Chapter 144

The words hit him like physical blows. His breath hitched. His heartbeat stuttered. His chest tightened with a pain so sharp he actually pressed a hand over his ribs. He had thought he hid everything. Thought he balanced his lies well. Thought he could enjoy two different women in two different worlds. He never imagined she knew all of it. Knew every detail. Knew every betrayal. And worse, she didn’t cry. She didn’t beg. She didn’t even rage. She just looked at him like he was filth. He didn’t remember walking out. His vision blurred, his ears rang, and somehow he found himself at the hospital entrance, the cold air slapping his face like a punishment. Sloane’s lawyer, Ben, was waiting there. “Alpha Blackthorn,” Ben called out, moving toward him, “we need to discuss.” But Damon didn’t break stride. He just walked past him, clutching Caleb tightly, disappearing into the crowd as if chased by something he couldn’t fight. Something he’d created. And something he could no longer control. C