Damian pulled off the sunglasses and smiled, his crimson eyes sweeping across the room.
"Long time no see, old friend."
Every man stood up immediately.
Recognition rippled through the room. It was their boss, the Godfather of the Mafia and the person who'd become a Federation celebrity after that portal incident.
The monster who'd saved their lives.
Marcus and the other portal survivors wore complicated expressions. They owed Damian everything, but they'd also seen what he was capable of when pushed.
Brian's stern expression cracked. He crossed the room in two strides and pulled Damian into a crushing hug, his massive frame dwarfing the teenager.
"Good to see you better, Damian."
His voice was rough with genuine relief.
"I talked with your father. He said you needed time to recover. Shouldn't you be home resting?"
Damian shrugged as Brian released him.
"I'm a lot better now."
