Chapter 40

At Alex's words, I took a step back, confused. "But you said it never happened!" I exclaimed.

Alex nodded. "I did," he admitted.

"Then why are you now saying it did?" I shook my head. "I don't understand."

His face took on a ting of red, and I didn't know whether it was from embarrassment or anger as he hissed, "Because, I didn't know it did."

I stared at him, trying to understand what he was saying. "What do you mean?"

Alex sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "We were drugged."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What?"

"Someone slipped a potent Lycan pheromone into our drinks. It amplified our connection, made it unbearable for both of us." His eyes searched mine, seeking understanding.

"But who would do something like that?" I was reeling. The implications were vast and frightening. Someone had manipulated us, played with our emotions like a puppeteer.

"I suspect it was Hartwell," Alex said, his voice grim.

"Wait," I gasped, "Hartwell knows you're a-—"

Before I could fin