TWENTY THREE

Michael's POV

I sit across from Ruth, my mind racing with the weight of my secrets. My Lycan growls at me, urging me to reveal the truth, but I'm scared. Scared of losing her. Scared of seeing the disgust in her eyes when she learns what I've done.

"Ruth, there's something I need to tell you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her eyes light up with excitement. "What is it, Michael? You can tell me anything."

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "I've done some things, Ruth. Things that I'm not proud of."

She leans in, her voice soft. "What things, Michael? You can trust me."

I hesitate, my Lycan snarling at me to spit it out. But I can't. I'm not ready to lose her.

"Nothing, Ruth. It's nothing. Just forget I said anything."

Her eyes narrow, suspicion written across her face. "Michael, what's going on? You're hiding something from me."

I force a smile, my heart heavy with guilt. "I'm just stressed, Ruth. That's all. Don't worry about it."

But she's not buying it.