“I was with Noah when it started taking effect,” I say, cutting her off. My hands are clasped together in my lap. “I was in his apartment. I had to sneak out the window before I jumped him. Why did you—”

Seeing the way Rita’s face turns white as a sheet has me falling silent.

“You didn’t sleep with Noah, did you?” she asks, her voice urgent.

“No, I ran straight to Al—my fated mate. I was trying to avoid him, Rita, and because of you, we ended up sleeping together. I want ...