15

Steadying my legs, I lunged forward, grabbing Jayson’s sleeve and tugging him around, making him look at me.

“Jayson? Please, we can fix this. Don’t do this. It wasn’t my fault. Please.” The last word came out like a pitiful whine. I was ashamed of the way I was begging, but I couldn’t stop myself.

Jayson’s lip curled up in disgust. “Don’t touch me, you filthy whore.”

He yanked his hand from my grip and vanished into the forest. His words slammed into me. All I’d ever tried to do was bring pride to my family and pack. Being rejected like this, in public, was almost more than I could take. Some of my packmates were still shouting at the Ninth Pack, but everyone was moving away into the surrounding woods. I was left in the clearing, disgraced and on my knees. Humiliation cascaded over me, followed by shame, horror, and a sick feeling swelling within me.

A pair of eyes caught my attention. Striking green and incredibly intense. Wyatt. Pity and hurt radiated from his gaze. Pity for me.

It