Alaric’s POV:

“If I did, then there would be no reason for this meeting, would there?” she continued. “Because Meadow would’ve already left you by now.”

My jaw flexed, my grip still around her throat. I didn’t loosen it. Not yet. If anything, I squeezed even harder just to watch the color in her cheeks darken. But she wasn’t scared. She knew I wouldn’t hurt her.

I leaned in close, my nose brushing hers as I let my voice drop to a dangerous whisper. “You will not tell ...