Chapter 237: The Deception (Part 2)

He halted for a moment, giving me an opportunity to continue, but he didn't release my wrist and I was certain it was going to snap if I so much as breathed too hard.

In that split second, an idea formed in my mind. He was so set on me being his. He was possessive and jealous. If I could use that to my advantage...

"Please," I begged as tears rolled down my cheeks. "It's just... I've been waiting for my Mating Celebration," I falsely confessed. The tears in my eyes now served a new purpose. Besides being a clear indication of my pain, they also helped me look more weak and vulnerable.

Harlan released my hand immediately, but suspicion still clouded his features. "Bullshit!" he spat, though I could see the tiniest hint of doubt beginning to form in his eyes.

I rubbed my aching wrist as I shrugged awkwardly, not knowing how to further sell the lie and hoping my silence might be more convincing than words.

Wiping the tears from my eyes, I looked down at my feet, avoiding his searching ga