Chapter 222
The First Rule of Figh … Secret Keepers Club
Damon
“I hope Raven did not threaten you or frighten you in any way.” I could only imagine how she explained Luna to Amani or what she threatened her with. Since Thane is down for the count, we have to wait before proceeding with questioning Sonne, which is fine with me.
More time with Amani.
“Not really. I learned the rules of the ‘secret keeps club‘ and I think I can handle them. I am really shocked, but I can handle it.” Amani says as we sit on the bed.
Because I still have no furniture.
We both need vehicles.
We need a new place to live.
We shouldn’t get a new place in case she decides I am too much and she wants to leave me.
I think I am freaking out.
“What are the rules of the ‘Secret Keepers Club‘?” I ask, hoping to distract myself from my worries.
“Well, if you’re in the club and don’t know, how do I know you’re in the club? You could be lying.” Amani smiles, her gold eyes are radiant and match her cheeks today. Her long braids are pulled back into a ponytail, and I find myself thinking about what they would feel like wrapped around my hand.
The fated mate bond throbs in my chest, reminding me it is unfinished.
“I can assure you, I am in the club p>
“Fine. The first rule of ‘Secret Keepers Club‘ is to never speak about ‘Secret Keepers Club‘, the second rule is to never tell anybody about the Fate’s gifted shifters, and the third rule is to stay away from Rhonda p>
I shudder at the memory of Rhonda’s sandpaper tongue scraping up my throat. Her thighs are like vice grips once they latch around you.
I’m also supposed to meet up with Cyrus and Raven for the hair club. Sorry, you aren’t invited.” Amani smiles as she runs her fingers through my messy brown hair.
“Yeah, yeah, I heard all about it.” I smile at her. “I want to tell you more about myself, Amani, but I realized I was waiting until I felt more comfortable, but I don’t think that day will come.” I clear my throat, turning more toward her. The events of the last few days have my wolf on edge and the bond aching in my chest.
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The First Rule of Figh… Secret Keepers Club
I think I need to speed this mating thing up.
And that terrifies me.
馆
“I think talking about it is good. I have the heavy stuff too.” She squeezes my hand, and I pull her onto my lap, needing to be close to her.
scent to calm me and sate the ache in the bond.
“I’ll…okay. I’ll start…..I came to this pack when I was a teenage pup, but before that, I lived with my mother in the Clear Moon Pack. She
was a hoarder, and I didn’t have the best life, but then my dad died, and it went to a whole new extreme. We didn’t have running water,
and the house was filled with trash. I had to climb through a mountain of newspapers and magazines to get to my little blanket pile on
top of the piles on the floor p>
Amani pulls back and looks at me with a painful expression.—–worry I realize. “I am so sorry you went through that. My heart hurts for
little Damon p>
I pull her close again, burying my face in her neck as I inhale deeply, grounding myself. “The pack Alpha stepped in and I was given the choice between staying there but not living with my mother, or living with my aunt in the Midnight Pack, and I chose to come here to be
as far away from my mother as possible p>
“Is your mother still alive?” Amani asks sweetly, holding onto the front of my shirt.
“I haven’t heard that she isn’t. I would not know. I have seen her since I left. I would like to keep it that way.” I clear my throat, lifting away from her. In reality, I grapple with that decision daily. Whether to seek my mother out or not.
2
How did your father pass away? How old were you?” She asks quietly while rubbing her finger against my knuckles.
“I was eight and he was an electrician, which is ironic considering his wife was a hoarder and the house was unsafe. He fell from a utility pole. His harness failed. Cracked his skull, and couldn’t heal in time p>
“Damn. That’s terrible, I’m so sorry, Damon.” Amani buries her head into my neck while squeezing me tightly.
“So, that is my way of telling you that I live with a constant fear of turning into a hoarder or living in filth, hence the lack of everything in my apartment and my cleaning issues p>
“I understand it. I think the fates do too. They wouldn’t match you to somebody who is unclean or hoards. They know what you have been through, what you need. You can trust me, Damon.” Amani whispers against me.
“I want to. I promise I am trying p>
“I was born into the Red River Pack. I don’t remember any of it, though. My mom was light–skinned like you, and my father was dark- skinned like me. My parents were alcoholics, and I have only a few memories, maybe two of my mom. She had long, black curly hair…. I do have a photo…or did. It is back at my place. My father took me and left when I was like 2, maybe. He got into drugs and became abusive. I left home and the pack when I was 14. I ran away and didn’t look back. But I got into some bad things obviously, given my work
history p>
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The First Rule of Figh… Secret Keepers Club
“Is your mother or father still alive?” I ask her quietly. Not sure what answer I want to hear.
“I don’t know. My father became so mean, I couldn’t care less, but sometimes I wonder. I always wonder about my mother. I don’t know her story at all. She was an alcoholic who kept on leaving. At least that is what my dad told me. ”
We both have unresolved parent trauma. I hate that for her, because I know how bad it hurts. She seems to be handling it much better
than I am, though, but looks can be deceiving.
“So I have a fear of filth. What are your fears, Amani?” I asked quietly, kissing her on top of the head as I held her tight.
“Love that hurts. I furrow my brows at her answer. If I ever get names, I will kill any that have hurt her. She’s too precious.
A pet name?
Potentially.
“My love will never hurt Armani p>
“My love will always choose you, Damon p>
I pull her away from me and cup her face, staring down at her with such adoration for her strength and the peace she brings me.
She always knows what to say and when to say it.
I lower my lips down to Amani’s pout and tenderly kiss her, hoping to convey through my lips what I feel within myself.
We have connected on a deeper level.
She nibbles my lower lip, and I decide I like that very much. I smile against her mouth, and she does the same. “I think we need to go get that extra place setting p>
“Oh, really?” Amani says against my lips as I tenderly kiss her. Her lips are soft pillows that I could leisurely kiss all day.
I should try that sometime.
“Yeah, and we need to get you a proper wardrobe,” I say against her lips.
“You think you are ready for that?” She asks as she pulls away from me.
“We need to get you a car, too, and start house hunting,” I say as I tuck a braid behind her ear.
“ Is that right?” Something close to confusion flits across her features before a smile overtakes her face.
“ Yes. I’ve decided I am never letting you go p>
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The First Rule of Figh… Secret Keepers Club
“I like that decision p>
“Good. I also hope you like walking, because the car dealership is far away p>
Oh, I’m supposed to stay away from there. It is one of the ‘Secret Keepers Club‘ rules. Stay away from Rhonda’s hangouts p>
I throw my head back in laughter, feeling the lightest I have felt in a long time.
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I love these two together! They are so good for each other.
7 days ago
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.