Harley’s P.O.V.

I almost jumped in my spot as he thundered, his face darkening in fury.

“Are you seriously defending the man who broke your heart and kept his mating history a secret? Carlos is a convicted abuser, Whisker. And all you can think about is the behavior of that pitiful woman …”

Derek repeated the details of the council’s verdict, clenching my heart. I tried to cover my pain with anger and snapped at him.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I am not defending Carlos. It’s just my observation about Irene.”

His eyes narrowed as his mouth fell open, as if I had smacked him hard across his...