His grin broadens. "Well, at least you acknowledged that it did happen."

I close my eyes briefly in a bid for patience. There is no winning with this man.

When I open my eyes, he's no longer smiling. "I don't care what my father has planned, Cynthia. But I want you here, by my side. And keeping you here is the best way to show you why you should choose. Whatever your loyalty is to my father, it should pale before our own fated mate bond and what's best for the pack.

I look at him, wishing my ...