Grrr... Who dares interrupt my time with my mate? He growled with bared teeth, and his back hunched, ready to confront the enemy.

The air around them was stifled with a coldness that chilled their bones. Yet, nothing would prepare them for the inevitable.

"Don't come in here!" He snarled, and spit spilled from inside his mouth. Whoever it was would become an opponent, even if they had good intentions.

As the air grew colder, it put him on edge, causing Damien's body to shiver uncontrollably and his mind to race.

What is going to happen? Will she be in danger? Or is she going to be safe? He wondered as time passed and was unsure of what to do or how to act.

"My mate is mine, and I'll do everything in my power to keep her happy," Damien whispered as a smile flitted across his mouth.

Even though they had been together for a short time, his instinct to protect her took place immediately.

One thing was for sure: his mate's safety was at the forefront of his mind. And he would do anything to ensure nothing bad would happen to her, no matter what.

Although I'm not at home, I'll do anything to keep her safe. Damien thought as he started shaking.

Out of nowhere, his body did something he never knew could happen. It was as though it had a mind of its own.

"Your life is about to change", it spoke quietly toward him, not leaving room to stop himself from acting like that.

Not knowing what to do next, he let it happen with little effort to stop it.

There's something about this stranger that has me uneasy. I don't know what it could be. However, if I have to step in and protect her from them, I will do it in a heartbeat. He pondered as something eerily dark and clear floated across the room, causing him to reel back in shock.

"What the f*ck was that?" He whispered under his breath as it continued roaming around the room.

James shifted from one side to the other, and unease fluttered through him as it grew incessantly. The more it grew, fear gripped his heart.

I am deathly afraid of something happening if I let her inside the room, James wondered as he placed his tail between his legs.

Not wanting it to fester any longer, Damien decided to stop worrying over the what-ifs and instead focus on Julia.

This f*cking woman is getting on my nerves! I want to kill her to ensure Julia's safety. However, I don't think it's a good idea because, Moon Goddess forbid, she loses her trust in me.

But before it could worsen, James interrupted him.

"We have to stand in front of Julia, Damien! I sense there's something off about this person, and I don't like it!" His wolf stated urgently.

Damien nodded slightly, his heart racing faster than it was prior.

I don't need this person to see how they are affecting me. I will communicate with my wolf internally. Damien wondered and focused his mind on James.

Damien knew that to take charge of the situation, he had to keep a calm facade.

"I know. Their energy depicts an evil essence, which is a detriment to the pack. Every second that passes, our hair sticks up on end. And I won't let them come between us, no matter what it takes." Damien replied quietly as his body started twisting and turning.

The sounds of bones cracking echoed through the air. As he transformed with ease, speckles of gray hair protruded all of his body.

Before he was done, the woman inched toward Julia's bed, a wide smile on her face.

Her heels clanked against the hardwood floor with every step she took, but with determination, she knew that she couldn't show fear, especially because of the packhouse's situation since the death of their Alpha.

Her mind raced as she made her way closer. I have to tell her something important. But this man shouldn't be on my land! She thought while standing in front of Julia with squinted eyes.

Each thought was like an echo of evil floating around in her brain, not willing to let go.

The woman who had entered the room without announcing her entrance spoke.

"Luna Julia, you're needed in the living room," Alexis stated, her voice just above a whisper.

Julia's jaw dropped in shock, and her heart beat rapidly inside her chest. I wonder why she would enter my room like this. Doesn't she know that it's rude to come inside when the door is closed? She pondered.

Willing to ease the tension in her shoulders, Damien grabbed her hands.

His eyes searched Julia's face, a look of concern etched behind them. I hate how she feels angry and upset. There had to be something I could do to help her. He thought as her shoulders slumped.

Leaning into her ear, Damien whispered, "Would you like me to take care of her for you?" He asked as his eyes observed

"What are you doing here, Alexa? As my Beta, shouldn't you be in the meeting with my parents?" Julia questioned, her voice low with conviction.

Alexa shifted from one foot to the other, her nerves running rampant inside her body. She knew something that would change everyone's lives forever.

What do I tell her? The meeting ended a few minutes ago, and her father told me I should lead the pack. But then again, I don't want to upset her even more. She thought as a sigh escaped her lips.

She needed to ensure that the only ones who heard about it were both her and Julia.

Julia leaned closer and nodded as she continued observing Alexa's body language. There's something off about her, yet I don't know what it could be.

She looked at Damien and bowed her head meekly.

"Sir," Alexa replied, then turned and walked away quickly. Once she left, the air around them became frigid.

"That was weird. Don't you think?"