My Alpha Mate Hates Me Until I Die

The basement door crashed open in the dead of night.

A towering werewolf stormed in.

He seized me by the hair, yanking me off the cold stone floor.

Stinging slaps landed on my face until consciousness returned.

He ignored my whimpers of pain.

Grabbing my ankles, he dragged me out, his voice a low growl. "Sleeping soundly while Chloe suffers? You have no shame."

My body scraped over the rough gravel path.

A trail of crimson marked my passage.

He dumped me at Liam Valdemar's boots.

Liam's brow furrowed slightly at the sight of my bloodied form.

He opened his mouth, then closed it, his expression hardening. "Chloe is injured. Use your mermaid's pearl. Heal her."

I lifted my head.

My eyes found Chloe resting on the lavish bed, her hand cradling her slightly rounded lower abdomen.

Crack!

Liam's palm connected with my cheek, the force snapping my head to the side. "Where do you think you're looking? Keep your eyes off her. I'm watching you. Try anything, and you'll regret it."

I bowed my head immediately, the sting blooming hot on my skin. "Forgive me."

On hands and knees, I crawled to the bedside.

The wounds on Chloe's hand were clear. She'd been taunting a starved mermaid with scraps, earning a defensive bite.

After two years of this, the routine was familiar.

My fingers moved to the ties of my ragged tunic.

Behind me, Liam's command cut the air. "Out. Everyone."

The room emptied in seconds, leaving only the three of us.

I didn't ponder his reasons anymore. Trying to understand his mind was a futile exercise.

I focused.

Sharpening my fingernails, I drove them into my own chest.

Agony, white-hot and searing, ripped through me.

My body trembled violently as I drew forth the luminous pearl from within.

Liam's voice, deep and cold, reached me. "Aurora. This pathetic act won't earn you any mercy from me."

In his view, I used the pearl instead of my blood to play the victim.

The truth was simpler. My blood had lost its potency. I was too weak.

I never sought his pity. That was Chloe's specialty.

The pearl's soft glow bathed Chloe's face.

Her eyelids fluttered open.

Liam was there in an instant, gathering her into his arms. "My love. Are you well? Does it pain you?"

Chloe's gaze slid to my bleeding chest. A flicker of something cruel passed in her eyes. "The pain is gone. But… the smell of blood. It turns my stomach. Get her out of here, my Alpha. Please?"

Liam turned.

His glare was a physical blow. "Are you deaf? Get out!"

I dragged myself backward, using my arms.

His tender voice followed me out the door. "Never go near those vile creatures again, my heart. They exist only to cause harm."

My heart, long numb, twisted anew. The pain found fresh, deep places to settle.

Ice-cold water hit me like a wall.