**Gaia’s POV**

The irony hit me like a slap. Love? From this ambitious schemer who saw packs as chess pieces and people as pawns? I felt a hysterical laugh bubble up, but I swallowed it, meeting his gaze with cold disdain. "Love? You don't know the meaning of the word. This is obsession, Vincenzo. A power play dressed up in pretty words. If you truly loved me, you'd untie these ropes and face Astrein like a real Alpha, not hide behind threats and blackmail."

He regarded me for ...