Chapter 69

Liya.

My breath hitched in my throat. "Escape?" I stammered. My mind raced, replaying James's words like a broken record.

"Rogue… smell like a rogue…" This couldn't be happening. How did he know? Could he actually smell it on me?

I actually never thought rogues smelled a certain way, but if they did, and I smelled like them, I was at an advantage because it would be difficult for my mates or anyone else to find me.

“Are you certain about me smelling like a rogue? Can you explain it a bit more to me? How do rogues smell?”

James squinted at me; his brow furrowed in suspicion. "Don't play dumb, Liya," he said, his voice low and tense. "There's something different about you. A scent… a presence. It's… familiar."

Familiar? A flicker of hope ignited in my chest. Maybe… maybe he wouldn't freak out. Maybe he'd understand. But before I could even think about explaining, James's eyes widened in realization.

“Are you a rogue?” He asked again, his eyes narrowing at me.

Rogue. The word hung heavy