Chapter 2

Damian – POV

A low growl rumbled in my chest as I adjusted the collar of my shirt, already regretting agreeing to host these damn Alphas in the first place.

I didn't want to play host. I didn't want to talk politics. Hell, I didn't even want to be seen today.

But the council insisted, and now I was stuck waiting for a bunch of puffed-up bastards to walk into my pack like they owned the place.

This better not turn into a dick-measuring contest.

I poured myself a drink—something strong, something that might take the edge off—and slammed it back in one go. It didn't help. My nerves were still raw from the mess I'd had to clean up last night. Rogue attacks, border disputes, and now this little Alpha tea party.

Fucking fantastic.

I was halfway through stacking the

unnecessary papers on my desk when a knock echoed from the hallway.

Right on time.

"Of course they're early," I muttered, jaw clenched. I rolled my shoulders and stalked toward the door, yanking it open with a snarl.

"This better be worth my fucking time."

One of my Betas stood there, clearly nervous, and stepped back the moment he saw my expression.

"They've arrived, Alpha. Waiting in the meeting hall."

No shit.

I gave him a tight nod before pushing past him, heading down the corridor with heavy, deliberate steps. My wolves cleared the path without a word. They could probably feel the storm brewing off me in waves.

By the time I reached the hall, I was already seconds from snapping. One smug look, one condescending comment, and I was flipping the goddamn table.

Let's get this over with.

The second I pushed open the meeting hall doors, the room shifted.

Three pairs of eyes turned toward me—sizing me up, no doubt—but I didn't flinch. I walked in like I owned the place. Because I did.

Alpha Riven was the first I saw, slouched in his chair like he'd rather be anywhere else. Typical. The guy treated every gathering like it was a waste of his time—and hell, he wasn't wrong. Still, I gave him a nod. That was as much courtesy as he'd get from me today.

Next was Lucas. Flashy as always, with that cocky-ass smile that made me want to rearrange his face. He was already talking before I even made it halfway to the table.

"Damian," he greeted with a smirk, "you look thrilled to see us."

"I'm not," I said flatly. "But here we are."

Kael stood with a more serious expression, arms crossed over his chest. Quiet. Observant. I never knew exactly what he was thinking, which made me like him more than the others. At least he wasn't trying to kiss my ass or pick a fight—yet.

My eyes swept the room once more.

One. Two. Three...

Where the fuck was Christ?

I scowled.

"Where's Christ?" I asked, voice low but pointed, like the answer better not be something stupid.

Lucas chuckled, "Late, as always. You know how the Trinity Pack likes to make an entrance."

Riven scoffed, barely looking up. "Or maybe he finally realized these meetings are a joke."

Kael didn't say a word, just gave me a small shake of his head, indicating he didn't know either.

I clenched my jaw, teeth grinding.

"Of course," I muttered. "The one Alpha I actually wanted to hear from, and he doesn't show."

I grabbed the back of my chair, pulling it out with a loud scrape before dropping into it heavily. I looked each of them dead in the eye.

"Let's get this over with. And if anyone wastes my time today, I swear to the Moon Goddess, I'll end this meeting with blood on the floor."

Lucas raised a brow, clearly amused.

Riven just leaned back further.

Kael finally spoke, voice even. "Maybe wait until the coffee's served before you kill anyone."

I didn't laugh. I didn't smile.

I just stared at the empty seat where Christ should've been and felt the tension in my chest burn a little hotter.

Something was off.

And I didn't like it.