252

LIAM

She stepped back, hurt flashing in her eyes. I refused to look at Ronan. I didn’t want to see whatever look he had. Because whichever expression he wore, it would make me feel nothing but anger.

I turned away, refusing to let them see the hurt in my eyes. I wanted to get as far away from them as possible. I could hear Varis and Kris behind me, trying to catch up but I didn’t slow down.

I didn’t say a word for the rest of the walk. I kept my head down, my thoughts a mess. I kept replaying Maxine’s laughter and the look on her face, the way Ronan had been watching her. It played over and over like a movie I couldn't turn off.

Why had she done it? Why had she chosen him? Was I not enough? Was what we had nothing? Was it because I was locked up and reduced to less of the Alpha that I once was?

When we turned the corner back toward the main hall, Varis finally spoke. “Liam, I know this is hard, but—”

“Don’t,” I said, cutting him short. “Don’t try to explain it to me, Varis. You don’