097

Alpha Damien leaned back in his chair after Hank left, letting out a deep breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. His conversation with Hank had been enlightening, filling in gaps he never even knew existed in his own understanding of his father and the way he had treated Stephanie. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and for the first time, Damien could see the larger picture, the legacy his father had left behind—not just as an Alpha, but as a protector, a father figure to Stephanie when she had no one else.

“Thank you,” Damien had said quietly, shaking Hank’s hand. “For telling me all of this. For helping me understand.”

Hank had smiled a warm yet sad smile. “Your father was a good man, Damien. He did what he believed was right, and I see that in you too. You have more of him in you than you think. I’ve watched you for a while now, and I can tell—you’re a good Alpha and a good father. Don’t let the past weigh you down too much. You’re already doing better than you realize.”

Dami