Ending Darkness 201

Posted by adminh, ? Views, Released on July 2, 2025

I Can Deal With That.

Damon

The crowd falls silent as the lights go out, leaving only a spotlight illuminating the stage. I take another drink as the curtain starts to rise. The other shifters on the floor start crowding the stage more. Some rise from their chairs, obstructing my view.

Not that it matters, but we are here and need to blend in. If I didn’t need the cover, you would never find me in here.

No.

Slow, sensual music starts, and I realize that we are going to get a live performance of some sort. “Hell yeah, bring it on!” Theo yells and whistles, clearly eager to enjoy himself. “These assholes are going to keep us from seeing the show.” He does have a point.

I’m not sure seeing the show is necessary for our mission, Theo.” I sigh, ordering another refill.

“It is if we want to blend in, Theo answers, arching an eyebrow at me.

“Would two Alphas that are here scheming take a break to watch a show?” I question him, but I already know this is a moot point. Theo argues as much as Cyrus.

“Look around. Nobody here is willing to miss this. Come on.” Theo gestures his head toward the second–floor balcony where others have gathered. I nod and turn, telling the bartender to save our seats as we head up the stairs.

Standing here, with a view of the stage, a sweet orange aroma lingers. Sirius is stirring within my mental barrier as our eyes catch on the rich, warm bourbon skin standing in stilettos on the stage.

The curtain continues to rise agonizingly slow, and I find myself leaning more against the rail to get a closer view.

Fit, muscular legs, a flat, toned stomach, and well–endowed breasts are on display in blue lingerie. The she–wolf on stage is standing in front of a large pole in the center of the stage. Long, chocolate brown braids cascade down her back. This she–wolf stands with her shoulders back as she prepares for her reveal. She is confident in her stance and comfortable on the stage.

“Oh shit yeah, this is going to be good.” Theo elbows my side, downing his drink. He turns around and sticks in a fake plant in the corner.

If only he realized how much that pisses me off.

The curtain pulls up, revealing her chin, her pouty lips, and the golden hue of her high cheekbones. The curtain rises completely and reveals a stunning she–wolf. Her eyes flare open dramatically with the change of the music.

My mouth waters and my senses are overwhelmed with the strength of her scent. Warmth radiates in my chest. I am pulled forward and hear “mate” from Sirius as the bond snaps into place. I know she feels it too.

Her head darts around as she brings her hand up to the center of her chest, clutching it. I struggle to find the right words to express what I am

feeling at this moment.

I have a mate.

She works in a brothel.

I hate everything about this place.

All these fucking Alpha’s have seen my mate naked.

All….these…Alphas….are…waiting…..to….see….my….mate….naked.

I stiffen as my newfound mate attempts to compose herself on stage. She is breathing heavily, and having difficulty controlling her emotions as she shifts slighly on her feet. The Alphas present are starting to murmur and grow restless.

Me too.

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I Can Deal With That.

I try to compose myself and keep my wolf in check. The muscles of my arms strain due to the white–knuckled grip I have on the balcony rail.

My brain has shut down.

The screen saver is on.

Going to the stage blows our whole cover.

Leaving my mate on the stage goes against every instinct I have.

Do I rip her off the stage and pull a Cyrus, burning this whole damn place down?

Do I let her perform and find her immediately after?

I don’t know why she is here.

I don’t know if she needs to be up there.

I don’t know if she will even want me.

I don’t know if I can even be who a mate is supposed to be.

A slow growl starts to leave me as my mate composes herself enough to continue her routine. Slow, sensual music starts as my mate starts to sway her hips. Slow and seductive. Her hips are swaying, her fingers trail up her body, but her eyes are searing the crowd, searching for me.

A few moments later, those eyes find mine. My mate’s eyes are gold underneath the lights as they lock on mine. She continues her movements, her dance now a silent conversation between us. Her eyes never leave mine. My cypress scent is permeating the air more, and I know she can smell it.

My mate tips her nose up, scenting the air. A small smile plays at the corners of her mouth as she breathes me in, closing her eyes and dancing more before turning and heading toward the pole.

I can do this. I can keep our cover.

“You may need to find somewhere else to be tonight.” Theo smacks his hand down on my shoulder.

I can’t do it.

I immediately growl low and deep. “What is wrong with you? We can find you some tail.” I flash Theo my fangs, and I see his eyes darting toward the stage and then back to me. “Oh, shit.”

“I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to blow our cover, but this she–wolf is my mate. My wolf is raging ballistic right now.” I explain to Theo, restraining myself and leaving out the wrong shit I am thinking about as well.

She will leave as soon as she finds out how I am.

I can give her the type of life she wants.

I turn back toward the stage in time to see my mate slide down the pole quickly and land in the splits. The crowd erupts.

I really can’t do it now.

I grab the balcony railing and launch myself over, landing on my feet below. The mind–link is loud right now, but I tune it out as Sirius chants “mate‘ repeatedly.

I shove shifters out of the way left and right as I make my way to the stage. My heart is racing, I’m nervous and terrified all at the same time, but one strong inhale of her scent, and I am centered.

I make my way to the front after taking the arm of one Alpha and bending it behind him until I hear a “snap” followed by a “pop” and he screams as others pull him away. The snarl that leaves me is feral.

I make it to the front of the stage, and her almond–shaped eyes pop open, locking with mine. She quickly slides her legs back behind her and I

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I Can Deal With That.

stand there mesmerized by her beauty as she starts crawling toward me.

Crawling…..to……me.

I’m lost in the trance of her seduction as she slowly makes her way toward me. Each sway of her hips is a tease.

I’m in trouble.

The crowd is in a full–blown spiral of emotions right now. They are confused, angry, and about to boil over.

I can’t take all of them on. I will make my way through a good chunk of them though, but the neutral territory rules apply.

We can’t kill.

My mate kneels in front of me, her eyes wide and darting back and forth between mine. The bond tugs us together, demanding our attention.

It pulsates and pulls within my chest.

I clear my throat, feeling like I want to kill everyone and puke everywhere at the same time. “What is your name?” I whisper, holding my hand out as she places hers within. It is soft on the outside, but her palm is rough.

She’s worked here a while.

This enrages my wolf even more. There are too many threats to his mate.

“My name is Amani. What is your name?” Amani asks as I process her name. Her name matches her beauty. My mate is stunning.

How did this happen?

“My name is Damen.” I lightly squeeze her hand as a large, firm hand lands on my right shoulder, not belonging to Theo.

Where is he anyway?

“What the hell is going on? Who the hell are you? Get the fuck away from the stage.” The Alpha is yelling, but I tune him out as I run through the scenarios in my head.