Alethea (Zoe)

*No, no, no—this cannot be happening.* She doesn't know it’s me. I need to think of a lie, something convincing enough to save me from the trap Alpha Asher is setting for me.

Why did he invite me to breakfast with this she-devil, this woman who knows nothing but cruelty and manipulation?

I lift my head slowly, forcing myself to look at Maya. My gaze is steady, unyielding, as I stare at her without flinching. I know showing weakness right now would be a mistake, especially when she’s starting to suspect something.

"Me?" I ask, feigning innocence as if she might be talking about someone else in the...