Submission - Damian's POV

I watch Maya as she clutches the tree, testing my wolf's restraint. She may think she is safe and nothing will happen, but the urge to bite her is becoming strong. I thought I had myself under control. Oh, how wrong I have been. Evelyn glances at me, knowing I've heard every single word, even though my wolf is mostly in control. My body tenses at the mere thought of sinking my fangs into her. The mark, the hunt, and the pull are just going to get worse until she gives in to me. To us. I fight back the primal urge to claim her now. She needs more time, even though it's sparse and running out. The prophecy is knocking at the door, waiting to come to life and wipe us out. I need her now, but I also don't want to scare her. And that is what I see when I look at her. Fear. 'She's scared. Don't push her," I tell my wolf. But he doesn't understand patience. He only knows that she is his female and the key to saving us all. And he desperately wants her. The sooner she is secured by my side, the safer everyone will be. Not only that, but she will calm the raging fire inside of me that longs for her. As I inhale to calm myself, I notice her scent is the most prominent in the air. It's laced with certainty, but beneath it? All I can smell is her desire and want. Even though she won't admit it, she likes me. My fingertips shift to claws and dig into my palm as I try to pull myself to the front. The wolf needs to go back a step. I move closer, Maya's eyes flicking to mine again. 'Do you really think you can run from this?" I ask, my voice sounding rough and low, more animalistic. Her fingers tighten around the tree, but she doesn't move. I stop inches from her, just watching. Please say no, Maya. Give me a reason to delay this. Give me something to make my wolf stop. But she doesn't say a word. Though I know I can force her into anything, I also know I'm not letting her go, either. 'At least stop running and trying to put space between us," I say with a low growl. 'If you run, the wolf will hunt you." Her lips part, but no words come out. So, I reach out, my thumb brushing along her jawline. She shivers, yet isn't pulling away from me. I step closer, my forehead lowering to hers. Our breaths mingle between us. 'You're already mine, Maya," I whisper. 'One day, you will feel the same way about me. Fate will make sense. I know it's not like a dream, but it will feel like a fairytale at the end." My hand shakes as I gently take her hand in mine, but her pulse jumps beneath my fingertips. It causes my wolf to push harder, demanding I mark her. But I can't do it. Not like this. Not even when my fangs are lengthening and stabbing me. She has to want this. I will give her all the time I can until there is no other choice. With a ragged breath, I force myself to step back. 'Come back inside with me. You're never leaving my sight again, though." She hesitates, searching my face for answers. But then, ever so slowly, nods. Her hands slip from the tree and she stands beside me. I place my hand on her lower back, guiding her back toward the manor. Her breathing is uneven, but she doesn't resist my touch. However, every single step tests what little control I have over the wolf. Her scent, her warmth, and her submission, if you can call it that, are driving him to madness. Evelyn watches us from a distance, knowing that I could lose it at any moment. When I glance to the side, there is a knowing smirk on her face. I know what she thinks. This will all happen quickly. One day Maya will just cave and probably soon. 'Glad you didn't eat her, Alpha," she calls out playfully. I shoot her a glare as Maya stiffens beside me. We make it inside as the tension between us thickens. Maya refuses to meet my gaze, though her thoughts are clearly racing. A low growl rumbles in my chest and I fight it harder. The wolf needs to calm down or I'll end up hurting her. 'Are you hungry?" I finally ask, trying to keep my thoughts off biting her. She hesitates, then nods, still not speaking to me. I guide her all the way back to the dining hall. The pack is still eating, though they should be done by now. As soon as we enter the room, they all turn to eye us. Whispers. Stares. Scenting us for any changes. Of course they would. Luce watches us more closely than others, her gaze narrowing. I just shake my head and guide Maya to the chair beside where I typically sit. 'Eat," I order her gently. As I watch her get a few things off the platter in the middle of the table, I miss Luce coming our way. 'Must be nice having special privileges, human." I turn slightly, my gaze finding hers instantly. 'Luce, do you have something to say?" Luce lifts her chin definitely. 'Just wondering when the human will earn her place. She shouldn't be allowed to sit next to you, as if she is our luna." My eyes shift to the side, eyeing Maya. She tenses, but stays quiet. I know it's made her nervous and I hate it. I turn my attention back to Luce, leaning forward. 'She is already where she belongs. Shouldn't you be back where you typically sit?" A dominance shift ripples through the room, causing all to go quiet. Luce caves almost instantly and bares her throat in submission.