Page 11 of Bully Alpha's Secret Baby

Damien’s face remains impassive, but there’s a tension in his stance, like he’s daring me to challenge him.

I don’t even know where to start.

Chapter 3 - Damien

This is for the pack.

That’s what I keep telling myself as I make my way to the chapel. I’m not doing this for me. This mating ritual isn’t personal. It’s about protecting the pack, securing Jade’s loyalty, and triggering more of her witch powers.

But deep down, I know there’s more to it. Maybe I want her close. Maybe I want to remind everyone she’s mine.

I shove that thought aside as the chapel comes into view. It’s old, built back when the pack first settled in this area. It’s meant to feel like a sanctuary for our pack. We’re not like the other two packs that border Glory Town. We’re more progressive, while the others cling to the old ways of doing things. Still, we’ve always had an uneasy truce, living in the same space without tearing each other apart—until now. With the recent deaths and everything spinning out of control, the fragile peace we’ve managed to keep is fraying at the edges.

And that’s why I’m here. This ritual will solidify Jade’s place, tie her to us—tie her to me—so no one can question her loyalty again.

When I push open the heavy wooden door, she’s already inside. She’s standing near the altar, her back to me, looking as tense as a drawn bowstring. She’s wearing the traditional white dress, and her dark hair is braided, hanging down her back. It’s a stark contrast to the jeans and t-shirt she usually wears. She’s beautiful, but her eyes are haunted.

Two pack elders, Benedict and Agnes, are waiting on either side of the altar. This ritual is a tradition. Anytime an alpha takes a luna, there’s a ceremony to seal their bond. The union must be witnessed by two council members. In our case,it’s Agnes and Benedict, both long-standing members of the Starfire Hollow pack.

Jade doesn’t turn when I enter. She hasn’t looked at me once since I dragged her back here and told her she’d be my mate. The coldness between us crackles thicker than the air in this damn chapel. But I keep my face neutral as I step up beside her. I can’t let anyone see how much her silence grates on me, or how much I notice the space between us.

“Let’s get this over with,” I mutter, keeping my voice low enough that only she can hear.

She still doesn’t look at me. Fine. I’m not here for a reunion.

“Damien,” Benedict begins, “this ritual binds you both to the pack and to each other. Are you certain of the weight of this choice?”

I meet his gaze without flinching. “I understand.”

This isn’t a choice. This is what needs to happen to keep things in check.

“And you, Jade,” Agnes continues, “do you accept this claim? Once done, there is no turning back.”

Jade doesn’t move at first. Her fists are clenched at her sides, and for a split second, I wonder if she’s going to bolt. That might be easier—her showing some real fight, giving me a reason to lock things down even tighter. But we both know that denying an alpha is a death sentence. And while Jade may have made it alone these past three years, she doesn’t have that kind of luxury anymore.

I wait, counting the seconds as they pass.

Finally, her jaw clenches, and she lifts her chin. “I accept.”

The knot in my chest loosens a fraction, but it doesn’t go away.

Benedict and Agnes exchange a look before Benedict says, “You may begin.”

I curl my fingers under Jade’s chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. She’s pissed. I get it. But this isn’t about what she wants.

“This is for the pack,” I whisper.

Her eyes flash with something I can’t quite name, but she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she stays rigid, waiting for me to make my move. Fine. I’ll play my part.

I lean in, brushing my lips against hers. It’s quick. Cold. A formality. There’s no feeling behind it, no passion. Just the business of sealing the deal, making sure the elders can report back to the pack that their alpha has done his duty.

But the second our lips touch, something tightens in my chest—something I wasn’t prepared for. It’s like a jolt of electricity running through every inch of my body. Every nerve is lit up, and it takes everything in me not to pull her close and deepen the kiss. But I don’t.

I won’t.

This is about mating to awaken her powers more than anything. This is about protecting the pack, not giving in to desire.

Jade stares at me wide-eyed. Her lips part, as if she’s going to say something, but the words never come. Instead, she dutifully walks to the bed that has been set up at the far end of the chapel. She lies down and stares up at the ceiling, awkward and stiff.

---