DESDEMONA

The study fell silent the moment Alpha Alaric stepped inside.

I could hear my own heartbeat. Loud and unsteady, I clenched my fist tightly moving back slowly as his steps grew heavier.

He leaned in his breath and brushed my neck. I could see his face barely apart from my neck, his lip touched my neck gently and I froze.

His dark gaze moved slowly from my face to the portrait still clutched in my hands. The change in his expression was almost imperceptible, but I saw it.

Shock, mixed with anger and pain.

He crossed the room in a few long strides.

Before I could react, he took...