Chapter 354

Damien

I can’t believe it.

I won.

By a landslide, actually.

I stand at the podium, looking out at the sea of faces—supporters, reporters, curious onlookers. The other candidates are behind me, their fake congratulatory grins firmly in place.

It feels good.

I take a breath. Adjust my notes. Step up to the microphone.

"Thank you for your trust in me." My voice carries across the hall, amplified by speakers, captured by a dozen cameras. "Thank you for giving me a second term as your Mayor."

The applause is loud. Genuine.

I let it wash over me for a moment. Then I continue.

"It’s been... not easy." I let my voice soften. Let the weight of the past months show on my face. "Life has thrown me curveballs I didn’t anticipate. Challenges I never expected. Moments that tested everything I thought I knew about myself."

I pause. Look down. Look forlorn.

The crowd is silent.

"But despite everything—" I lift my head. "I will take responsibility. And this is the chance to change things."

A murmur ripples through the audience.

"This is a wake-up call." My voice is stronger now. "Most people at home think that because it’s not happening to them—because they don’t have an Omega in their family—they’re not affected." I grip the edges of the podium.

"But unfortunately, that’s what I thought too."

I let the words hang.

"This situation—what happened to me, to my Omega mate... to Allie..." I grip the podium tightly, my knuckles turning white. "It happens often. To so many other Omegas. People think because they’re Omegas, they can do as they please. That there will be no consequences."

I look directly into the camera. Let the weight of the moment settle.

"With my position, I could have buried this. I could have looked the other way." My voice drops. "Even though it wasn’t exactly consensual, it happened. But I personally decided to lead by example."

Cameras flash. Reporters scribble notes.

"This is a wake-up call!" My voice rises. "We cannot keep pretending that Omegas are less than. We cannot keep looking away when they’re hurt, used, discarded. They are not property. They are not trophies. They are people."

The crowd is silent.

"I might not change the world." I look directly into the nearest camera, let them see my face, my eyes, the performance I’ve perfected. "But in my city, Omegas will no longer be second-class citizens."

The applause is thunderous.

*

"My dear brother, what a show." A voice says at my side.

I flash a smile and extend my hand. She takes it. Firm grip. Brief. Professional.

"Congratulations on your win," she says.

"Thank you." I keep my voice warm, grateful. "I wouldn’t have done it without your support."

"You’re right about that."

My smile cracks. Just a fraction. Just enough for her to see.

She leans in, her voice dropping low enough that only I can hear. "Don’t be like that. I heard talks about electing you for governor when your term is over."

I look at her. Surprised.

"Yes." She tilts her head, that infuriating smile playing on her lips. "So get your affairs in order. The last Han who was a governor was our great-grandfather." She pauses. "Maybe you’ll climb even higher."

Governor.

The word echoes in my head. I’ve never let myself think that far ahead.

Governor.

Daphne floats away after we finish our public show of sibling affection—the hugs, the smiles, the whispered congratulations for the cameras. I watch her go, her sharp silhouette disappearing into the crowd.

I hate her.

I’m also glad she’s never been interested in politics.

Great-grandfather became one only because the previous governor died mid-term and he was the closest replacement. A fluke. An accident of timing. The Hans have never been able to climb the political ladder since—we’re not native to this country, having immigrated here over two hundred years ago. We’ve been content with our place. Mayors of this city. Nothing more.

But now...

I look at Alexander.

He’s talking to a donor, smiling that perfect smile, playing his role flawlessly. When Daphne first proposed this arrangement, I was reluctant. Resentful, even. Another one of her schemes, another way to control me.

But after the mating,after the mark—I have to admit...

We’re compatible. In bed. Out of it. I find myself with him every night, drawn to his warmth, his steadiness, his presence. It’s not the desperate, consuming fire I felt with Elliot.

But there’s something there, it could be the influence of the mark.

I pull out my phone.

Scroll to his name.

Elliot.

I type: We need to talk.

My thumb hovers over send. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

I am fond of Elliot. I love him. The way he laughs. The way he looks at me like I’m the only person in the room. The way he fits against me in the dark.

But I’m not willing to risk my career for him. Not anymore. Not when I have bigger ambitions.

Governor.

I press send.

The message disappears into the void.

I put my phone away and turn back to the crowd.

Maybe in another life—when I was content with being mayor,I could still have him. Elliot in my bed, in my arms, in my life. Complicated and messy and mine.

But not anymore.

Not in this life.

I put my phone away. Smooth my jacket. Turn back to the crowd.

Alexander is waiting for me, surrounded by donors and well-wishers. His smile is bright, practiced, perfect.

I walk toward him. Place my hand on the small of his back. The touch is natural now.

"Congratulations, Mayor." An older woman extends her hand, her eyes darting between us.

"We were just talking about how Alexander graduated with honors from university. Such an accomplished young Omega."

Alexander ducks his head, blushing on cue. "You’re too kind."

"Not at all." The woman beams at me.

Alexander’s hand finds mine under the crowd’s line of sight. Squeezes once.

Good job, the gesture says. Keep going.

I squeeze back.