Page 23 of Bound to the Guard

I sway, trying to steady my racing heart. It’s a struggle, this constant push and pull between fear and longing. The Alphas in my past hover like specters around me, a permanent reminder of pain and humiliation. But Damien’s presence, his touch, and the way he speaks push them away long enough for me to breathe.

His pheromones envelop me, and my head spins as I breathe them in, letting them fill my lungs and settle deep in my bones. The scent whispershome, whisperssafety, whispers that I can have everything I’ve ever wanted but never dared to hope for.

“Seven,” Damien breathes, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re being so brave. I’m very proud of you.”

Emboldened by the praise, I relax against his muscular chest, a sense of calm sweeping through me, unlike anything I’ve felt before.

He cups the back of my neck but doesn’t otherwise try to restrain me, and I let out a shaky sigh as the last of my tension eases away.

“The next time you want to snuggle up with me, you have my permission.” His thumb massages behind my ear. “You always have my permission to touch me, anywhere at any time, even around my family. Understand?”

Startled, I straighten. “What?”

“I liked your warmth sleeping right next to me. If you did, too, then you have permission to do it again at any time if you’re comfortable.” His fingers trace up the line of my neck and ghost along my jaw before dropping away. “Now, shut off the water before the tub overflows.”

Alarmed, I spin toward the bathtub, and in my distraction, Damien slips back out the door.

My shoulders slump, though what did I hope would happen? Did I want him to stay? No. He may have seen my scars, but I’m not ready to be naked in front of him.

But I liked his hands on me, and based on his Alpha rumble, he enjoyed touching me. That’s basic high school biology, which I completed before my life ended.

The thought twists inside my mind like a snake, snapping and biting at the pieces of me I locked away in order to survive.

Setting the clothes on the counter, I strip, avoiding the mirror.

I don’t need a reminder of why an Alpha like Damien shouldn’t be attracted to an Omega like me.

When I emerge from the bathroom a bit later, warm steam clings to my skin.

The aroma of breakfast fills the air, and my stomach growls in response. I follow my nose to the front room.

Damien stands by the table, his arms outstretched toward the spread of dishes before him. “French toast, as promised. And some oatmeal, too, in case the toast is too rich for your stomach.”

I pause as I eye the chairs, rubbing one sock-covered foot on top of the other.

Damien sees my hesitation. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you hungry?”

I lick my lips and taste the balm I found in one of the vanity drawers. “Which… which chair will you sit in?”

“Hmm.” He studies the options before settling into the one nearest the office. “Is this one okay?”

“Yes.” I walk to the empty chair next to his and grip the back of the chair to scoot it closer to Damien’s. I stop short of pushing it right up to his, despite the overwhelming desire to close those last inches, to burrow against his warmth.

Damien studies the gap. “Would you mind if I scoot us a little closer?”

My heart skips a beat at his words, and I gesture for him to go ahead.

Damien’s lips curve upward as he wedges the two chairs flush together.

A flurry of emotions swirls within me, Damien’s proximity both thrilling and scary. The conflicting emotions battle for dominance. I want to be close to him, to bask in the comfort andsecurity he offers, but part of me still fears allowing myself to believe this is real.

Pulse quickening, I crawl onto the chair, tucking my legs under me. The warmth of Damien’s body radiates through the small space between us, his scent enveloping me. My hands fidget in my lap, my fingers itching to entwine with Damien’s, but that would make eating awkward.

Damien’s arm shifts to the back of my chair, leaving his side open and inviting in case I want to come closer. And I really, really do.

Head bowing, I inch across my seat, into the curve of where arm and body meet, and draw my legs forward, still not touching. Breath held, I ease against his side, my knees coming to rest halfway on his lap. Heat rushes to my face at being this bold toward such a powerful Alpha.

Damien draws in a shaky breath. “Is it okay if I put my arm around you?”

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