Chapter 13 013

• "Never," he muttered, his voice low and rough like gravel scraping the floor.
• She blinked, confused by the vehemence in his tone. For a moment, she hesitated, as if debating whether to step closer or retreat. Choosing bravado over fear, she lifted her chin and stared at him.
• "What do you mean by that?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, but the tremble was there, betraying her. "You hate me now. You've already found another mate to serve you, so I thought..." she paused, swallowing thickly, "I thought it would be better for both of us if we ended whatever this is."