chapter 10

The awkward shift in his tone made me curious enough to peek through barely-opened eyelids. William's face had gone strangely tense, as though he'd just realized something uncomfortable.

"An accident?" Sofia's voice rose slightly. "She could have died, William!"

"Lower your voice," William snapped. "You're being dramatic. She'll be fine."

His indifference to my poisoning ignited a spark of anger in my chest. My eyes opened fully, and I shifted slightly on the bed.

William's head whipped around at the sound. "Rebecca?" His face transformed instantly, concern replacing irritation. "You're awake."

I nodded weakly, taking in the hospital room. William rushed to my bedside, taking my hand in his. I forced myself not to pull away. Not yet.

"How are you feeling, babe?" he asked, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. The gesture that once brought comfort now made my skin crawl.

"It's terrible," I managed, my voice still raspy. "Water?"

Sofia quickly poured a cup from a plastic pitcher and handed it to me. I sipped slowly, using the moment to gather my thoughts, to prepare for what I needed to do.

"William," I said after a moment, setting the cup aside. "Hold me...please."

Surprise flickered across his face before it softened into what I now recognized as practiced affection. "Of course, babe."

He sat on the edge of the bed and carefully gathered me into his arms, mindful of the IV in my arm. I rested my head against his chest, feeling his heartbeat—strong, steady, oblivious to what was coming.

"It's okay," he murmured against my hair. "You're safe now."

I took a deep breath and said the words I'd been rehearsing in my mind since I'd learned the truth.

"I, Rebecca Brown, reject you, William Moretti, future Delta of the Silver Moon, as my mate."

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His body went rigid against mine. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the steady beep of the heart monitor, now accelerating with my own nervousness.

"What did you just say?" His voice had dropped to a dangerous whisper.

"You heard me," I replied, trying to pull back from his embrace. "I reject you as my mate."

A tremor ran through William's body, followed by a pained groan that seemed to come from deep within his chest. His fingers dug into my arms, holding me in place as his body shook.

When he looked down at me, his eyes had changed—amber irises now ringed with a wild, animal light. His face contorted in a grimace of pain and fury.

"You bitch," he snarled, fingers tightening painfully around my arms. "You will not escape me that easily."

Fear shot through me as I struggled against his grip. "Let go of me, William."

"You think you can just reject me? After everything I've done for you?" His voice was a guttural growl now, barely human. "This is just the beginning. You will regret this."

"You're hurting me," I gasped, staring into his eyes—eyes that now looked more wolf than human.

"Good," he spat. "Maybe pain will remind you of your place."

"My place?" Anger overrode fear, giving my voice strength. "My place was never to be your puppet. I know about Olivia. I know about your son."

That hit its mark. William's grip loosened momentarily, surprise flickering across his features before rage twisted them once more.

"Sofia!" I called out, taking advantage of his momentary shock. "Get the nurse!"

Sofia, who had been frozen in horrified silence, lunged for the call button, pressing it repeatedly.

William released me with a shove that sent pain shooting through my tender abdomen. He stood, his body visibly trembling, fists clenched at his sides.

"This isn't over," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "There will be consequences."