The Heat

16

"He was a dick. Not someone I ever cared for," Damian finished his reply to my question about his father, who had previously been alpha of their pack before his death.

"You know," he continued before I could say anything, "I'm not saying I'm an angel, but sometimes people over exaggerate how much of a dick I am, does that make sense?"

Both of us had finished our surprisingly delicious meals and were now just sitting in the booth talking.

It was good because the later we headed back to the pack house the better, which had been my plan. Now I found myself unable to stop listening to him, finding his voice and stories incredibly captivating.

"Why do you think that is?" I asked, not having even realised that my legs were thrown casually over one of his as I faced his side more.

"They expect me to be a replica of my dad. I am a lot like him, which is not something I'm exactly proud of, but I'm also a lot like my mom," he was looking down at his lap, hand still on my thigh while the other tugged at one of the drawstrings of his hoodie.

"What's your mom like?"

"You have to meet her, Sofia," I saw the corner of his mouth tug up into a small smile, instantly making me smile as well, "she's the kindest person you'll ever meet, you'd love her".

"That's so sweet," I spoke, not knowing what else to reply with.

"Oh, and also," I continued, remembering what I'd been thinking a moment ago, "if you don't want people over exaggerating your cruel deeds, you shouldn't do them".

"I protect my pack, Sofia. They're my responsibility," he explained, voice turning more serious, "if there's a chance that someone is trying to hurt them, of course I'm going to be a dick. I don't start wars or battles because I like it".

"And what about you kidnapping me? That was a dick move," I reminded him and he sighed, comfortably leaning back against the wall of the booth.

"Okay, alright. It was more selfish than anything. I was growing angrier and weaker since I'd met you when you were 12, and an angry and weak Alpha is not someone you want leading a pack," he told me, fingers drawing small figures into the side of my thigh, "for me to keep my position as Alpha, I felt the need to have you with me, making me more powerful..."

"So this is all about you being a good Alpha?" I came to the conclusion.

"Well, yes... and no," he shook his head, "one part yes, but I admit I wanted you for other reasons as well".

"Dare I ask?" I found a smug smile forming onto my lips.

"No," he chuckled quietly and shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. His eyes met mine.

"And you had Sawyer murdered because..." my smile then faded as I brought this up.

"Because seeing you and him together only made me angrier, and just thinking about you two was just... you know," he explained, growing serious again, "I regret it, I do. I hate that you have feelings for him, but I understand he was important to you. I was a dick for doing what I did".

I didn't reply, and instead glanced down at my lap.

The diner was pretty much empty now, and the sun was setting.

The raid must be over now, and my family was upset and disappointed for me not having been found.

"Would you like to go see your family in two days?" Damian spoke up after a comfortable silence. My eyes widened a little, happiness at the thought flooding my veins.