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.”

it go. Should just say

say: “Actually, you know what?

“What? No! Damien-”

The kids

15:04

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182 Chapter 182

“PARTY!”

from

around to find Lily standing in the kitchen doorway, still wearing those damn mismatched shoes, her face lit up

morning.

heard party!” She bounced on

back to your

at the phone. “Is

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

out the phone.

both hands, nearly dropping it in

laugh came through loud and clear. “Lily! Oh my

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

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

body vibrated with excitement. “Can we go? Please

be so happy to see

eyes went

You two used to be best friends,

at dinner to this bright,

birthday

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

I

please?” She clasped her hands together like she was praying. “I promise

go to bed on time

can go,”

jumped so high both her mismatched shoes left the

“Really.”

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

onto a kitchen stool,

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182 Chapter 182