Damascus was taken aback, a mixture of surprise and confusion flashing across his face at Xorran's unexpected words.
The Alpha had always possessed an unwavering pride. Xorran was not the kind of man who willingly admitted defeat, much less acknowledged that someone else had gained an advantage over him. He had always been the one who stood his ground, no matter how impossible the situation became.
Yet here he was.
He was openly admitting to Damascus that he had surrendered in the battle for Ellio's heart.
"No." Damascus immediately shook his head. "Take those words back. I don't want you surrendering to me."
Xorran remained silent.
"I want a worthy rival," Damascus asserted, his voice firm. "If I'm going to win Ellio's heart, I want to know that I truly won it. I don't want you hand
