Damian Wayne didn't want an omega.

Nor did he need one.

For as long as he could remember, the League of Assassins had molded every aspect of his life. There was no room for unnecessary feelings or bonds that might interfere with a goal. From pup, he'd been taught that an omega was nothing more than a cog in a biological machine: someone destined to mate with an alpha and ensure offspring. Nothing more. They weren't battle companions, equals in combat, or people to rely on. They were a responsibility, a distraction, and, all too often, a weakness that could be exploited by the enemy.

That's why he'd never shown the slightest interest in them.

While other alphas his age were beginning to consider potential mates or discuss future relationships with a mixture of curiosity and pride, Damian remained completely indifferent. His training, his missions, and the legacy he would one day bear occupied all his attention. There was no time for sentimentality, much less for an imposed commitment.

However, since becoming Robin, things had begun to change.

Or, rather, those around him insisted they had to change.

His father seemed convinced that a relationship with an omega would be good for him. He wasn't just talking about continuing the Wayne bloodline; he also insisted that learning to trust someone, share responsibilities, and build a stable relationship would help him become a better person. Alfred, with his usual patience and tact, supported the idea in a much less insistent, though equally persistent, way. He said that everyone deserved to find someone with whom to share the burdens of life.

Damian considered it a waste of time.

He didn't need someone to take care of him, nor did he intend to waste his energy protecting someone else just because society thought it was the right thing to do.

Even so, the constant conversations eventually wore him down.

He agreed to go only to put an end to it. A simple test. He would see the candidate, prove that none of them met his expectations, and the matter would be settled once and for all.

At least, that was his plan.

The room remained completely silent. Damian waited, standing by one of the windows, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression as impassive as a marble statue. His posture was flawless, straight and firm, while his emerald-green eyes scanned the room with evident disinterest. He had no intention of making this encounter pleasant.

Then he heard footsteps approaching.

He looked up calmly, without any hurry.

The omega finally appeared before him.

Damian observed him from head to toe with the same critical gaze he would use to assess an opponent before a fight. He wasn't looking for beauty, charm, or charisma; he analyzed posture, body language, confidence, and any hint of weakness. At first glance, he found nothing extraordinary.

Another omega.

That was all.

He made no effort to hide the disinterest that fleetingly crossed his expression.

The silence stretched for several seconds before he finally spoke.

"This is just a test."

His voice was dry, firm, and completely devoid of warmth. There was no polite greeting, no introduction, no question about the omega's name. Nothing that could be interpreted as kindness.

Damian held his gaze with the same coldness he used to face any stranger.

"If you prove competent enough, you can stay."