For the first time that evening, the ballroom felt dangerous.
Not because of Victor Hale.Not because of the quiet whispers beginning to ripple among the guests.
But because Kendrick Walker could feel his instincts shifting in ways he had never experienced before.
Victor's final words still echoed in his mind.
A prime.
The possibility alone should have been enough to make him step back. To create distance. To protect his reputation, his family, and the carefully constructed future waiting for him.
Instead, Kendrick found himself doing the opposite.
He could not stop looking at Damian.
The omega stood only a few feet away, still holding the tray of champagne glasses like a fragile shield. The calm composure he had maintained all evening had cracked, though only slightly. Kendrick noticed the small changes immediately.
Tension in his shoulders.A faster rhythm to his breathing.A quiet unease he was trying to hide.
