Giving in - Damian's POV

My wolf already knows that I lied. He knows, and he is furious at me for not pursuing what I truly desire. The answer is her. All I have to do is convince her to not run away from me and help me save everyone. Save me. 'I'd love to be done waiting," I tell Simon. 'Why do I feel there is something holding you back? What is it? Just bite her and she'll fall for you," he urges me. 'As much as I'd love to jump on that bandwagon, I don't want her to fall for me because I bit her and left no choice. I want her to love me and want to be a part of this. It sounds stupid because fate has placed her in this world as mine, but I can't help how I feel," I say, mostly mumbling. Maybe I've gone soft. Maybe the time I've spent in the human realm and learning their inner workings has cost me my most primal instinct. But I did it for a good cause. We have more than enough money to take care of the pack because of my business dealings. With that same stockpile of cash, I was able to also convince Maya's father to let me have her. As I think back to our kiss, I can't help but heat at the mere thought of it. It doesn't take but a few seconds before my wolf pushes at the boundaries again. 'Nevermind. I'm done waiting." Simon's brows raise as he stares back at me. 'What does that even mean?" I stride past him, gripping the doorknob. 'It means I'm not going to spend another night alone. I'm going to be with her and hopefully worm my way into her heart so she will accept all of this. It's our only hope." He lets out a low growl. 'Just bite her and make her fulfill the prophecy." 'It has to be willing," I mutter under my breath. 'If she's not, then this will all collapse." I don't give him time to respond as I open the door and step into the hallway. My focus is locked on her. There is nothing going to stop me from going into her room and demanding some time for just the two of us. This time, I'm going to get it right. The hall is silent, save for the sound of my own footsteps echoing against the walls as I practically rush to her room. My pulse pounds like a drum as my wolf claws at my insides, urging me to move faster. Go to her. Take what is ours. Once again, I remind him we can't yet or this is all for nothing. I don't want to take. I want her to give in to me. As I stop in front of her door, her scent lingers in the air, wrapping around me like a tether I can't break. My fingers hover over the doorknob, hesitating for only a second before I twist it and step inside. Maya is standing near the window, looking out over the yard with her arms crossed against her chest. She doesn't turn to face me right away. But her tense shoulders give her away. It's too stiff, too unnatural. It's like she is bracing for whatever I'm about to say. 'Is this new? Do you just walk into my room now?" She finally asks, her voice calm, but edgy. I shut the door behind me. 'You didn't lock it, so I figured you wanted some company." She scoffs as she faces me. 'Maybe I didn't think I had to. It's not like I can go anywhere and your room is now next door to mine, so it's not like you can't hear me. Just because you are rich doesn't mean you can do whatever you want." I take slow, deliberate steps toward her, watching as her throat bobs with a nervous swallow. There is still defiance in her gaze and it's a warning. But I don't mind a little challenge. I stop just short of touching her, my voice dropping to something barely above a growl. 'Are you scared of me, Maya?" Her breath hitches in her throat as she stares at me. 'No." My eyes land on her shoulder, noticing a slight tremble. 'Then why are you shaking?" She goes rigid, but I don't give her time to answer. I reach out, my fingers grazing her arm, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my touch. Her breath comes out slowly, her body betraying her before she can stop it. 'I told you," I mutter, my voice low and steady. 'You're not running from me again nor do you really want to. I can see it in your gaze. You like to fight and I like to tame." She just stares up at me, her lips parting slightly as if she wants to argue, but can't find the words. Good. Because I'm done arguing about this. I cup her face gently, tilting her chin up so she has no choice but to keep her eyes on me. 'There is something I need you to understand. I don't care what the pack thinks and I don't care about the prophecy. I want you." Her lips tremble as her gaze flickers between my eyes and lips. My wolf howls, demanding I claim her now. But I wait. I wait for her to stop me. Then I continue waiting for her to push me away, but she doesn't. Instead, her hands grasp my shirt, fingers curling into the fabric as if she needs something to hold on to. And that's all the invitation I need. I close the distance, my lips brushing against hers. It's light at first, just to see if she'll pull away. But when she doesn't, when she lets out the smallest sound of surrender, I lose the last shred of restraint I have. I kiss her fully and let out the longing I feel pour out into the kiss. This time, I'm not holding back.