The Alpha's Bride

Talia observed the scene between Damon and Cassie, and she was not sure what to think. Why did Alpha Damon treat Cassie coldly? Did they have an argument? Or maybe Cassie offended him somehow.

Just based on the last minute, if Talia didn't witness the scene in the kitchen of Cassie clinging to Damon's arm, Talia would think that Damon doesn't like Cassie. But if he doesn't like her, why would he allow her to stay in the packhouse and call herself his Luna? And the way Cassie looked at Damon definitely insinuated intimacy that goes beyond holding his hand.

It didn't make sense.

This solidified Talia's opinion that Alpha Damon is extremely unstable.

In a way, it made Talia feel better because now Talia knew that she was not the only one to be treated inconsistently by Alpha Damon.

If Talia was not so terrified of him, she would recommend him to see a psychiatrist because his behavior can't be normal.

Everyone around Alpha Damon is on pins and needles while guessing what his mood will be. That's not healthy.

The moment the car started moving and pop music from the radio filled the space, Talia forgot about Cassie and all the drama from the packhouse. She even forgot that she was sitting in the car next to a scary Alpha.

Talia sank in her seat and observed the changing scenery outside. She always loved the outdoors. Since she was mostly stuck in the attic, being outside came with a sense of freedom.

The road snaked through the dense forest that allowed morning sun rays to peek through occasionally, creating a light show that Talia enjoyed even though sudden bursts of light blinded her for a moment.

Just like Talia, Damon also forgot about Cassie the moment he started the car.

The whole cabin of his black armored Lexus SUV was filled with the sweet citrusy scent of freesia and his world was at peace. The only thing that could make it better would be if he and Talia held hands or if she leaned on him, but he didn't have a good excuse for that to happen, so he gripped the steering wheel tightly.

Damon was stealing glances of Talia, and he was happy to see that she relaxed. He took a double-take at the small smile that appeared at the corner of her lips. She was enchanting.

The streets of Darkbourne were not very busy, but the cobblestoned town square with the clocktower in the middle was buzzing with activity.

Damon noticed that Talia straightened up to see better what's going on there.

"They are getting ready for the fair.", Damon said, and Talia nodded without looking at him.

She remembered that Maya told her how there will be a fair happening soon.

"What kind of a fair is it?", Talia asked.

"It's a celebration, but Maya is mostly interested in the fair part which is happening on this square and that's why she described it as such.", Damon responded before giving a lengthy explanation.

"Summer solstice is the day when we celebrate life and new beginnings. It starts in the morning. The whole town participates, and only a handful of stores is open in the morning, while all are closed in the afternoon. People compete in various sports, and there is a parade. Kids make their own floats, and the best ones get rewards in various categories. In the afternoon, vendors open their stalls with games and food in the town square. In the evening, there is music, drinks, and dancing around the bonfire, and it all ends with fireworks."

Damon was talking about normal things, but his deep magnetic voice turned it into the most fascinating story ever and Talia hoped that he will continue talking.

Damon saw that Talia was listening intently, so he added a few more details, "Unmated she-wolves dance barefoot around the bonfire, for Moon Goddess to see and to send them their mate. Girls also make garlands of flowers and give them to their loved ones, with the hope that their affection will be returned."

He really didn't know much more because as a kid, he would usually disappear and do some mischief, and since he became the Alpha, Damon's attendance consisted of watching competitions, giving away prizes, and when the official part is over, he would scoop one or two ladies that will keep him company for the night, and that's it for him. But there was no way he will say that to Talia.

For Talia, Damon's story about the celebration sounded fantastic, and she was confident that Damon gets the most garlands every year.

Damon saw the excitement in her expression. "It's a fun day. You will see."

Talia understood that his explanation was over.

She returned her gaze to the window on her side in time to see the last few houses of Darkbourne before the road took them through the forest again.

She wondered what kind of performances will be included. Will there be a circus? Olivia told her that in the circus, people do all kinds of moves and they walk on a rope that is super-high, and there are animals and magic… and clowns. She really wanted to see that.

Talia never danced or drank alcohol, so she was not sure what to think about the evening activities around the bonfire.

As for the stalls, Talia was excited, but she was sure that playing games and eating food will cost money, and she is broke, so her mood dropped a bit.

She decided to talk to Damon about getting a job, or maybe she should ask him to see the doctor, and then Travis can convince Alpha Damon to allow Talia to work. Damon said that she can work as soon as Travis says that it's OK and convincing the good doctor to give her a pass sounded much easier than negotiating with an unstable Alpha.

After an unknown measure of time, they emerged from the forest and took the three-lane-wide highway. Talia observed that there were many other cars. She wondered if they are out of the Dark Howlers territory.

It didn't take long before Damon took an exit and they ended up on a smaller road that led into a town.

The town was larger than Darkbourne, but there were no skyscrapers, and the tallest building Talia saw was six stories high.

As they approached the city center, the number of people on the streets increased and there were many stores and restaurants.

Talia's face was nearly glued to the tinted glass as she took in the sight in front of her.

She was disappointed when after a right turn they ended up in a side street and she took a note that he parked into the VIP spot of the hospital.

"Do you come here often?", Talia asked, and Damon understood that she was asking because of the parking spot.

"My parents donated to build this place, and I give occasional donations which grants me preferential treatment.", Damon explained before adding, "Travis completed his medical residency here and he arranges appointments for us when needed, which is not very often. They think of us as humans."

Talia understood that there should be no werewolf talks.

The automatic double door opened so that Talia and Damon can step inside.

The entry hall was spacious with sitting arrangements and Talia's attention was drawn to the big screens that were hanging on the wall, displaying information about doctors, nurses, and current wait times.

Both nurses at the registering station had foolish smiles and hearts in their eyes at the sight of Damon. The blonde even nudged the brunette with her elbow. Shameless.

Talia was sure that they didn't notice her at all.

"How can I help you?", one of the nurses asked in a singing voice without removing her amorous gaze from Damon.

"Talia Blake has an appointment.", Damon responded, and Talia blinked when she realized that he was talking about her.

Blake? Where did that come from?

The truth is that Talia didn't know her last name. Since she knows about herself, she was Talia. Just Talia.

'Talia Blake. Talia Blake.', Talia repeated a few times in her mind and concluded that it doesn't sound bad. Actually, she liked it.

The nurse was checking something on her computer before pointing to the left. "Take the second elevator to the third floor and from there follow arrows to the wellness center."

On the third floor, they found a small lounge with dozen of chairs and two benches where a few people were sitting in silence, obviously waiting for their turn.

Damon and Talia took their seats on black metal chairs that had leather upholstery.

Talia observed gray carpet and off-white walls that had abstract paintings to bring a splash of color into the space.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provided ample daylight and a view to the street below, and Talia was itching to go closer and check it out, but she held back that urge because she is not a kid, and she should sit obediently like everyone else. What if Alpha Damon scolds her? The best thing is to not attract attention.

They waited for less than a minute when one middle-aged man exited the door on the right, and his eyes scanned the people in the lounge expectantly.

His face lit up when he saw Damon.

"Mr. Blake…", the man called with a smile.

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