Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 86 - 81: Trusting Damian (2)

Chapter 86: Chapter 81: Trusting Damian (2)

Gabriel exhaled slowly, his breath warm against Damian’s collarbone. He stayed there, leaning against him, feeling the gentle rise and fall of Damian’s chest beneath his hands. The storm that had threatened to overwhelm him only moments before had subsided into something gentler, something he could hold onto without feeling like he was drowning.

Damian remained motionless, his presence firm and unwavering, allowing Gabriel to gather himself. His fingers traced slow, lazy circles along Gabriel’s slender back, a silent reminder that he was still present and not going anywhere.

Not that he needed any reminder, Gabriel breathed slowly, trying to not inhale more of Damian’s pheromones. As calming as it was, he could feel his body reacting in the same way that any omega would in the presence of an alpha.

Minutes passed in silence, but it was a comfortable one, characterized by the unspoken understanding that words were unnecessary. Not right now. Gabriel closed his eyes, forcing himself to pull away from his embrace.

When Gabriel finally shifted and lifted his head to meet Damian’s gaze, his eyes were filled with determination. It was not quite surrender, but it was close—an acceptance of who they were and the significance of the moment they had just shared.

’I can trust him.’

Damian didn’t speak. He didn’t have to. Instead, he reached up, brushing his thumb against Gabriel’s lower lip, his touch featherlight. There was no pressure or expectation in the gesture, only a quiet acknowledgment of what had happened between them.

Gabriel’s lips parted slightly at the contact, his breath hitching, but he didn’t back away.

A slow smile curled Damian’s lips. "Better?" he asked, his voice a soft murmur in the quiet room.

Gabriel nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes."

"Let us stay like this a little longer." Damian said, pulling Gabriel back to his chest. He knew his mate would try to put distance between them. He won’t let him. Not today, or any other day from now on.

As they remained on the private balcony, Damian’s pheromones gradually filled the air, wrapping around Gabriel like a soothing lullaby. His body relaxed gradually, his breathing evened out as he surrendered to the comforting warmth. His eyelids became heavier, and before he could resist, he fell asleep against Damian’s chest.

Damian saw Gabriel finally relax against him, his breathing slow and even the tension in his body dissipating. The emperor exhaled softly, his fingers resting on Gabriel’s back, tracing the outline of his spine in quiet contemplation.

It was a rare thing to see Gabriel so unguarded. Even now, Damian could sense how exhaustion had won over his stubborn will, forcing him to surrender. He held him carefully, as if Gabriel would vanish if he let go too soon.

He had to know what happened in these five years and how exactly that contract etched into his skin tortured him.

’What did the von Jaunez do? Why don’t you trust them? Why do you trust me more after just a few meetings?’ Damian’s mind was racing with questions. When would they meet if Elliot had not tainted his report with Gabriel’s pheromones?

A light knock on the doors leading into the private balcony pulled him from his thoughts.

"Your Majesty." The attendant spoke softly, taking care not to intrude more than necessary. "The von Jaunez household has sent word. Their staff would like to know when their young master will return home."

Damian took some time to respond. His gaze remained fixed on Gabriel, his mate, who had found rest in his arms despite the whirlwind of emotions that had brought them here. The idea of waking him up now, forcing him back into a world that expected too much from him, was unacceptable. Gabriel had finally let go, allowing himself to breathe.

"No," Damian said, his voice carrying the full weight of his authority. "Inform them that Gabriel is staying here for the night."

The attendant hesitated for the briefest of moments before bowing. "Understood, Your Majesty."

"Send word to Edward," Damian continued. "He is to prepare a bedroom for our guest. It should be warm and quiet. I do not want him disturbed."

The attendant bowed again, silently acknowledging the unspoken command—Gabriel’s comfort came first and foremost. As the doors closed behind them, Damian turned his attention back to the man in his arms. He shifted carefully, adjusting their position so Gabriel could rest comfortably against him.

His fingers brushed against Gabriel’s temple, pushing back stray strands of hair. In his sleep, his expression was peaceful, devoid of the guarded sharpness he always carried. Damian lightly traced his thumb over Gabriel’s cheek, feeling the warmth beneath his touch.

"You are staying with me tonight," he whispered, but Gabriel could not hear him. "And I’ll make sure you sleep without worries."

Damian effortlessly gathered him up, rising from the chair with Gabriel securely against his chest. He carried him through the dimly lit halls of the imperial palace, his steps measured, his presence commanding even in the silence. Anyone who saw them knew better than to speak. The emperor had made up his mind; his decision was final, and the rumors about Gabriel being his mate would be confirmed until the next morning unless he intervened.

Damian entered the prepared chambers without saying anything, nodding to Edward before dismissing the attendants with a glance. He lowered Gabriel onto the bed with slow, deliberate movements. Even as he pulled the blankets over him, his touch was light so as not to disturb his sleep.

Damian stood for a moment, watching Gabriel breathe steadily in the silence of the room. A smirk ghosted over his lips as he leaned down, pressing a final whisper of a kiss against Gabriel’s forehead.

"Rest, Gabriel," he muttered. "You’re mine to protect."

He straightened and closed his eyes, allowing his pheromones to infiltrate the bed, furniture, and walls, ensuring Gabriel’s peaceful sleep.

With that, he turned, knowing that tonight, his mate was exactly where he belonged.

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