Page 32 of The Alpha Wolf’s Secret Baby Boy

I shake off the thought, reclaiming my armor of steel as I stand up and march to the door, throwing it open and finally feeling like I’m the one in control again. At least he hasn’t marched in here without knocking first.

“What do you want?” I ask flatly, positioning myself in the doorway so he doesn’t think he can just come in.

“I, er—” he pauses and rubs his nape as he averts his gaze to the floor. “I wanted to let you know that we’ll be leaving for Fort Smit in an hour. Breakfast is prepared downstairs, so when you’re ready…”

His voice tapers off as he continues to stare at the floor, appearing rather sheepish for someone who kidnapped me and forced me into a mating ritual.

But then it hits me.

Our argument last night must have shifted his perspective, almost as if he’s finally listening to me.

He’s trying.

But it means nothing to me.

I’ve already decided to leave with Daniel once we return to Fort Smit.

“So, you’ve finally decided to stick to our deal?” I ask as I raise a brow.

He nods slowly as he lifts his eyes to meet mine, and for a moment, I think I see them softening.

“Yes. I’m sticking to our deal. You can get what you left behind while I attend the council meeting. We’ll come back tomorrow. We can stay at your old cabin for the night.”

“M-my old cabin?” I ask hesitantly, a new wave of panic setting in. Damian wants to stay over in Fort Smith with me?

How am I going to get Daniel out?

Damian nods. “I’ve just heard from Dorian. The Nightclaw territory isn’t exactly safe, especially at night.”

I suck in a breath through gritted teeth. “What exactly is going on?” I ask, deciding to use my position as luna to my advantage. The more I know, the more prepared I can be for my escape with Daniel. “Since you made me your luna, it’s only fitting that you tell me what you’re dealing with.”

Damian takes a deep breath. “We still don’t know exactly what we’re dealing with,” he admits. “The corruption is spreading beyond Nightclaw’s borders. Plants are dying. Animals have been found dead without a single wound on them. Simon has been researching it, and today’s council meeting is supposed to give us answers. Until then, none of us should be traveling after dark.”

I nod thoughtfully, realizing that this disrupts my plans. I can’t put Daniel in more danger, so I’ll just have to wait for the right moment to leave.

In the meantime, I’ll have to keep Daniel’s existence a secret from Damian. And if Dorian finds out about us, he’ll be sure to tell Damian that I didn’t enter Nightclaw alone, but with my son.

That will thwart my plans entirely.

“And do you plan on telling your brother about the mate bond?”

“Yes, of course, I—”

“Don’t.”

Damian frowns, and I fold my arms and turn away.

“Why?” he asks, and I shake my head.

“Now is not the time for it. It’s like you said, Nightclaw is dealing with something terrible. Besides, it’s not like we’re actual mates.”

A moment of silence stretches before Damian sighs. “What are you so afraid of, Poppy? Why don’t you want anyone to know? Is there someone else—”

“No! There’s no one else, Damian.” I spin on my heel and glare at him. “You kept me a secret for almost a year in the past. You can do it again.”

Damian purses his lips, his nostrils flaring. “Fine,” he agrees with a tight nod. “We’ll keep this quiet for a little while. But I’m only doing this because that’s what you want. Not because I like it.”

Good.