Page 19 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

“But it’s the Alpha’s order,” she said hesitantly.

“Then tell your Alpha I’m not staying here. I’d rather stay in a room that’s not across from his.”

“It’s the best room in the quarters,” she insisted as though trying to convince me.

I held her gaze, my voice firm. “No. Any other room will do.”

A flicker of confusion crossed her face, but she nodded reluctantly. “I’ll inform the Alpha.”

As she turned to leave, a sudden realization struck me. Aria wasn’t here. My chest tightened. “Wait,” I called after her. “You said my daughter was here. Where is she?”

The servant frowned, glancing around. “She was here a moment ago.”

Panic flared through me. Without a second thought, I bolted down the corridor in search of Aria.

Chapter 9

Damian

That entire dinner was pure torment.

And the worst part was the endless questions swirling in my mind. I sat through it, my thoughts consumed by nothing more than the burning desire to be alone with her. I wanted to tell her everything, how much I’ve missed her, how every day for the last seven years was spent thinking about her. I wanted to breathe her in to inhale her familiar, comforting scent, which I, surprisingly, hadn’t been able to grasp since her arrival.

Tala. My Tala.

The last person I expected to see again was her. Least of all in another pack, and as a delegate, no less. I had always known she was capable of so much more than the life she had at Stonehart under my father’s tyrannical rule, where Omegas were banned from corporate roles. It didn’t surprise me that she rose to prominence in another pack, especially with the way its Alpha constantly hovered around her.

Kael.

The thought of him had my body tensing and my jaws grinding. I’d seen how he looked at her as though she was everything. The warmth in his smile, the way his touch lingered as if he wanted more. It sparked a rage in me.

I moved through the quiet garden, where the only sound was the rustling of leaves in the breeze. My mind was a mess of conflicting emotions. My wolf stirred, pacing within me. His growls were low and constant. For the first time in years, I suddenly felt alive. It was like a part of me that had been dormant for years was awakened.

For years, her face lingered in my mind like an indelible mark, small and striking, framed by wild brown hair. I could never forget those hazel-green eyes, full lips, and the delicate slope of her nose. I’d memorized every inch of her body: her petite frame, soft curves, and flawless olive skin. They were vivid as a photograph I couldn’t let go of.

But the woman I saw today was different. Her eyes were the same, but there was something new in them, something fierce and guarded. Her face, once round and gentle, now carried chiseled angles, and a more defined jawline. The one thing she didn’t lose was her curves. If anything, she’d grown fuller over the years. Her breasts were fuller, her hips more pronounced, and her ass rounder, commanding attention with every movement.

The thought of running my hands along the curves of her body had my cock twitching in my pants. It was seven years later, and she still had this effect on me. Maybe even worse. My wolf craved her and was desperate for her touch, for the bond that still pulsed between us, undeniable and unbroken despite the years and the rejection.

A burst of light, carefree laughter snapped me out of it. I followed the sound to see a little girl seated by a sea of wildflowers. She had long, dark brown hair that matched her wide, bright eyes, which sparkled with unfiltered enthusiasm. Her small hands were stained with dirt as she carefully rearranged a cluster of petals. Her soft laughter filled the garden as butterflies flitted around the petals she had carefully rearranged.

I couldn’t explain it, but there was an instant pull toward her, a strange, inexplicable connection. My wolf, who had been seething moments ago, stilled, curiosity taking over him as it did me. My firstand only thought was that she must be one of the servants’ kids who probably wandered off while her parent was busy working.

I approached slowly, careful not to startle her. She noticed me when I was just a few steps away and gave me a bright, heartwarming smile.

“Hi,” she said cheerfully, brushing dirt from her hands.

“Hello,” I replied, crouching to her level. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”

She shrugged. “I like flowers. And it’s quiet here. Mummy told me to stay where she could see me, but I got bored.”

I chuckled, remembering all the times I’d snuck away from the pack house to escape my parents’ constant watch. “What’s your name?” I asked.

“Aria,” she answered.

“Aria,” I repeated softly. It suited her. “Nice to meet you, Aria. I’m Damian.”

“Nice to meet you too, Damian,” she chirped with a wide grin.

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