Mated to My Fiancé’s Alpha King Brother

182 Chapter 182

182 Chapter 182

Damien’s POV

I was still staring at Lucas’s text when my phone rang.

Of course it was him. Because apparently a simple “yes” wasn’t enough anymore.

“Hey,” I answered, trying to keep the exhaustion out of my voice.

“Dude!” Lucas sounded way too cheerful. “Did I just read that right? You’re actually coming to a party? Like, voluntarily?”

“It’s for Grace’s birthday. Of course I’m coming.”

“Yeah, but…” He paused. “Man, you haven’t shown up to anything in like, two years. Riley was convinced you’d say no.”

Guilt twisted in my gut. “I’ve been busy.”

“I know, I know. Pack stuff. Rogue wars. Being Alpha.” Lucas’s voice softened. “But Damien, seriously? We miss you. The kids miss you.

Lily and Grace used to play together all the time.”

“I’m coming, okay? What else do you want from me?”

Before Lucas could respond, I heard Riley’s voice in the background. “Is that Damien? Give me the phone!”

Some rustling. Then Riley’s warm voice came through. “Damien? Hi! Oh my God, we’re so excited you’re coming! It’s been forever!”

“Hi, Riley.” I managed something that might’ve been a smile. “Yeah, it’s been too long.”

“Way too long! And listen, I wanted to ask…” She paused, and something in her tone made my stomach drop. “The party’s kind of a

couples thing. You know, family–oriented. Lots of moms and dads. Will you be bringing a plus–one?”

My jaw clenched so hard I heard my teeth grind. “A plus–one?”

“I mean, if you’re seeing someone! No pressure or anything!” Riley was talking faster now. Nervous. “I just wanted to know for seating and

food and stuff. But if you’re coming alone, that’s totally fine too! We just―”

“I’m not seeing anyone,” I said flatly.

Silence on the other end. Awkward. Heavy.

“Oh. Well, that’s… I mean, you don’t have to bring anyone! I just thought maybe after all this time you might’ve…” She trailed off. “Never

mind. Forget I asked.”

go. Should just say

you know

“What? No! Damien-”

The kids and I, we’ll

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182 Chapter 182

“PARTY!”

came from somewhere

kitchen doorway, still wearing those damn mismatched shoes, her face lit up

morning.

on her toes. “Did someone

back

me, grabbing at the phone. “Is that

down at my three–year–old daughter’s pleading face and felt something inside

I held out the

nearly dropping it in her excitement. “Auntie

and clear. “Lily! Oh my goodness, is that you?

am grown up!” Lily announced proudly. “I’m three and a half now!

voice was warm, genuine. “Did you

really a party?” Lily’s whole body vibrated with excitement. “Can we go? Please

course you can come! Grace would be so happy to

eyes went

You two

face transform–from the sad, crying child at dinner to this bright,

like birthday

to me, phone still pressed to her ear. “Auntie Riley says there’s going

heard.,” I

clasped her hands together like she was praying. “I promise I’ll be good!

go to bed

go,” I

her mismatched shoes left the ground. “We’re really

“Really.”

again, telling Riley about her week and her favorite toys and everything else that

onto a kitchen stool, suddenly

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182 Chapter 182