“Studying,” he corrects.
“Same thing.”
“No,” he says softly. “Studying implies learning. I already know enough.”
That lands colder than it should. Because it confirms what I already knew. They’re not guessing anymore. They’re preparing.
“You’re here for reconnaissance,” I say.
“I’m here because I wanted to see you,” Damon replies.
My chest tingles slightly. Not fear. Not surprise. Annoyance.
“That’s unfortunate,” I say.
He chuckles.
“Still charming, I see.”
I take one step forward. Just one. The patrol behind me tenses. Damon notices. Of course he does.
“I wouldn’t do that,” he says casually.
“Do what?” I ask.
“Push,” he replies.
My tiger snaps forward hard enough that my vision sharpens.
“I’m not the one trespassing,” I say.
Damon’s gaze drifts slightly, like he’s considering the terrain around us.
“Territory is a funny thing,” he says. “It only exists as long as everyone agrees it does.”
“I don’t agree,” I reply.
“That’s your problem.”
Silence again. Then?—
“Your mate is more interesting than I expected,” he says.
The air changes instantly. Every muscle locks. Behind me, Eli goes still.
No one speaks. No one breathes wrong. But I feel it. The shift.
“Don’t,” I say quietly.
Damon’s expression barely changes. But his eyes sharpen.
“There it is,” he murmurs. “That response. That instability.”
My tiger roars. Not outward. Inward. Controlled. Barely.
“You bring her into this,” I say, voice lower now, “and there won’t be a negotiation next time.”
Damon studies me. Then smiles.
