Damon POV

My first meeting with Talia wasn’t pleasant.

Two years ago, during a trip, I sensed the presence of my mate. What disturbed me was the strong scent of blood in the air.

When I followed the scent and found my mate, I saw several rogues tearing Talia’s clothes as she struggled to save herself. I defeated one of the rogues and killed another.

I stood there, breathing heavily, blood dripping onto the ground. When I turned around, I saw Talia curled up on the ground, trembling uncontrollably, hugging her knees. Her face smeared with tears.

She was my mate, but I was surprised to find she was just an ordinary human.

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you.” I said, trying to approach her, my tone soft.

But she shook her head violently, her eyes filled with despair and anger. She raised her head, sobbing, and shouted, "You monsters! Get away!"

My legs froze as if nailed to the ground. I looked down at my bloodstained hands and realized that the fear in her eyes wasn’t just for the rogues but for me as well.

Then I noticed two bloody bodies lying nearby —one male and one female–It was her parents. I could smell their scent; they were already dead.

"I'm sorry..." I mumbled though I wasn’t sure if these words would bring her any comfort.

The days after that became an unhealable rift between us.

I took her back to the Nightstar pack, cared for her as best as I could, and tried to woo her.

Initially, I thought she had accepted me because her smiles and touches seemed so genuine. But a year passed, and she still rejected me.

I can’t forget that day.

She was standing under the moonlight, her voice was cold and resolute. "Every time

I see you, I think of that night’s bloodshed."

My heart shattered into a million pieces and my blood froze.

I didn’t hate her for rejecting me. I would have let her go if she had fallen in love with someone else.

I could even forgive the child she carried.

When I saw her picture in the world’s most luxurious underground auction house, I personally took her to the hospital.

But when Abby told me that she had discovered Talia had conspired with Carson to poison the Nightstar pack, I couldn’t take it more. At that moment, I made up my mind. I would show no mercy to Talia anymore.

Whatever punishment she faced, she deserved it.

Werewolves killed her parents, but that was no reason for her to take revenge on all werewolves indiscriminately.

What hurt more was that maybe her past kindness and love toward me had all been fake.

I was just a pawn in her revenge!

But after she wrote me a letter five months ago, I still couldn’t help but visit her in prison.

Though she was pregnant and wearing simple clothes, she was as beautiful as I saw her for the first time.

I thought she would confess to me, express her longing for me. But there was nothing.

She had degraded herself for Carson’s child. She pleased me like a prostitute.

I should have felt disgusted, but instead, I longed for her touch, her kiss, everything she did for me. My wolf also felt a long-lost sense of satisfaction.

I left the prison with self-loathing. Before leaving, I made a donation to the warden, asking him to take extra care of Talia. I told myself that I no longer loved her. I was just fulfilling my promise. She pleased me with her body, and I promised to ensure she delivered her baby safely.

Yes, it was just a transaction!

Since that time, when we had guilt-ridden sex in prison, I hadn’t gone to see her again.

I buried the wounds in my heart by drowning myself in the work.

But today, when I received a call from the warden, I couldn’t sit still.

For werewolves, childbirth is simple. Our wounds heal quickly. But I’ve heard that many human women die from complications during labor.

"Alpha Damon, are you thinking about Talia?" Abby poured me a cup of coffee and gently massaged my shoulders. "If you’re worried about her, I can go check on her."

"I don’t care about that bitch. I just promised her I would make sure she gives birth safely."

"I understand. I’ll make sure she gives birth to the child. Don’t worry!" I nodded at Abby, and she left immediately.

She was one of the few female werewolf warriors, more reliable and capable than many men.

After Abby arrived at the hospital, I called her to inquire about Talia’s condition.

She told me Talia was healthy and would be fine. The child would born soon.

My worried heart finally settled.

I sat at my desk, starting my work for the day. As the end of the workday approached, I hesitated about whether I should visit Talia and her child. But just as I was driving home, my wolf reminded me.

"Talia was once our mate. You should visit her. The child is innocent!"

I agreed to it and turned around, driving directly to the secluded hospital.