“I am upset. But I thought you like it when I’m honest.” I fold my arms across my chest.“That’s true.” Alpha Thane shakes off my teasing with a shrug. “I suppose I should be grateful for your being upset and candid about it. I take back my apology.”“Why bother apologizing in the first place?” I scoff. “What a waste of words.”“I promise I was being sincere when I apologized. But if being upset is what it takes for you to be completely open and honest with me, I’ll continuously make you furious before asking for forgiveness.”I can’t help but laugh. He’s ridiculous. What kind of Alpha is he really?Would my life have been so different if my mother sought refuge in Io and found her mate there? Is it possible that her crime wouldn’t have tainted my life if we were in that beautiful place, with him as the Alpha?“Why bother asking for forgiveness in the first place? You’re an alpha,” I grumble under my breath. “You can do whatever you like to whoever without any repercussions.”“So that

Rafe kisses me again, even deeper than before, and I give in instantly. I’m jelly in his arms, clinging to his shirt as he devours me.I want this. I want him.A twinge of fear pricks at me, and I try to pull away, but a low growl rumbles in his chest, and he tightens his hold around my waist. He really isn’t going to let me go. I don’t want him to. Fear be damned, I need to feel him against me.His fingers tangle in the curls at the nape of my neck, and he moves my head to the side, exposing my neck.“Moon above, you’re so beautiful, Makayla.” I love the way he says my name. Like it’s a prayer to the Moon Goddess herself.Trailing kisses along my jaw and neck, Rafe nips and teases me until I forget everything. All that’s left are the sound of his panting in my ears and the feel of his tongue on my skin. Nothing feels as incredible as this. Nothing.When his teeth graze the crook of my neck, the sensitive place his mark belongs, I nearly lose myself.“Shit, I almost did it again,” he

“Well, if it isn’t the belle of the ball!” Quinn’s sickly, sweet voice echoes from behind me. Because why not add her to my steadily growing list of problems this evening? It’s not like I have enough to worry about. Clenching my jaw, I calm down before turning toward her and bowing. I’m really getting sick of having to look at the ground. “May the waters blessed by the moon—” “Save it, Pride.” Quinn waves off my greeting with a flick of her wrist and strolls toward me, swishing her hips aggressively. Wesley’s not around, so it must be to assert dominance in front of their friends gathered at her back. She tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear and smiles sweetly. “Tonight’s about letting loose. We can leave all those formalities behind, right?” Quinn doesn’t wait for my answer before she starts laying into me. “You know, I didn’t think you had it in you. But I’ve gotta say, you’re full of surprises, Pride.” She scans me head to toe as if appraising my new value. “Who would have

“Hm?” Alpha Thane looks down at me wrapped in his arm, and all the anger on his face disappears. A pleasant smile curves his lips. Night and day. It’s impossible to read him. I never know what to expect from one second to the next.“I’m sorry. Did I startle you?” he asks, freeing me from his grasp. He doesn’t wait for my answer before beginning his rant. “Those bastards. How dare they treat a member of their pack like this? And the Beta’s daughter, at that! If those assholes had tried that stunt in Io, they would have been court-martialed and exiled. Hell, we might have executed them!”His jaw muscles tense again, and his massive hands ball into tight fists. He looks ready to tear apart River Crest, just like Rafe.My heart flutters at the mere thought of my mate’s name now. As much as I want to see him, I’m glad Alpha Thane was the one who found me with Wesley. Even if his reaction was extreme, I know it’s nothing compared to what Rafe would have done. River Crest and Io would alread

WHAT?! The question ricochets around in my head, bouncing off every attempt I make to answer it. It’s nonsense. Madness. Is he insane? He must be insane to think I would ever be in love with someone who has tormented me since I was a child. He pissed on my mother’s grave and me just three nights ago! I hate Wesley Wrest. I HATE WESLEY WREST. I hate him so much it makes my throat tight and tears well in my eyes. It makes me want to vomit at the thought of what he did to me tonight. It makes me… Rafe’s rough fingers wipe the tears from my cheeks as he mutters apologies and begs me in his sweet, deep voice not to cry. He’s sorry for asking. He didn’t know what to think. He’s sorry. It’s not his fault. And I’m not mad at him. But I can’t find the words or the strength to swallow the lump in my throat from my hatred of Wesley Wrest. But Rafael’s patient with me, soothing me with gentle kisses and touches until I am steady. “I don’t love him,” I croak, forcing my voice out. “Then why?