Dane cleared his throat and looked at Jean briefly before focusing back on me.
“Alpha Damien wants you in his presence,” his voice smooth but edged with something sharp—an order disguised as a request.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to keep my expression unreadable. “Is that so?” I asked coolly, folding my arms across my chest to mask the trembling in my hands.
Dane’s eyes narrowed just slightly. “Yes,” he said simply. “And he doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
My jaw tightened at the mention of Damien. It had been years since I’d last heard his name spoken aloud, but just like that, the memories came rushing back—his cold eyes, the weight of his commands, the impossible expectations.
Aunt Jean squeezed my hand again, grounding me. I looked at her quickly, her face pale but determined. Her expression spoke volumes: Don’t do anything rash.
I took a slow, steady breath before answering. “And what if I don’t want to see him?” my voice sharp but steady.
The tension in the room thickened
