Twenty Two

The dark anticipation lighting his eyes tells me exactly what kind of talking he intends on doing, the physical kind. With his fists, or most likely, with teeth and claws.

“You can even judge the winner between us. How does that sound?”

Shane is the alpha of one of the most aggressive packs in the country, while Mack is alpha of a pack so tiny it wouldn’t even register to the Dacres. I won’t be judging a fight; I’ll be watching an execution.

I don’t say a word, just quietly return to Shane, who grabs my hair again, making me cry out even louder than I did before.

He leans into my face. “Try running again, Aerin, and see what I do.”

As I stare into his eyes, I realize he hates that I’m his mate, that it’s me and not Bree. He’s always been closed off to me, and in a way, I was relieved he kept his distance. But now I wish I’d known how he really felt.

I could’ve saved myself so much pain if I’d run away long ago.

When I lower my gaze to the ground, Shane makes a sound of disgust becaus