The lost mate
Chapter 90: Anger and Calm

Chapter 90: Anger and Calm

"A trial?" Luna Miriam interjected, stepping forward with a graceful sweep of her gown. "Jessica, let’s not be hasty. This was clearly an accident."

Jessica’s face twisted with disdain, her eyes never leaving Anne. "An accident? I don’t think so. She’s been here for five minutes, and already she’s causing chaos. It’s only fitting that the council gets to decide if she’s truly worthy of being Damien’s mate."

Damien stepped between them.

"That’s enough, Jessica. This is ridiculous."

Jessica scoffed, her eyes flashing with indignation. "You think this is ridiculous? I think it’s about time your pack sees who she really is—what she’s capable of. Or are you too blinded by her to see the truth?"

Anne’s throat tightened. She didn’t want this. She didn’t want to be the cause of a scene, to drag Damien into a confrontation that would only escalate.

Miriam, sensing the rising tension, placed a calming hand on Anne’s arm. "Jessica, you’re being unreasonable. A trial? What would that even entail?"

Jessica smirked, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "A challenge, of course. The same trial any outsider must face when claiming a place in a pack—an Alpha’s mate or not."

Anne felt the blood drain from her face. She had heard of the trials before—physical and mental tests meant to prove strength, loyalty, and the right to belong. They were archaic, remnants of a time when power was all that mattered and the weak were weeded out. But those trials weren’t meant for mates—they were meant for challengers, enemies of the pack. Not for her.

Damien’s voice was hard, unyielding. "This isn’t happening, Jessica. Anne doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, least of all you."

Jessica’s lips curled into a cruel smile. "You’re protecting her because you know she’d fail. You know she’s not strong enough to survive in this world."

Damien’s jaw clenched. "You are not part of my pack, Jessica; you cannot challenge Anne or anyone else in it. Your opinion holds no weight here."

Jessica’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint shining in them. "Of course, but Damien, you are forgetting something. You are not the Alpha... yet."

Damien’s eyes flashed with anger, his fists clenched at his sides.

Jessica’s smirk widened, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "Your dad is the alpha; he will allow this challenge, won’t he?" Damien’s expression darkened.

Damien’s eyes flashed with fury, his jaw clenched so tightly that Anne thought he might snap.

"No," Damien said abruptly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. He took a step forward, his posture radiating raw anger. "This is not happening. I’m not entertaining this ridiculous charade any longer."

Jessica’s smirk faltered, but she quickly masked it with her usual haughty expression.

His gaze then swept over the crowd, daring anyone to speak up. "The trial is over before it begins."

Anne stood silently besides him, her heart pounding as she watched the fierce protectiveness in Damien’s stance. She knew he was close to losing control—she could see the storm brewing just beneath the surface of his exterior. His wolf was pacing within him, eager to take over.

Without another word, Damien grabbed Anne’s hand and turned towards the exit, pulling her with him. Damien’s grip was tight, his body tense as they stormed out of the party and into the cool night air.

As soon as they were outside, he let go of her hand and ran a frustrated hand through his hair, pacing in front of her. His movements were sharp, as though he were trying to keep his wolf at bay. His breathing was ragged, and Anne could feel the waves of anger radiating off him.

"Damien..." Anne began softly, but he didn’t seem to hear her.

"How dare she?" Damien growled, his voice low and dangerous. "How dare she try to force you into this? I should have ripped her apart right there." His eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, a sign that his wolf was dangerously close to breaking free.

Anne stepped closer to him, her voice calm and soothing. "Damien, it’s okay. I know you’re angry, but this isn’t the way."

He stopped pacing and looked at her, his eyes still glowing. "It’s not okay, Anne. They’re trying to tear you down, to make you prove something you shouldn’t have to. You’re my mate. That should be enough."

Anne placed a gentle hand on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. "It is enough," she said softly. "But you can’t let her get to you like this. You know Jessica is doing this to provoke you."

Damien’s hands trembled as he exhaled, trying to regain control. His wolf was on the surface, itching for a fight, for release. Anne could feel it in the way his muscles tensed, his breaths coming in short, sharp bursts. She knew he needed more than just calming words right now—he needed to run, to let his wolf out in a way that didn’t involve tearing apart half the pack.

"Come with me," Anne whispered, her voice soft but firm. "Let’s go for a run." Anne stepped closer, pressing her forehead against his chest, feeling the warmth of him surround her. "We’ll run it off. Together."

Damien’s breathing slowed slightly at her words, and after a long moment, he nodded. "Let’s go."

They walked swiftly to the car. The moon was high in the sky, casting silver light on the trees that bordered the forest.

Once they reached the edge of the pack’s territory, Damien parked the car and stepped out, the cool night air helping to ground him. Anne followed, her heart beating steadily, and her mind focused on helping him let go of the rage that had built up inside him. They stripped off their fancy clothes as the cool air hit their skin.

"Ready?" she asked softly, already feeling the familiar pull of her wolf stirring beneath her skin.

Damien nodded, his expression calmer now but still intense. He stepped back, and in one fluid motion, he shifted. His transformation was quick and seamless, his wolf form powerful and sleek, his dark fur glistening under the moonlight. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he shook off the last vestiges of his human form.

Anne smiled, then closed her eyes, her wolf taking over. She felt the shift in her bones, the familiar stretch and change as her body transformed into her wolf form. Her sleek white fur shone in the moonlight as she stood besides Damien, their wolves now side by side.

Without a word, they took off into the forest.