The date is not over

Damon drove to the packhouse without letting go of Talia's hand.

He knew that by hugging Talia in the town square, some people might have seen them, but he didn't want to dwell on it. People will find out about Talia one way or another, and it's not like he was not seen in the company of women.

The only thing that puts Talia in danger is the fact that she is his mate, and at this point, only Maya and Caden know about it. Damon trusts that they will keep that information for themselves until they come up with the right way to announce it to everyone.

As long as his enemies see Talia as any other woman who caught his eye briefly, they won't bother to make a move against her, no matter what Alpha Richard offers them. By the time they figure out that Talia is much more than a temporary entertainment, Damon will figure out something.

He didn't want to lock Talia in her room (or in his) and staying away from her was impossible.