The silence in Kendrick's office felt heavier after Victor left.
Like the air itself had thickened.
Like the room had not yet recovered from his presence.
Damian stood near the desk, gripping the edge as another wave of heat rolled through him.
It moved slowly at first.
Then stronger.
Then sharper.
His breathing was uneven now.
The suppressor patch on the back of his neck had stopped working completely.
And the scent filling the room made that painfully obvious.
Sweet.
Warm.
Irresistibly omega.
Kendrick stood across from him, every muscle in his body tense.
His control, normally flawless, was being tested in ways he had never experienced before.
The bond between them pulsed like a living thing.
Steady.
Persistent.
Demanding attention.
Damian exhaled slowly.
"…This is bad."
Kendrick did not argue.
"Yes."
Damian ran a hand through his hair, frustration mixing with panic.
"I thought the suppressants would hold another two weeks."
His voice sounded strained now.
