Chapter 8 Adrian rode the forest paths until the moon blurred. He reached for Selene through the bond hundreds of times; each call went unanswered. "That damned woman," he spat, ordering his steward to trace a new link. Late that night, Selene's crystal shard pulsed with an unknown connection. She answered warily. A rough, rasping voice filled her mind-it was Adrian's. "Selene, when are you coming back from the Eastern Territories?" he demanded. The tone carried equal parts rage and pleading. Selene's hand froze over the shard. "If you cut contact, I will make sure no healer in the East tends to Elder Moira," he threatened. Her thumb hovered above the severing rune. He pressed on, frantic: "Didn't you already betray me with Cassandra? Now that you're gone, you should be celebrating-" "No! That was a one-time mistake," he barked. "You bound yourself to me for comfort and rank. You hold shares in Blackthorn lands-everything others dream of. You are the Alpha's mate now. Don't make a scene-return by dawn." Selene let out a short, incredulous laugh that curdled into a quiet, bitter sorrow. "Mate of the richest Alpha? My life has felt worse than a beggar's. Those three years I went without food, pushing myself until I fainted-this is your 'luxury'?" Her voice trembled with truth. "How many nights did I work until I collapsed? How many times did I go hungry so I would not disappoint you? I don't want your so-called luxury anymore." A pang crossed Adrian's voice as he recalled the old commands that had bound them; for a moment his tone softened. "You chose to work, Selene. You are not a pup. Do you expect me to spoon-feed you? Everything you have, you brought on yourself." Selene did not answer. He pressed again, relentless. "Remember I took you in when your brothers cast you out. Your parents turned away. You have no one but me. Return, and I will fix everything-servants, Elder Moira's fees-everything." "No," Selene said firmly. "I don't need any of you." Silence stretched. "What did you say?" Adrian's voice snapped. "I don't need any of you," she repeated. "My parents abandoned me. Even when they learned the truth about our births, they loved Cassandra while I was a thorn. I won't be manipulated, Adrian. I may be imperfect, but I am not as heartless as you. I have found someone I call my own. Even without you, I will survive and be happy." She rested her palm on the small swell of her belly, feeling two steady heartbeats beneath her hand-her hope and her future. On the other end, Adrian laughed-a harsh, volatile sound amid the shattering calm. "Cassandra was right," he sneered. "You're nothing but a lowly thing from the countryside. Since you couldn't attach yourself to me like a leech, you moved on to some other target. Tell me, Selene-how many have you seduced? Are you living with another when we haven't even parted by pact?" "Adrian!" she snapped. 1/1 5.3% 9:39 pm PD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!