Mated To My Mate's Worst Enemy Chapter 131

ARIA

When I didn't answer, he smiled. That cruel, knowing smile that made me feel like the naive fool I probably was.

"They don't," he said simply. "If anything, you've confirmed their worst assumptions about you. That you're weak. That you need saving. That you can't handle the pressures of being Luna without falling apart. You nearly died and had to be rescued by the woman you're supposed to be replacing. How does that make you look capable or worthy?"

"Ivory didn't replace me," I protested. "She's a healer, not—"

"She's everything you're not," Damon interrupted. "Beloved. Trusted. Valuable. Competent. Connected to Kael in ways you'll never understand or match. And the worst part? You know it. You've known it from the beginning. That's why you're so insecure. That's why you're so desperate for acceptance. Because deep down, you recognize that you're the interloper in a dynamic that was working fine before you arrived."

He leaned back, studying my expression with satisfaction.

"I heard about Margo," he said casually. "Your former maid. How relieved she was to be dismissed from your service. How much happier she is working for Ivory instead. Everyone's happier when they're not forced to interact with you, Aria. Even your own staff."

"How do you know about Margo?" I demanded, hating how defensive I sounded.

"I told you—everyone talks," Damon said. "Guards. Other prisoners. Visitors who aren't as careful as they should be about what they discuss within earshot. Information travels. And the information about you is consistent. You're tolerated but not wanted. Accepted as a political necessity but not valued as a person. Living in your title rather than earning it."

"I'm trying—" I started.

"You're trying to be Ivory," Damon corrected. "Trying to earn the same trust she has. Trying to match her accomplishments. Trying to compete with fifteen years of proven dedication. And you're failing, Aria. You'll always fail because the standard you're trying to meet is impossible. Ivory earned her position through years of consistent action. You're trying to earn yours in weeks. It's not going to work."

He paused, then added almost gently, "And even if you could somehow match her accomplishments, it wouldn't matter. Because Kael's wolf has already claimed her. His human side can bond with you for political reasons. But his wolf—his true nature, his instinctive self—that belongs to Ivory. And when push comes to shove, when he has to choose between what's politically convenient and what his wolf wants, the wolf will win."

"You don't know that," I whispered.

"Don't I?" Damon challenged. "He chose her testimony over your bond. Chose to execute you rather than doubt her word. Chose fifteen years of history with her over three weeks of bond with you. That's not politics, Aria. That's instinct. That's his wolf recognizing what his human side tries to ignore—that Ivory is his real mate, and you're just the woman he bonded with because circumstances required it."

Tears were streaming down my face now, and I hated myself for giving him the satisfaction of seeing me break. But I couldn't stop them. Couldn't stop the pain his words were causing because underneath the cruelty, they resonated with fears I'd been trying to suppress.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked through my tears. "Why did you bring me here just to destroy me?"

"Because someone needs to wake you up," Damon said, and for a moment, something almost like genuine concern crossed his face. "Because watching you stumble around Shadowmere, trying so desperately to belong somewhere you'll never be wanted, trying so hard to earn trust you'll never receive—it's painful to witness, Aria. Even I, who hurt you so badly, can see that you're destroying yourself trying to meet an impossible standard."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to something almost tender.

"Come back to Blackwood with me. When I'm released—and I will be released eventually—come home. Sera and I are working on reconciliation. We could make a place for you again. Not as Luna, obviously. But as someone valued for who you are rather than constantly measured against who you're not."

"You're delusional," I said, wiping at my face. "You're imprisoned for attacking a bonding ceremony. For assault and violation of pack law. You're never going to be Alpha of Blackwood again. You're never going home."

"Aren't I?" Damon smiled. "My sentence is two years, Aria. Two years of imprisonment and three years of probation. Not life. Not permanent exile. Just temporary punishment. And when I get out, I'll rebuild. Sera's already working on it. Maintaining control of the pack, keeping my supporters loyal, ensuring I have something to return to."

"That's insane," I breathed. "After everything you did—"