DAMIEN’S POV

I walked back into the ballroom like I hadn’t just fucked my mate senseless upstairs. My suit was perfect, heartbeat steady. No one would know. Except maybe the faint scent of her still clinging to my skin—and the satisfied heat in my blood that wouldn’t cool for hours.

I spotted Maximus right away. He stood near one of the tall marble pillars, surrounded by a small circle of alphas—powerful men from allied packs, all broad shoulders and sharp eyes. Lucien was there too, arms crossed, looking tense as always.

The second the alphas saw me approaching, they dipped their heads in respect.

“Prince Damien.”

I gave them a...