Stella – POV

"You lied to me, Stella," Damon accused. I blinked, his face portraying emotions challenging to decipher.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confusion etched across my face. His expression was so inscrutable, making it hard to catch my breath. Before he could respond, Kayden pulled me to his side, and I realized I had been standing too close to Damon. Kayden's jealousy was evident, but quickly masked.

"We are going home, Stella," Damon declared.

"What? I told you I would return after checking on the wolf pack," I reminded him.

"Damon, you heard her. I will drop by the Lycan Pack in a few hours," Kayden interjected...