Page 45 of Bully Alpha's Secret Baby

Help. Right. He’s said it a thousand times, but somehow, it feels different when we’re out here with nothing but trees and the wind to witness whatever happens next. Besides, how much can he really help, considering he literally ran me out of town for using magic I didn’t even know I had? He’s not exactly an expert on spells and potions.

“Okay,” I mutter, shaking out my hands. “No pressure or anything.”

Damien chuckles, and the sound makes me look up at him. There’s a warmth in his eyes that I didn’t expect. Something soft, encouraging. It’s enough to make me take a deep breath and finally let go of some of the tension in my shoulders.

“You can do this,” he insists. “Something tells me you’re stronger than you think.”

“Easy for you to say,” I counter. “You don’t have magic literally buzzing under your skin, waiting for a chance to explode in your face.”

He smirks at that, and his eyes crinkle at the edges. “True. But that’s why I’m here, right? To catch you if you fall.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “Yeah, yeah. Just… don’t laugh if I mess up.”

“I won’t. Promise.” He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m here to support you, not make fun of you.”

His words do something to my chest, loosening the knot that’s been sitting there since we started. Damien has a way of making me feel like I can do more than I think I’m capable of, and that’s dangerous. Especially now, when I’m teetering on the edge of letting him in more than I probably should.

“All right,” I sigh, bracing myself. “Let’s do this.”

I close my eyes and focus on the energy humming just beneath the surface. It’s like a live wire, crackling with potential, waiting for me to direct it. I’ve been getting acquainted with my magic for the past three years, ever since sleeping with Damien brought it to life inside me, but using it? Controlling it? That’s where things tend to get… complicated.

The first hint of power rushes through me, and I feel the wind shift around us. I can sense the change in the air, the way it bends to my will, ready to follow wherever I lead. For a moment,it feels good. Like I’m in control. Like I know exactly what I’m doing.

And then, as usual, the doubt creeps in. What if I can’t control it? What if something goes wrong? What if—

“Jade, you’ve got this,” Damien’s voice cuts through my thoughts, steady and grounding. “Just breathe. Don’t overthink it.”

I open my eyes and glance at him. He’s closer now, watching me with that same calm intensity, and it’s enough to keep the doubt at bay. I take another deep breath and let the magic flow through me again, this time without holding back.

The wind picks up and swirls around us, and I can feel the energy building. It’s exhilarating, like I’m tapping into something bigger than myself. And for once, I’m not scared of it. I let the magic guide me, let it move through my body like a wave, until I feel like I could take on anything.

“Damn,” I mutter under my breath, half-laughing as the power surges through my body. ”I forgot how good this feels.”

“Told you. You’re a natural.”

“Natural, huh?” I raise an eyebrow, feeling a little more confident now. “You sure you’re not just saying that because you don’t want me to freak out and blast you?”

“I don’t say things I don’t mean,” he replies, stepping even closer. His voice is low, almost a growl, and it sends a shiver down my spine. “You’re powerful, Jade. And you’ve been holding yourself back for too long.”

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens at his words. There’s something about the way he’s looking at me, like he sees right through the walls I’ve built around myself, that makes it impossible to focus. I need to keepmy mind on the magic, not on the fact that Damien is standing way too close.

Before I can say anything, he moves behind me, his hands brushing against my arms as he positions me in the right stance. “Here,” he murmurs, guiding me. “Shift your weight a little. I imagine it’s a lot like firing a gun. If I’m right, you’ll have better control this way.”

His hands linger longer than necessary, and I can’t help the way my breath catches. His touch is light, and every nerve in my body is suddenly on high alert. I try to focus on what he’s saying, but all I can think about is how close he is. How his breath tickles the back of my neck, how his chest brushes against my back every time he moves.

“Damien…” I start, but my voice comes out weaker than I intended.

“Hmm?” He doesn’t pull away, and that simple sound vibrates against my skin.

“I can’t concentrate when you’re—” I stop myself before I finish, realizing just how much I’m giving away.

He smirks, clearly catching on. “Too distracting, huh?”

“Just a little,” I admit, though it comes out more like a breathless confession than I’d like.

He doesn’t move, though. If anything, he steps even closer, and his hands slide down my arms until they rest on my waist. “Maybe that’s a good thing.”

I shiver at his words, but before I can respond, I stumble as the magic flares again, throwing me off-balance. Damien’s hands tighten on my waist, steadying me, and I swear I feel a spark of something more than just magic pass between us.

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