19. DARIUS

19

DARIUS

Mateo's roar drew out our wolves and subsequently helped heal my wounds. I've never been forced to shift before but this wasn't painful. It was just something my wolf needed to answer to. However, I wasn't planning on waltzing into her nest and wrapping her up in my arms.

They're all staring at me. Well, except for River who promptly left the room. Several naked men are looming over me as I cuddle Bambi against my chest. Everyone keeps calling her Nepheline or princess or whatever but she's always been Bambi to me. Two days ago, I thought she was just a figment of my imagination. A happy little pill in my brain that gave me hope in the darkest times.

Now that I know she's real, I'm furious someone stole my memories of her. She's gorgeous and fierce and outspoken. She was never afraid of the Redstone Alphas and always stood her ground when there was something she wanted. Memories of the way she'd sneak out of her room and into mine worm their way into my head. We were lovers once, stolen kisses and secret sleepovers, promised to each other.

A bond stronger than an Alpha's bite.

And then it all just… disappeared.

For nearly ten years, I've lived without her at my side.

They're still staring.

Mateo focuses on his Omega even as I continue to hold her. Had I been anyone else, he would have shredded me being so close after claiming his mate. But there's a different kind of bond between me and Bambi. A bond I don't understand but refuse to question.

"I trust you with her. That isn't a question so you can relax, Darius. However, I need to know why my brother thought dropping you here in the clearing, in the crystal forest would undermine my position or my pack." He reaches forward to play with her hair, his closeness putting me on edge. The supercharged energy from Mateo is fiercer than Silas', more terrifying. His wolf is on an entirely different level because there is magic involved rather than that stupid serum.

I watch as Nepheline preens under the attention of her Alpha, smiling when her body relaxes in my hold. "Silas… he wants your Omega. I didn't know who she was. She was just your Omega. The pack's Luna. He wants what you have, regardless of the cost."

"But why you ?" Asani asks. He's the doctor who has been caring for me with such gentleness that I refuse to believe he's real. No Alpha has ever treated me with kindness before these. Even Maverick helped me drink water when they were all out tonight.

A shiver crawls up my spine as I find the courage to speak with her Alphas crowded around me. Surely they won't discard me after the revelation. "I'm his most trusted Beta. I was his." The words feel like ash in my mouth. "He never touched me but his intentions were clear. He wanted me at his side with your Luna." Mateo growls and I shield Nepheline against my chest in response. "That won't happen. She's Bambi. She's mine."

"Bambi?" Remi asks. He still has that sloppy smile on his face. Mateo must have fucked him really good but the Alpha looks reenergized rather than in pain. "Was that what you called Nepheline?"

"Yes. I don't remember much but she was mine. And yours. But she was always mine. I knew it. And then that other Beta—" I try to remember his features or even his name but it escapes me. All I know is that he was a hateful creature, always trying to grab Nepheline's attention and wow her with things that didn't interest her. He made her cry. He made her angry and he was always one step away from making her rage.

My beautiful Bambi sought me out in those moments for comfort and long conversations. The vague memories start to clear, the absolute happiness I had forgotten filling me with a warmth that I didn't know was possible.

"I don't know why I don't remember. She was always so bright and then I was in the pack of the Forbidden and I couldn't remember anything other than that. So much hatred and death and greed. Everyone is using this serum to make them stronger and it's all about strength rather than honor and loyalty. There is no pack anymore. I… who took me from her?" I bend down to kiss Bambi's cheek, sighing when a tendril of energy runs through me.

My Bambi.

My heart wrenches as I try to remember more but it's just darkness.

"You truly loved her. I can see it in your eyes, Darius." Maverick scoots a little closer. "And if neither of you can remember, I can only imagine that what little magic was present within the Redstone pack was used against you. Since you ended up in the pack of the Forbidden, I would assume they are the culprits."

The heaviness of that revelation doesn't sit well with me but there's nothing I can do about it. My only focus is Bambi, now that she's back in my arms. For as long as the other Alphas allow me to love and nurture her, I will.

"Oraculum-"

Maverick's eyes widen and he furiously shakes his head. "Nope, absolutely not. If you need to call me something, it's Maverick or Alpha. Being this… seer makes sense, especially after what just happened but I'm not ready for that kind of title." He chuckles nervously before nodding to Mateo. "I think we have a true Alpha on our hands which is one of many reasons the magic has returned. I also think that we need sleep. Lots of it."

Asani holds out his arms and I bristle a little before releasing Bambi to him. He nods his head as a gesture of respect and thanks, one that seems involuntary. An Alpha would never bow to a Beta, especially one of Asani's power. Still, I'm thankful they understand I don't want to ruin their dynamic, just that I want to be beside my first love, my promised, my mate.

Mateo stands as do I, the pack Alpha leaning down to my ear as his hand settles on my shoulder. "Tomorrow, you will detail your time with Silas and help us plan for his downfall. As for Nepheline, if any harm befalls our Omega at your hands, I won't hesitate to ruin you until I'm satisfied."

"I would never-"

His grip on my shoulder tightens almost painfully. "However, if harm befalls our Omega at my hands or the feet of my wolf, I expect you to slit my throat and display it in the heart. You are her protector, Darius. Welcome to the pack."

Mateo stalks forward, displaying an entirely different confidence than before. There's power in each step, magic following him. He speaks to me like I am his equal and not a Beta mate because that's what I am. I am hers , not theirs.

Welcome to the pack.

It's a stamp of approval from Mateo himself.

I'm not sure it gets any better than that.