?Chapter 333:

    “Today,” he dered, “we wee my daughter, Jasmine Viper, back into the fold. The blood we thought we had lost forever has returned, stronger than ever.”

    The crowd erupted into apuse, but all I could think was, No pressure or anything, right?

    When it was time to take the oath, I stepped forward, my heart pounding.

    “I swear,” I began, my voice steady even though my hands were shaking. “To protect this pack with my life. To guide them, to lead them, and to honor the legacy of the Viper blood.”

    My father ced a hand on my shoulder, his eyes gleaming with pride. My mother was teary-eyed, her smile brighter than the chandelier overhead. And the crowd? They cheered like I’d just scored the winning goal in the championship game.

    It should’ve felt good. It should’ve felt like a victory.

    But all I felt was the weight of a thousand expectations pressing down on me. The party went on, peopleing up to congratte me, to fawn over me like I was some rare artifact. It was exhausting.

    “Everyone wants something,” I muttered to myself as I finally found a quiet corner to breathe.

    “The person who really wants something—you know, the guy you pretended not to care about?”

    “Not now, La,” I hissed.

    But of course, she was right. Ryder. I couldn’t ignore the fact that he looked as charming as ever. Every time I nced up, there he was, watching me like a hawk with those eyes, those eyes that made me want to pull him close and kiss him. Just the thought of it made my body ache. I was as aroused as… Fuck! Just three days, and yet here I am, feeling like one horny mess.

    “Jasmine?”

    I turned to see my mother standing there, her face soft with an expression I couldn’t quite ce.

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    “You’re doing wonderfully,” she said.

    “Thanks,” I replied, forcing a smile.

    She reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I know this is a lot. But you’re strong, Jasmine. Stronger than you realize.”

    Her words should’veforted me, but all they did was add to the weight on my shoulders. I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

    After what felt like hours of smiling, waving, and doing everything I could to seem responsible, I couldn’t help but reflect. Not long ago, I was nothing more than a Thane, an Omega—just a breeder for Ryder and his so-calleddy. But now? Now I stand as a Viper’s daughter. It’s not a title I ever wanted, nor one I wear with pride, but it’s mine. It’s what shapes me. It’s who I am.

    The crowd, the oath, the weight of those words—they weren’t just for show. Every single one I spoke, I meant. I felt them. This is who I am, who I was always meant to be. It’s what the goddess intended—not just for me, but for all of us.

    La’s howl echoed through my soul; at least she agrees with me on this. The crowd grew louder, the heat rising as people either sipped their drinks or clung to their partners, moving to the music like nothing else mattered.

    For me, this was the perfect time to slip away. I needed a break, a chance to breathe. Maybe even get some real, uninterrupted sleep, away from all of this.

    Who knows? Maybe when I wake up, I’ll find out it was all just a dream. I headed for the door, not wanting to disturb Enzo, who was already wrapped up with several girls.

    One moment, I was reaching for the handle, and the next—La stirred, instincts ring, warning me to turn back. But it was toote.

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