tly into the receiver. Within moments, a woman entered-a poised, slightly older lady with steel in her posture and lines of experienc

amber," Dean ordered without looking at me

, Dean. Though I must say

? By what

sharp-and then returned her gaze to Dean. "Given

d his fingers against his desk rhythmically, a clear sign that the conversation was clo

ing a stiff smile. "Please, this way...

told me she didn't me

ion with polite warmth. "Becca

sting one last glance at Dean. He wasn't as unreadable as he thought-because I caught him

d fated mate, maybe? I made a mental note to ask Taya. Somethi

already turning to leave without a word, her postur

r my breath, then spoke louder.

terested eyes. But I was used to colder stares than hers. Nothing rattled me an

said, voi

er? About rejection? Who

eyes narrowed just enough to show contempt. "He rejected the one

th judgment, like I had

ebrow. "Was th

I have duties to attend to." but even as she s

e still standing there?" I say

gue. She simply turned on her heel and f

soft-spoken girl I used to be. The Becca of yesterday had died the day her mate betrayed

eat people exactly

ilence was calming. My thoughts wandered-what would my wedding night

I remembered how he'd kissed my temple and whispered he'd love me forever. Then the image twisted-him on top o

fists. So mu

leaned back.

Dean lounging in the armchair across from me, a cigar in hand. My eyes widened when

ell-!" I bo

d. You're awake. Don't tell me you forg

d it kill you to wear

better get used to this, Bec

gain over his sexy body. But it was already too late-my

e a bath," I muttere

dangling in the air, he was big. I gasped, ta

he said, tossing the cigar aside. His voice lowered

"Wait... don't tell me-is this your fi

y first time, but... I have a sc

the core usually resides." His voice lost any trace of softnes

-he was no longer just dangling. He was hard... and getting ha

my blouse. My chest was bare, revealing the thick, jagged

bed," he s

-

ext M

ing his fists. "Sybil," he said darkly, "find out

il bowed and vanish

urning with fury. Whoever left those scars