Chapter Thirty Eight - The Devil Grins - Maya's POV

I wake the next morning, unsure of how I ever fell asleep. Things are still foggy and I feel like I may have dreamed about it all. My hand instinctively reaches up, my fingers brushing my lips lightly as I recall the kiss. The warmth of his touch lingers, making it impossible for me to think clearly. What was that and why am I still thinking about it now? I slowly rise from the bed and notice a blanket covering me. It's the same one as the night I slept in the chair. Has Evelyn been in here? I don't have to wonder long, because my bedroom door opens up and Evelyn steps in with a tray clutched in her hands. 'Good morning, Maya. You look well rested," she says with a smile as she walks in and places the tray down on the table near the fireplace. 'Oh, dear. The fire died." As she starts the fire, I get out of bed and stand, stretching until my back pops. 'That was the best night of sleep I've had in a long while." 'Good. Maybe you adjusting to everything," she says, then goes back to stoking the fire. 'Do you think you will like your room?" 'It's next to Damian's," I say, as if that answers anything. 'And?" She pushes. 'And I think it will do as any room would in the estate." My eyes land on the open doorway and for a brief moment, I consider running. Evelyn is older, though still strong, but I think I can get out and she won't catch me. Then I remember his words. I won't be leaving his sight. A dramatic sigh escapes me, which catches Evelyn's attention. 'Is something the matter, dear?" She turns to look at me, her gaze scanning over me to ensure I'm okay. 'Did something happen?" For a moment, I consider telling her he kissed me, but immediately think better of it. She probably won't care or will see it as good. Honestly, it just conflicts me, even though I enjoyed it immensely. Ethan steps inside the door before I can do anything. He scans the room, his tired eyes blinking slowly as he makes sure I'm still here and that everything is fine. When our gazes meet, I realize how exhausted he looks, but somehow he's still got a hint of amusement in his expression. 'Morning, little runaway," he says with a cheeky grin. Evelyn turns, her eyes wide with shock. 'So you really tried?" 'Yes, and I got caught." I look down at my bare feet and wonder where I would have been if I had succeeded. Knowing Damian, I wouldn't have made it off the estate grounds with how fast he tracks. 'Is the other thing true, too?" I glance up into her eyes and realize Ethan must have told everyone about the passionate kiss we share. 'Well, I'm not sure I know what you are talking about." I hope that will be the end of it, but I don't get so lucky. Ethan makes kissing noises, then laughs as he steps back outside, shutting the door softly. Evelyn laughs and looks back at me. 'Did he kiss you?" 'Yes," I say in a whisper, almost shyly. It's hard to admit out loud, because it all feels like a dream. And I like the way it felt for sure. 'I can tell by the blush in your cheeks that you enjoyed it. Maybe this is the start of something good. Just don't make him wait too long," she says and I glance up, only to catch her wiggling her eyebrows. 'Miss Evelyn," I say, my cheeks heating to a deeper shade of red. 'I don't even know if I like the man." 'You will grow into love with him," she says with a beaming smile. 'Now, come eat some breakfast." I don't take two steps before the door opens again. Once again, Ethan comes in. I groan because I'm sure he's back to aggravate me, but he doesn't. 'Damian wants to see you in his study. Bring your breakfast with you." Evelyn grabs my tray without prompting, and I head for the door. The three of us move through the estate hallways and I notice how much attention I'm getting as we pass by the other wolves. Their eyes roam over me and I feel vulnerable under their harsh gazes. It's as if they are waiting to see if I'll attack or maybe do something else, but I'm not sure what I'd do. It's not like I'm strong enough to harm them. Then I notice a few others looking at me with curiosity. Serena is among them and whispering to someone next to her as her eyes flick toward me. Hopefully, she's putting in a good word for me. Right as we turn to go down the hallway, I hear the faintest whisper about me. It's a woman and apparently she's not happy that I'm getting more attention. 'Who cares if she might be the prophecy? I don't care that she might be his mate. Damian owes us answers," the woman says, her words clipped. 'We've been with him the longest." I turn to look over my shoulder, but everyone gets quiet when I glance in their direction. My gaze narrows on the woman I think said it. She just stares back with a snarl. I quickly look away and back to the path ahead as Ethan leads us to Damian. My hands ball into fists as I begin to feel even more like an outsider trapped in his world. I don't understand any of it. We finally reach the study, and Damian is standing at the window behind his desk, with his back turned. He is gazing out, looking somewhere into the trees. 'I brought her as you asked." He turns slightly to look over his shoulder. 'Good, go eat breakfast and take a break. You look exhausted." Ethan only nods and leaves without saying a word. Evelyn quickly sits the tray down on the table before leaving as well. Once we are alone, Damian turns and I can tell that he probably didn't sleep last night. 'I see you haven't showered or done anything," he whispers. 'Did you sleep well?" 'It looks like you are in the same clothes as yesterday, so don't be picking at me. But yes, I have slept well for once," I say, still in disbelief. 'Why did you need me here?" 'Today is the start of you staying by my side, remember? From here on out, you will do everything with me." 'Everything?" I ask as reality sets in. 'How will I shower or do anything else that's private?" The devil only grins.