Page 13 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

His words hit like a slap, but I don’t let him see it. “Right,” I say, my tone sharp. “Because kidnapping me and dragging me to whatever backwoods mansion this is doesn’t count. Got it.”

“This was a mistake.” His fists clench at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. “And clearly, you don’t have much self-respect, since you eagerly threw yourself at a stranger like that.”

The heat rushes to my face, embarrassment and rage clashing in my chest. “I didn’t ‘throw myself’ at anyone,” I snap, sitting up and clutching the sheet like as if it is armor. “I don’t even know what came over me. You think I wanted this? You think I…” My voice falters, the words catching in my throat.

The silence between us is deafening.

Finally, he breaks it. “We are bonded,” he says, his voice flat. “That’s all it was. The mate bond. It messes with your head, your body. You weren’t thinking clearly. Neither of us were.”

“Bond? What bond?” I laugh, sharp and bitter. “I’m not a wolf.”

“Werewolves and humans can be bonded,” he says, stepping back. “Don’t ask me why. Because you’re human, it’s more intense for you. Your body doesn’t know how to handle it—”

“Bullshit.” I throw the word at him like a knife. “You’re really going to blame some magical wolf bond? How convenient.”

“It’s the truth,” he says, too calm, too controlled. “Do you think I would’ve willingly…” He stops, his jaw clenching. “I would never touch someone like you.”

The air is sucked from my lungs. His words cut deeper than any physical blow ever could. My voice shakes when I speak. “You kidnapped me,” I whisper, “dragged me here, and now you’re blaming me for what happened?”

He doesn’t answer.

I won’t let him off the hook. “If this is your grand plan to get back at my father, congratulations. You win. You’re an even bigger monster than he allegedly is.”

“Enough,” he growls, his voice echoing through the room. I flinch despite myself. “This isn’t about your father. This is about us.”

“Us?” I laugh, the sound hollow. “There is no ‘us.’ You just fucking made sure of that.”

“One of my people will take you back,” he says, his voice cold, detached. “Lila will help you get ready. You’ll be back at your hotel by noon.”

I blink, stunned. “That’s it? You’re just… letting me go?”

“Yes. And we should never see each other again.”

His words hit like a sledgehammer, but I refuse to let him see how much it hurts. “Whatever.”

He steps closer, grabbing my arm. I try to pull away, but his grip is unyielding. His next words destroy what little composure I have left.

“I, Bane Devareuk, reject the mate bond with Aria.”

Pain explodes in my chest, radiating outward like I’ve been ripped apart from the inside. I double over, clutching my stomach as the agony crashes over me.

“Aria,” he says my name like a prayer, like he doesn’t want to see me like this. He takes a step toward me, and I look up, my vision swimming with tears.

“I fucking hate you,” I whisper, my voice trembling with raw emotion. “I hate you so much, you bastard.”

His jaw tightens, and he turns away. “It’s for the best. Goodbye, Aria.”

And just like that, he walks away, leaving me shattered and alone.

Chapter Five

Bane

Idrive aimlessly, my hands gripping the wheel so tight my knuckles ache. The mate bond is gone, but it feels like it’s taking my chest with it, like something vital has been torn from me, leaving nothing but a gaping wound.

I can’t go back to the mansion. Not yet. The walls will feel like they’re closing in, suffocating me with her scent still lingering in the air. Instead, I keep driving until I find myself at the edge of the lake, the one hidden by the forest where no one ever comes.

I kill the engine, but I don’t get out of the car immediately. I just sit there, staring at the water, my chest heaving like I’ve run miles. I should feel relief, shouldn’t I? I did the right thing. She’s safer this way. I keep telling myself that.

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