Chapter 14
fake sweetness. “It’s so much. Maybe you’d consider donating some? I mean, there’s more here than one person could ever possibly wear.”
I felt my jaw clench, the possessiveness of my wolf rising to the surface. This isn’t for
sharing. I met her gaze, my voice cold and unwavering. “No, Sharon. These aren’t for… sharing.”
Her face faltered, fingers slipping from the necklace as she took a step back. “Well,” she sniffed, her tone brimming with frustration, “seems like a waste to keep it all for yourself. Not that it’s any of my business, of course.”
I turned away, hoping she‘ d take the hint, but Kayden stepped forward, his brow furrowing as he took in the lavish display. “Malinda, where did all this come from?” he
Chapter 14
the curiosity blazing in his eyes. “They‘ re just gifts, Kayden,” I replied, hoping he’d let it go. You don’t need to know more than that.
But Francis’s gaze remained fixed on me, unrelenting. “Gifts? From who?” he pressed, his voice heavy with suspicion.
A flicker of irritation tightened in my chest. I didn’t owe them an explanation, not now- not after they’d made their choice to spend more time with Sharon, to treat me like an afterthought. Now, they suddenly deserve answers? My patience was wearing thin, but I forced a calm expression, though my voice cooled noticeably. “It‘ s… private.”
Kayden‘ s face darkened, his stance firm as he crossed his arms over his chest, unwilling
Chapter 14
Inis isп LIIKе you. You
ve never been one
to accept gifts, much less… whatever this is. Don’t we deserve to know?”
The words struck a nerve, and I felt the anger simmering under my skin, my wolf pacing, pushing to the surface. Deserve? They‘ d chosen Sharon’s company, her sweet and shallow smiles, over any loyalty to me. And now, here they were, expecting answers as though they had any right to them.
I met Kayden‘ s gaze with a defiant glare, my tone icy. “This has nothing to do with you, Kayden. It’s none of your business.”
An awkward silence settled over the group, and I could see the hint of surprise in his eyes, as if he hadn‘ t expected me to push back. But it felt good–strong, even–to
remind him that my life wasn‘ t theirs to pry
