I shook my head, fighting my own smile. You’re impossible.”


    CAZ)


    And you’re mine,” he said, his tone light but his eyes serious. “That’s why I reacted as I did. Not because I don’t trust you, but because every instinct I have rebels at seeing another man near you–especially one who finds you as fascinating as I do.


    The simple deration ‘you’re mine should have irritated me further, but instead, it sent a warm current through my veins. Still, I wasn’t ready topletely surrender the point.


    I need some independence, Dominic, I can’t function if I’m constantly worried about triggering your territorial


    instincts,


    He nodded slowly, I understand that. But perhaps we can find apromise. A text next time? Just so I’m aware.”


    It was reasonable enough. “I can do that.”


    Dominic looked out the window, seeming to recognize our surroundings. “I need to return to the office. I left an important meeting when Elizabeth sent those photos.”


    The mention of Elizabeth darkened my mood again. “Of course she did.”


    He squeezed my hand once more before releasing it. “Don’t let her get to you. That’s exactly what she wants.”


    As we pulled up to Sterling Tower, I wondered if the brief moment of connection had truly resolved anything, or merely postponed the inevitable sh between his world and mine.


    By six o’clock, the office had emptied considerably, I finished thest of my tasks, gathered my belongings, and headed toward the elevator. The hallways were eerily quiet, most of the overhead lights dimmed to their evening setting.


    I had just rounded the corner toward the executive elevator bank when a voice stopped me.


    ‘Not so fast.”


    Elizabeth stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her expensive suit. In the half–light, her features seemed sharper, more predatory.


    I’m not in the mood, Elizabeth,‘ I <b>said</b>, moving to pass her.


    She shifted, blocking my path. I’m curious about something,” she said, her voice deceptively casual. “Why does Dominic tolerate your… indiscretions? He never forgave me for my rtionship with Duke, yet you can openly flirt with that professor and he merely looks annoyed.”


    <b>20:39 </b>Wed, Sep 24


    I sighed, fatigue making me less cautious than I should have been. “Maybe he doesn’t care who you’re with.”


    Her eyes shed. “You think you’re special?” she hissed, stepping closer. “You’re nothing but a novelty to him. A human pet he’ll discard when the amusement wears off.”


    I took a step back, suddenly aware of how isted we were. “I need to go, Elizabeth.”


    42


    “He’s the future Alpha,” she continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Do you honestly believe he would choose a human nobody over someone who could strengthen the pack?” Herugh was cold and brittle. “You’re more delusional than


    I thought.”


    “This conversation is over,” I said firmly, moving toward the stairwell door since she was blocking the elevator.


    “Whatever is between Dominic and me is none of your business.”


    Her hand shot out, grabbing my wrist with surprising strength. “He belongs with another wolf. Someone who


    understands our world, our traditions.”


    I twisted my arm free. “Let me go.”


    To my shock, I saw her fingernails lengthen into ws, her features shifting subtly as rage contorted her face. “You


    stupid human,” she spat. “You don’t deserve an Alpha’s attention.”


    Fear shot through me. I’d never seen a werewolf mid–transformation up close, and the sight was terrifying. Elizabeth’s control was slipping, her eyes now definitely glowing amber, teeth sharpening to points.


    I backed toward the stairwell door, fumbling for the handle behind me. “Elizabeth, you need to calm down.”


    “Don’t tell me what to do!” she snarled, lunging forward.


    The door gave way behind me, and I stumbled backward into the stairwell. Elizabeth followed, her partially transformed state making her movements jerky but powerful. I turned to descend the stairs, desperate to put


    distance between <b>us</b>.


    “You’ll never be one of us,” she growled, her voice deepening with the partial shift.


    “I’m not trying to be,” I said, continuing to back down the stairs. “But this isn’t the way to-”


    Her hand shot out, shoving me hard. The force caught me mid–step. I felt a sickening moment of weightlessness, then my bnce failedpletely. I tumbled backward down the stairs, unable to catch myself. A sharp pain exploded in my head as it struck something hard, and then darkness swallowed everything.


    <b>20:39 </b>Wed, Sep 24