36

Maxine Pov

Back in my room, I paced back and forth, my mind was filled with different thoughts. I felt like men in this pack saw me as a plaything, something they could manipulate and do whatever they wished they could.

Tobias's confession had thrown me off balance. I had trusted him and relied on him for support and training. But now I wasn't sure what to think. Was he truly in love with me, or was he just another man trying to control me? I couldn't make any sense of what he asked. Rather I felt hurt and insulted.

I sat down on my bed, my head in my hands. I couldn't afford to let my emotions cloud my judgment. I needed to put all that behind me and stay focused on my goal. Liam was still watching me, and any misstep could be fatal. As much as I was training, I don't think I would be able to handle another fighting punishment with Linda.

As time went on, I avoided Tobias, keeping to myself as much as possible. I couldn't face him, not yet. My mind was a whirl of conflicting thoughts