EPISODE 22

RALPH

I looked down at her, feeling a mix of amusement and hurt that he had accepted Zac's offer. It was clear that Zac was the one she was referring to. I stepped close to her, close enough to hear the rhythm of her heartbeat. I stared into her eyes. “Why would you do that to your mate, Keilah Rivera?” I queried, taken aback by my own admission of accepting her as my mate. Yet, despite my astonishment, I reassured myself that it was the right thing to do for the time being.

Her eyes widened at my question, clearly taken aback that I called her my mate or that I said her name. Swiftly, she concealed her surprise, clearing her throat before responding.

“I didn't see any problem in that,” she admitted, her voice tinged with resignation.

“But that doesn't mean I'm on his side. I know he's not a good man, just as you are. I'm just trying to survive in this dangerous house where everybody wants my demise.”

“Are you oblivious or just reckless?” I asked. “If you made a deal, you should