Mature Content
Brett chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with sadistic enjoyment. "You think you can protect her better than I can? You're just an alpha with a fragile, soon-to-be mate. I, on the other hand, have experience. I know how to keep her safe."
I took another step toward him, my voice laced with venom. "Experience? Is that what you call abandoning her when she needed you the most? Leaving her to face the dangers of this world alone? You lost your right to call yourself her mate the moment you walked away."
Brett's face twisted with anger, his voice rising. "I didn't abandon her! I had my reasons. She just doesn't understand."
"She doesn't need to understand," I retorted fiercely. "She needs someone who will stand by her side, no matter what. And that someone is me."