Chapter 25：The Truth

Cynthia’s POV

“You’ve been beaten by Alpha Maverick?”

I ask the question before I can debate whether it’s something I should ask or not. I look up at Vikrov in shock, unable to believe that he could’ve gone through something like that.

I mean, he’s strong, smart, always victorious, a vicious fighter for his pack–he’s his enemy’s worst nightmare, and his pack’s greatest hero. Everyone in the Eclipse pack fears him as much as they love him. Alpha Maverick respects him. So how could he have possibly been…

Vikrov looks at me quietly with sad, solemn eyes.

He doesn’t answer.

But his silence feels like an admission.

“Oh, Vikrov,” I say quietly, taking his large hand in both of mine and holding him close. “When you’re ready to talk about it, I’m here.”

Something in Vikrov’s expression relaxes, softening ever so slightly. His endlessly piercing ocean eyes, once probing, turn warm.

My face starts to flush. I realize that we’re standing awfully close together–he’s standing in front of me, and