Chapter Sixty Nine - Interrogation - Damian's POV

Simon stops about two feet away and looks at Maya with a look of disdain. 'They want it now." 'Are you their spokesperson?" I ask, my tone mocking. His brows raised and nearly hit his hairline. 'There are whispers and too many things going out there for you not to." 'Fine," I say, gritting my teeth together. I was hoping to do this tomorrow. I glance at Maya, who is staring up at me innocently with big doe eyes. She looks confused, as if she doesn't know what will happen next and worries about it. 'I'll take you to my room and Evelyn will stay with you until I get back." Maya seems to relax when she hears that. I'm sure she's still scared of being alone, but Evelyn is a good protector and killed two rogue wolves before coming out to find her. She could hold someone off until I could get there. 'I don't think you have time to do that, Alpha. Call her," Simon says, his voice impatient. I glare at him for a moment before agreeing. With that thought, I call for her through the pack bonds, then wait. It isn't about three seconds before she comes around the corner down the opposite end of the hallway, her long gray hair swinging behind her. It looks like she has been getting ready for bed with the long pink gown she's wearing and the fact that her hair is damp from a shower. She stops a few feet from us, her eyes roaming over the three of us. 'I'll take her to your room and stay." 'Thank you," I say, and then look at Maya. 'Go with her, and then you can take a bath or shower to relax. I'll be back soon." Maya only nods and then turns to head down the hallway with Evelyn. Once they are far enough away that she can't hear, Simon steps a little closer. 'You're getting soft," he says sternly. 'Maybe a bit too soft." 'She's my future mate. Of course, I'm going to be a little softer with her than anyone else." He just rolls his eyes, which annoys me. 'The pack wants answers. You can't hide this anymore. They need to know that she's it and about everything else going on." 'I know and I'm going to address it now." I turn to head back down the hallway, calling for everyone to meet me on the training grounds. 'Let's just get this over with." By the time we reach the training area, most are already there, standing and waiting for us. Several others come out of the weightlifting room. The rest quickly follow. I stand there with my arms crossed over my chest, heaving in a deep breath. This is not exactly how I imagined telling them about finding her, but this will have to do. All of their eyes are on me, watching and knowing I'm about to tell them what she is. As soon as I see that most are accounted for, I breathe out a deep breath. 'I know what you saw and most of you have already pieced this together. Maya is the key to the prophecy. But not one of you will breathe a word of it anywhere," I say, my voice stern and harsh. 'There was already an attack on the estate and if our enemies get wind of her being it, then it will just get worse." I think of the vampire who spoke to me out there yesterday. They probably already know, and it's already going to get worse, but I'm not ready to admit it to them yet. Not until I know for sure. 'So, is she really it?" A woman calls out. I search the crowds until I find her. She's one of the annoying ones who is friends with the one who thinks she's my mate instead. She's literally so low on my radar that I can't even remember her name. 'Yes, she's it. Now that I'm sure, we have to build our trust and bond until she fully accepts me. Then we can break the curse. If you know what is good for you and this pack, you will let it happen." I stare across the crowd, locking eyes with several, but mostly just glossing over their features. All I can think about is getting back to her and having her in my arms again, if she'll allow it. They go quiet and not a single one protests. Simon nudges my elbow, causing me to look at him. He has a concerned expression on his face, his brows furrowed. 'How long do you think it will take?" He asks. 'I don't know. We are working on the bonding, but I have to take it slow. She might try to run." I can feel the ripple of concern wash over the pack. Most fear she'll run too, but if they'd just control themselves, then I wouldn't be worried about it as much. 'How can you stop her from running?" Simon asks, his voice low and hesitant. 'For one, I need you all to be nice to her and make her feel welcome. Second, I will work on the bond. It's coming along nicely as it is without her feeling inadequate or any of you staring at her," I add. 'Control your reactions, and I'll take care of the rest." 'And what about the attack on the estate? They're closing in, Alpha. It's only a matter of time," Simon says, still sounding off. 'Then you have to address who is letting them in or raiding your office." I watch brows raise because this is something I haven't discussed with them. Most should have known because there aren't many secrets when you have a pack bond. 'Yes, my office has been raided, and they got into the estate yesterday. There is an ongoing investigation," I state loudly enough for everyone to hear. 'Are you done interrogating me?" It's almost like Simon is trying to cause suspicion about how I run things, which isn't good. He's my beta and should be supporting me, not trying to make me look bad. It's something I'll have to address later.