ek'

aggered backward, eyes wide with shock

run out, and I was done p

whispered, pressing a hand against t

forced your way into my life through lies and

Melissa will run back into your arms? That she'll forgive you just like that?" S

kept myself in control. "You don'

ra spat. "She made that very clear

th either. Melissa had accepted my rejection, but the bond hadn't broken-not fully. That meant somet

er?" She scoffed. "You're delusional. Elijah has given her everything you den

w I couldn't lose control. Not now. I straighten

r. From this moment on, you are no longer allowed in my chambers. You are no longer welcome in my l

f I had struck her. "You wouldn't dare," she

," I ch

and stricken. Then, without another word, she turned a

and through my hair. I should have done this years ago. I sh

ting the past. All I could do no

tarted wit

ied with thoughts of Melissa. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her-her

she had moved on. But that wasn't what hurt the most. What

I had been her world. A

ply and pushed

ing hall just as I stood up. "Alp

id you get more inf

per into her life with Elijah. They've been to

through the file.

there's no record of a mating bond

ze. "

iving together, but they're not officially mated.

kered in

the bond between Melissa and me still ha

I still

you need to be smart about this. Melissa isn't the same girl she used to b

But I don't care how long it takes. I'll

is powerful. If he finds out you're trying to ta

ly. "Melissa is mine, and I

see Melissa. I had to talk

t pounding with anticipation. When I arrived, I

tuated her curves, her hair flowing down her back. She looked

at if she refused to see me?

ldn't tur

breath and s

body tensed. Her smile vani

doing here?" s

d. "We nee

e have nothing to tal

ice firm but gentle. "No

nd she glanced around, as if check

hed. "Fine.

, and I followed her

he turned to face me. "Say wh

ediately took a step back. The di

ck with emotion. "Laura set me up. She made me b

y. "You didn't believe me. You didn

w. And I regret it

ny idea what you put me through, Derek? Do y

tidal wave. "I do," I admitte

It doesn't change any

u let Elijah mark yo

r the first time, uncertai

ng my voice. "You still

dn't a

hind her ear. "Melissa, please," I whispere

ng shakily. For a moment, I

, her eyes cold once more

eaving me standing there, heartbr

till felt

ing to make