Velvet’s POV

Zavian lifted his eyes slowly to meet my father. “Wylder, I didn’t plan this. I swear to you. It just happened.”

My father’s fist flew before I could stop him. The sound of the slap echoed loud, sharp, and painful. Zavian didn’t flinch. He just took it, his eyes staying on my father’s face like he accepted the punishment.

“Dad!” I shouted again, my voice breaking. “Please stop hurting him!”

Wylder turned to me, still shaking with anger. “You think he deserves your pity? He used you, Velvet! He pretended to care, and all along he was thinking with his wolf!”

Zavian stepped forward slightly, his tone low...