FIFTY TWO

RUTH’S POV

I stood in shock, my eyes fixed on Vincent as he revealed Michael's deepest secret. The room seemed to spin around me, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I was the topic of town, a laughing stock. Michael, the man I loved, didn't want to mark me as his mate. Instead, he wanted to keep me as a secret mistress while he marries another woman.

"Ruth, please," Michael said, his voice low and urgent. "Let me explain."

But I this was beyond explanation. I felt stupid for believing him, for trusting him. I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs.

"No, Michael," I said, my voice firm. "I want to be left alone. You've betrayed my trust, and I don't know if I can ever forgive you."

Michael's face fell, and he looked at me with pleading eyes. "Ruth, please," he said again. "I love you. I want to make it right."

But I was unmoved. I turned away from him, my heart heavy with sorrow. "Just leave me alone, Michael," I said. "I'll return to the pack with you when I can for