Claimed by My Bully Alpha (by Anna Kendra) novel Chapter 211

Alpha

Chapter 211

Aurora’s PO.V

All day, I couldn’t help but notice how Caleb and Caroline stuck to me like glue, their attention unwavering as if my every move required their oversight. It was sweet, in a way–Caleb insisting I try a second helping of the fruit tart, Caroline holding my hand as we wandered through the crowd of guests that Alpha Camden had invited–but it was also exhausting.

This was her birthday celebration, yet she seemed more concerned about whether I was comfortable than enjoying herself. I finally reached my limit after lunch, nudging the half–empty plate of dessert away and shaking my head when Caleb offered to grab me a drink. “I think I’m going to go check on Riley,” I said, my voice firm but casual. “I haven’t seen him all morning, and I want to make sure he’s taking his nap.”

As expected, Caleb immediately volunteered to come with me, already half out of his chair. “I’ll

come. You shouldn’t have to go alone-”

“Caleb,” I interrupted, offering him a smile that I hoped looked reassuring, not exasperated. “I’ll be fine. It’s just Riley.”

He frowned, but before he could argue further, someone called his name from across the room. A tall

man with a broad smile and an easy confidence approached, and Caleb’s attention shifted. It was a friend of his from another pack, one I vaguely recognized but couldn’t place. “You go,” I urged quickly, patting his arm. “Catch up with your friend. I’ll be back soon.”

To my immense relief, he hesitated only a moment before nodding. “Alright,” he said, though his tone carried a hint of reluctance. “But don’t be too long.”

But as soon as I headed to the elevator, the doors opened to reveal none other than Damien,

Caroline’s mate and Caleb’s…almost friend.

“Aurora,” he said, his voice smooth but firm, and I stopped in my tracks, heart skipping just a little.

“Damien,” I greeted, trying not to let my surprise show. “Here for Caroline’s birthday?”

He stepped closer, hands in his pockets, his gaze searching my face. “Yes, I just came through,” he said. “But it’s good I ran into you. How are you now? After… everything?”

The question caught me off guard, not because he asked, but because he remembered. “I’m alright,” I replied, my voice softening. “Thank you for asking. I mean, really. It means a lot that you

remember.”

“I’d hardly forget,” he said with a small shrug, a small smile on his face. “You’re Caroline’s best friend, after all. And if you’re important to her, you’re important to me too.” He paused, then added,

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Chapter 211

“I’d like us to be on good terms as well.”

That admission caught me by surprise, and I blinked at him for a moment before nodding. “You don’t have to worry about that,” I said honestly. “I already think of you as a friend, Damien. You’ve done so much for me. For Caleb too. You didn’t have to, but you did.”

Something softened in his expression, and for a moment, the stoic mask he usually wore seemed to slip. “It was the right thing to do,” he said simply. “You deserve better than what you’ve been through, Aurora. I hope you know that.”

His words settled over me like a warm blanket, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you,” I said, feeling a strange sense of gratitude and peace. “It’s not always easy to believe, but hearing it helps.”

He nodded, his gaze lingering for a moment before he straightened. “Good,” he said. “Then we’re

friends.”

“Yes,” I agreed. “We are.”

And just like that, I felt the weight of the day ease, even if just a little.

“You know,” he began, leaning slightly closer as if to emphasize the sincerity of his words, “thanks to that whole mess, Caleb and I are… I don’t know, better, I guess. It’s not perfect, but we’re talking more. Actually talking, not just hurling insults at each other or avoiding the tough stuff.” He chuckled, though it was laced with a quiet self–awareness that softened the sound.

I tilted my head, genuinely glad to hear it. “That’s good, Damien. Honestly, that’s really good. You two needed this. Sometimes it takes going through hell to figure things out, right?” I felt glad that Caleb and Damien’s relationship was on the men. It would be good for their packs as well. 1

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “I just hope it sticks, you know? Caleb… he’s a tough one to read, but I think we’re in a better place now. Feels like we’re finally moving forward.”

“That’s all that matters,” I told him firmly, offering a small smile. “Give yourself some credit. You’re

trying, and so is he. That’s huge.” He nodded again, this time with a bit more conviction, and I could tell he appreciated hearing it.

“Alright,” I said, brushing invisible dust off my dress and straightening up, “enough serious talk for

tonight. You go and enjoy the party, okay? You’ve earned it.”

Damien gave me a faint grin, though I could tell he was still processing everything we’d discussed. “You sure? I can stick around if you need-”

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