Damien hesitated for only a moment before patting Emma’s back in a gesture that was more awkward than affectionate. Then, he pulled away and stepped beside Raven, instinctively reaching for her hand. His grip was firm and grounding.
“Emma, I’m glad you’re alive and well,” he said evenly. “The whole pack was devastated by your loss.”
Emma let out a sharp huff, her eyes flashing with something close to fury. “Not devastated enough if you’ve already replaced me.”
Raven’s gaze flicked toward Damien, studying his face, searching for any sign that he still felt the mate pull toward Emma. But his expression was unreadable.
“Boris and I rejected each other, so our bond is gone, Raven thought to herself. But Damien and Emma never officially rejected each other.”
Damien’s voice was steady as he
