Chapter 374 374
Sabine POV
I bounce lightly on the balls of my feet, nerves tangling with excitement as I stare down the long drive ahead.
A line of vehicles moves toward us sleek, black, identical gliding in perfect formation toward the alpha house like a dark, slithering snake.
Maurice had refused to tell me who was coming.
But there’s only one family I know that travels like this.
Only one presence powerful enough to arrive in such a convoy.
The Alpha King.
The royal family.
My eyes are locked onto the cars, unable to look away as they roll closer, my heart thudding wildly in my chest.
Before the drivers even have time to open the doors, one swings open on its own—and a tiny foot pops out.
Warmth blooms in my chest, spreading through my whole body.
“Auntie Sab!”
Dominique comes flying toward me.
I don’t even think.
I’m already running to meet him, scooping him up into my arms and spinning him high into the air as laughter bursts from both of us.
The moment I set him down, Delphine rushes in next, wrapping herself around me just as tightly.
And of course, I lift her too.
I can’t believe they’re here.
That they actually came.
Happiness bubbles inside me, so full it almost hurts.
Aurélie steps out of the car next, holding Frédéric in her arms.
He’s grown so much.
He doesn’t look like a baby anymore—he looks like he’s almost ready to walk.
How long has it really been?
“Sab, it’s so good to see you,” Aurélie says warmly, kissing my cheek before greeting Maurice the same way.
She’s just as beautiful as ever, glowing naturally.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
I’m being watched.
My gaze snaps back toward the cars.
And there he is.
Damien.
Standing there, observing as his family greets me—greets us.
For a moment, we simply stare at one another.
The air between us feels thick, heavy with unspoken things.
I decide to be the one to bridge the distance.
As I step toward him, his warriors climb out behind him, standing alert and waiting.
Awkwardness washes over me the closer I get.
He’s so tall. So broad.
And suddenly, all the words I practiced a hundred times vanish.
I stand there, staring up at him, unsure of what to say.
I close my eyes briefly, drawing in a deep breath, preparing to speak—
But he beats me to it.
“I’ve missed you.”
The honesty in his voice makes me search his face for any sign of a lie.
Damien was never one to openly share his feelings.
For a split second I wonder if Aurélie put him up to this.
But as I meet his eyes, all I find is sincerity.
“I’ve missed you too,” I admit.
Before I can steady myself, he pulls me into his arms.
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, wrapping me in a hug so strong it feels like what I imagine an older brother’s embrace would be like—protective, solid, warm.
I melt into it, soaking in a comfort I didn’t realize I’d missed.
When he finally lets go, his hands settle on my shoulders as he studies me carefully.
“You seem different,” he says quietly.
“My wolf spoke to me this morning.”
“She did?” His face lights up. “That’s wonderful news.”
“Thanks,” I grin, unable to hide how proud I feel—especially seeing that pride reflected in his eyes.
“Shall we get everyone inside? Lunch is ready,” Maurice calls out.
He’s holding Frédéric in one arm while Delphine clings to his free hand, already leading the way into the house.
“I’m sitting next to Uncle Maurice!” Delphine announces, sticking her tongue out at Dominique.
He just rolls his eyes—then turns to me and grabs my hand.
“Come on, Auntie Sab. You’re sitting next to me,” he declares firmly, leaving no room for argument.
“Oh, am I now?” I laugh.
“Daddy, don’t forget Bunny!” Delphine shouts back as she heads inside.
Damien groans behind me and turns back to the car, retrieving her beloved stuffed bunny before shutting the door.
“She still won’t go anywhere without it?” I ask with a smile.
“Nope. She had a complete meltdown the other day when she left it somewhere—worked herself up so badly she ended up throwing up.”
“She’ll grow out of it.”
“I really hope so,” he says with a sad smile.
Then he turns to his warriors and motions for them to move the cars.
They spring into action immediately, two of them following us toward the house.
“No Lucas?” I ask, scanning the warriors for his Beta.
“No. He’s watching over the pack so I can have a ‘day off,’” he says, making air quotes with his fingers.
I bite back a smirk.
With this many warriors and that massive convoy, I doubt the Alpha King ever truly gets a day off.