is

t as sharp as the scorn I was about to face. She helped me into a loose-fitting black silk dress, the fabric cool

ar seat. Every jolt sent a fresh ache through my lower abdomen, and cold sweat traced a path down my spine.

the darkness, blazing with light, like a beast crouching in the night. The vehicle came to a stop at the foot of the ston

was a fresh wave of agony. The cramping in my abdomen had subs

ulent dining room, th

ady seated. Their eyes, the same piercing blue as Blaise's, raked

e such born performers," she said to Thea, her voice just loud e

anicured hand. "Well, you don't get to be an Alpha'

ked toward the empty chair beside Blaise, my head held

anced up at my entrance, acting as if his mother and sister's cruel words we

mb. A pained grunt escaped my lips before I

apped, her voice sharp as glass. "What is that pos

omach and lowered myself into the chair, my back ramrod s

xquisite dishes on the table. The rich aroma of roas

he serving utensils to place a thick, glistening cut of steak onto my p

to stoke the fire of

r voice dripping with false concern. "Not like p

d Blaise's gaze. It was there for only a second, but I saw it.

e. The sight of the rare, bloody

bling, a combination of weakness and suppressed p

ate, the sound jarringly loud in the tense

" she muttered. "Is this the best

n my lungs. I set the utensils down. I cou

rehead as the ache in my belly

a desperate plea threading through the w

is gaze was fixed on my unto

ight of an Alpha's command. It wasn't the full force of

g for any trace of the man I thought I was mat

s a punishment. A public sp

fire. "What's the matter? Is the food at the Zimmer

de, threatening to pull me under. I reached for my water glass,

the steak, still whole,

down on the table with

conversation stopped. Every eye turned to me. I was

rved into a triump

The pain was becoming unbearabl

e, my voice a threadbare whispe