Chapter 2 Being hurt.

Claire's POV.

In the blink of an eye, his appearance transformed back into its original self.

"You did well to keep her safe," he assured me.

I walked down the hallway and then slipped into a private room, where I opened a portal to meet Alpha Damien.

I saw Alpha Damien was already waiting, pacing in the open space, his eyes filled with worry.

Thornhill wants to kick us out of the council," he said without preamble. "We need to act fast."

My pulse increased, I wanted to respond.

Then my phone rang. Looking at the screen I immediately saw Betty's name.

Alpha Damien quickly commanded to ignore it. But I refused

"Betty?"

In a wavering tone. "Claire... I'm home. Safe. Don't worry."

I froze. "You've been drinking. Alone?"

A shaky laugh, then a muffled sob. "Mhm... just dizzy. Don't be serious."

Damn it. I knew she was breaking down.

"Claire," Damien snapped at me. "This is bigger than personal matters. Please Focus!"

Betty whispered in my ear, "Don't worry I'll be fine..."

I turned to Damien, meeting his gaze"I have to go."

I have grown too attached to her now, and I don't think I will ever restrain myself from her.

Whatever crisis Damien was facing at the council, Betty was my problem now and I wasn't leaving her alone to ruin herself tonight.

Betty's POV.

I staggered out of the bar, the cool night breeze brushing against my red cheeks.

I tried to steady my footsteps by following the railing on the way but my knees disappointed me, sending me off track towards the driveway.

Then I heard Claire call out my name. I quickly turned, and through my blurry sight, I saw Claire rushing towards me.

And grabbed me before I could fall, wrapped her arm around me, pulling me back to the sidewalk.

"Claire", I said in a muffled sob ", I can walk on my own".

"You'll fall again," she said, firmly.

She slung my arm over her shoulder and steadied me with her other hand at my waist. Guiding me step by step towards the car waiting.

She started the engine as I lay my head on the armrest and drifted to sleep.

Claire's POV.

Immediately I reached Betty's apartment, I called Grandma out to open the door while steadying Betty's weight on my shoulder.

I saw the concerned expression on grandma's face, but I couldn't explain anything at that time.

While Betty was barely keeping her eyes open due to her drunken state.

"Almost there," I whispered, guiding her through the hallway

I lay her on the bed and pulled the duvet to cover her.

I removed her shoes and brushed her hair lightly away from her face.

I stood there for a moment, watching her sleep.

I quickly remembered I have unfinished business with Alpha Damien.

Immediately, I opened the door, my eyes fixed on Grandma's sharp gaze standing by the doorway of Betty's room. "Is Betty all right?" she asked quietly.

I forced a smile, though I felt my heart racing. "She's fine, Grandma. Just a little tired, that's all.

I lied as guilt almost overwhelmed me.

I touched Grandma's arm, lowering my voice. "Please stay with her. Make sure she rests."

She nodded, though it felt a bit suspicious. I couldn't wait for more questions and quickly left.

Outside the building, I went to a dark and narrow place.

I move my hands instinctively, in a familiar pattern in the air, filling every force around me until light vents into a circle of gold and blue.

A portal opened, bustling with power.

I took a breath, imagining Betty's innocent face before stepping into the portal.

My boots struck a stone as I emerged from the portal, and the portal slowly closed on its own.

I met Damien and the high priestess already there waiting with a great expression of worry written on their faces.

"You came fast," he said, in a low voice.

"I had no choice," I replied, trying to steady my breath "What's happening?"

His gaze was on me for a moment.

Damien turned toward the darkness ahead. "We don't have much time."

The words sent a chill down my spine, but I forced myself to focus.

"We must find her quickly". The high priestess said calmly.

"But I can't find her scent, like it's vanished." I managed to say.

"Don't worry, when the time comes. You will know," she reassured me with a smile.