once and for all!" She added with hope lighting her eyes.

Damon's head dropped to the hand pressing his arm. "Just... make sure to only block your emotions from her."