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.”

let it go. Should just say thanks

say: “Actually, you know

“What? No! Damien-”

fine. The kids and I,

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182 Chapter 182

“PARTY!”

came from

to find Lily standing in the kitchen doorway, still

morning.

She bounced on her toes. “Did someone

back

already running toward me, grabbing at the phone. “Is that Auntie Riley? Can I

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

I held out the

with both hands, nearly dropping it

came through loud and clear. “Lily! Oh my goodness, is that you? You sound so

up!” Lily announced proudly. “I’m three and a

Such a big girl!” Riley’s voice was warm, genuine. “Did

party?” Lily’s whole body vibrated with excitement. “Can we

can come! Grace would be so happy to see you! She talks about you all the

went wide. “She remembers

course she does! You two used to be best

child at dinner to this bright, hopeful little person who just

birthday parties

turned to me, phone still pressed to her ear. “Auntie

heard.,” I said

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

to bed on time

can go,”

She jumped so high both her mismatched shoes left the ground. “We’re

“Really.”

loud I winced. Then she was talking into the phone again, telling Riley about her week and her favorite toys and everything else that

sank onto a kitchen stool, suddenly

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182 Chapter 182