Warm Embrace

Everyone in the room seemed to have something in mind, but they didn't say anything eventually because they realized Charlotte or Damon didn't make a mistake at all.

She was abused by her ex-husband and Damon helped her.

It was odd, indeed, but not wrong at all.

Louis was the first to speak after a long silence. "Then the problem is clear, but something like this cannot be hidden from outsiders for long."

"I have no intention of hiding this relationship." Charlotte said firmly, "Let my ex-husband know about this."

Damon Sullivan was an Alpha who had a great influence on werewolf society, so it was impossible for him to hide something as important as a new Luna from others.

Furthermore, his name was also infamous amongst humans because his entertainment company had created a lot of big names in the entertainment industry.

Hence, Charlotte knew better that Julian would eventually find out about their relationship.

"You heard her." Damon gave the order, "Let the other packs know that I have already chosen a mate."

Carmen scoffed at him, "Ridiculous. You're just making this family name even worse in other people's eyes."

Damon shrugged, "What reputation? This family name was already ruined by my father. I only continue his legacy."

Louis pinched his thigh to keep from laughing in the middle of the meeting. "Very well. I'll share the news with the others."

Carmen sighed harshly and stormed out of the room without saying anything to Damon.

"Oh, Carmen. Don't be childish!" Mona looked at Charlotte before she chased Carmen. "Don't worry about her, dear. You didn't do anything wrong at all."

Charlotte was confused with Carmen and Mona's relationship. Their husband was a jerk, but they didn't seem to hate each other.

"That's all from me." Damon ignored his step-mother behavior. "If you don't have anything to say, then we can start the meeting now."

Damon let Charlotte stay in the meeting room because she had the right to join them. 

She quietly listened to them and learned more about the Crimson Moon Pack by hearing about their affairs.

From the meeting, she learned that the Northern Faction was responsible for protecting their territory and catching the rogue werewolves who committed criminal acts in their territory.

Meanwhile, the Southern Faction, led by Louis Sullivan, focused on maintaining order within the internal territory of the packs. They were responsible for training their packs in the training grounds, especially the young werewolves.

They were also responsible for dealing with political issues with the Nocturnal Order and the human government, including marriage matters between mates.

"I guess that is our last report." Louis tidied up his papers on the table, then shifted his gaze to Damon. "If the Northern Fraction has nothing further to discuss, then we can end our meeting."

Theodore shook his head. "I have nothing to say."

Charlotte let out a sigh of relief that the hour-long meeting was finally over. At first, she felt enthusiastic listening to them, but she started to dozing off in the middle of the meeting.

Not because it was boring, but her body felt so tired due to lack of sleep.

"Then, let's end our meeting," said Damon.

People started to leave the room one by one, but Charlotte remained in her chair because she didn't know where to go. The only thing she could do was to stay by Damon's side.

"You can sleep in my bedroom tonight." Damon broke the silence as the last person left the room.

Charlotte was surprised by his words. They had had sex last night, but that didn't mean she was comfortable sleeping in the same bed with him every night.

Damon seemed to understand her silence, so he continued, "I won't be coming home because I have to go out of town today. Tomorrow, you can move into another room after the maid cleans the empty bedroom."

"When are you coming home?" There was a hint of panic in Charlotte's eyes because she didn't want to leave alone in the unfamiliar place.

Furthermore, she was not sure if the people at Crimson Moon Manor had accepted her as one of them.

"I'll be home before breakfast." He said, "Don't worry, no one will dare to bully you here."

From now on, Charlotte was the Alpha's mate, a Luna who had to be respected by the pack. If they bullied her, then it was like they were digging their own grave.

"Thank you, Damon." Charlotte smiled at him. "If it wasn't for you, I would never have gotten out of that hell."

"You are wrong. You can get out of that hell because of yourself." Damon said, his voice sounded gentle.

Charlotte bit her lower lip. "No. A fool like me could never survive alone."

"You are not a fool, Charlotte." Damon lifted her chin, looking right into her blue eyes. "You can't get out of that house because you were scared and that was a natural response when you faced danger."

"I'm scared because I'm too weak …," murmured Charlotte.

If only she weren't a wolfless, she would tear Julian's body apart and give his flesh to the coyote, but a dream was only a dream eventually. 

"Even the strongest werewolf can't win the battle if they are afraid." Damon patted her head. "The only way for them to win is to tame their fear, and that's what you're doing right now, Charlotte."

She might be a wolfless, but at least, she wasn't a type of person who like to giving up.

She had won the battle just by being brave.

"Damon," she called him. Her voice trembled. "Can I hug you? Just for a while?"

 Damon didn't say anything, but he wrapped his arms around her body in return. His embrace felt so warm and comfortable, but for some reason, it made Charlotte couldn't contain her tears any longer.

She tried her best not to shed a single tear in front of others because she didn't want them to see her as a pathetic woman.

But Damon was an exception. 

Charlotte felt her heart turn softer and weaker whenever she was with Damon alone, as if he was her sanctuary—a safe place for her to show her true nature.

"You are safe here, Charlotte." Damon caressed her hair. "I'll not let anyone hurt you anymore."