Chapter 8
I ignored her.
Kael’s scoff echoed from the meeting room door.
I didn’t look up, but I could feel his stare burning into the top of my head, like a cigarette left smoldering too long.
After that, their lovey–dovey act only got worse.
Riley slipped a scrunchie onto Kael’s wrist, the pink elastic digging into his tanned skin like a claim staked in neon.
Muffled gasps and kisses drifted from the fire escape now and then, and once, someone caught them red–handed, turning it into pack gossip overnight.
After work, she’d cling to his arm, and he’d just grin, letting her have her way.
Weird thing is, scenes that used to make my heart race now looked like a cheap rom–com, all flash and no substance.
My wolf didn’t even stir. It was like I’d fallen out of love with him completely.
One evening after work, Kael cornered me in the parking lot.
He reeked of Riley’s signature perfume, but his face was a mess of emotions I didn’t recognize.
“Talia.” His voice was hoarse, raw. “Let’s fix this. Let’s get back together.”
I let out a cold laugh, shutting him down flat.
His fingers clamped around my wrist like a vice, hot and bruising, his grip tight enough to grind bones.
His breaths came heavy, coffee–bitter and sharp against my face, his eyes wild, like a beast teetering on the edge of breaking.
“Talia,” he rasped, his voice softening, almost pleading. “I screwed up. Can we just… try again?”
I smirked.
What did Kael take me for? Some backup plan he could beckon when he felt like it?
I yanked my hand back. “Kael, listen up, I-”
The elevator dinged, and Riley stumbled out, her face ghost–white, no makeup, clutching a crumpled medical report. Tears streamed down her cheeks the second she saw us. “Kael! The baby… the baby’s gone…”
Kael’s face froze, like time itself had stopped.
He let go of me, reaching for her, but she shoved him away, her sobs jagged and raw.
“Satisfied now, Talia?” Riley screamed, flinging the miscarriage report at my face. The paper sliced my cheek like a razor. “My baby with Kael is gone… Happy now? You got your revenge, didn’t you?”
Kael’s hand shot out, grabbing my wrist again, his grip searing, my pulse hammering under his palm.
His eyes were dark, predatory, like he wanted to rip me apart. “Why?”
“I didn’t do anything!” I snapped. “Believe me or don’t, I don’t care!”
Chapter 8
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“Talia!” His voice cracked, hoarse with rage. “How can you do this? When did you get so vicious?”
I drove my heel into his knee, my stiletto leaving a smudge on his tailored slacks. “I said I didn’t do it! And get the hell off
me!”
The second Kael flinched, loosening his hold, a strong, elegant hand cut between us.
Long fingers rested lightly on Kael’s wrist, but the grip made him wince, his face twisting.
“Easy there, buddy,” a cool, commanding voice said, laced with steel. “Forcing yourself on a lady isn’t exactly gentlemanly.”
I snapped my head up, meeting a pair of playful, almond–shaped eyes twinkling with mischief.
Evander.
The law school legend, the debate champ who’d left opponents speechless with his razor–sharp wit.
“Evander?” I stood there, stunned.
We hadn’t crossed paths since the college debate finals three years ago.
Never thought we’d meet again like this.
&
Evander’s lips quirked into a sly grin, and he leaned close to my ear. “Talia, follow my lead.”
His warm breath grazed my earlobe, and in one swift move, he tightened his grip, forcing Kael to let go with a grunt.
I didn’t wait for Kael to react. I jumped into my car and peeled out.
In the rearview mirror, the last thing I saw was Evander standing between me and Kael, casually adjusting his cufflinks, his posture regal yet dangerous.
Like a lone wolf guarding his territory.
Chapter 8
