The Gamma's Lost Daughter

VANESSA

Hatred and desire warred within me as I broke away from Roman's kiss, my lips still burning from his touch. My heart hammered against my ribs, traitorous body responding even as my mind rebelled.

"I hate you," I whispered, more to convince myself than him.

Roman's golden eyes were dark with emotion as he stepped back, giving me space I desperately needed but didn't want. We'd moved from the corridor to his office—safer than standing where anyone might see us locked in that desperate embrace.

"I know," he said simply.

The fight seemed to have drained from him. Instead of the manipulative, domineering Alpha I'd come to expect, he looked... tired. Resigned. It was unnerving to see him this way.

"You wanted to talk about my memories." I crossed my arms, needing some barrier between us. "So talk."

Roman nodded, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. I remained standing.

"What exactly did you remember?" he asked, voice carefully neutral. "About the attack."