"How is he doing?" Beta Matthew asked quietly as the healer finished examining Damien.
Minutes ago, they had been on the training field. Damien had been sparring like usual when he suddenly clutched his chest. The pain had been so violent that he dropped to his knees before collapsing completely.
"I'm fine…" Damien muttered hoarsely.
Matthew looked at him, unconvinced. The healer said nothing. He simply bowed respectfully and left the room.
Slowly, Damien pushed himself upright and leaned back against the headboard. He closed his eyes tightly, forcing back the tears threatening to fall. He knew what had happened… He had felt his mate in another man's arms.
"What happened?" Matthew asked, even though he already knew the answer.
"I should have listened to you," Damien whispered. His voice sounded hollow, almost broken. "I should have protected her. I should have been the man she needed instead of the coward who punished her for things she never did."
