The café erupted into noise the moment Kendrick's words settled in the air. Phones lifted higher. Cameras flashed from every corner. Whispers turned into open questions as customers leaned closer, eager to capture every second.
"Did he just say he's with him?"
"Is that the omega from the article?"
"Oh my God, it's actually true."
Damian felt like the ground had disappeared beneath his feet. Kendrick's hand was still wrapped around his wrist. Warm. Firm. Steady. The contact sent an unsettling wave of heat through Damian's chest. The bond reacted again. Not violently. But unmistakably. Damian pulled his hand back quickly. "You shouldn't have done that," he whispered. Kendrick remained calm. "If I hadn't, things would have spiraled faster."
