Mara
Once upon a time, I would have melted into that kiss.
But not now.
I shoved Darian off and slapped him, hard.
“I’m your brother’s wife, Darian. You don’t get to do that.”
He stumbled back, red blooming across his cheek. His eyes welled with tears.
“I’m sorry,” he muttered. “I just... I’m desperate. He’s only using you, Mara. This is about punishing me—for taking the Alpha title. He doesn’t love you. He’s just using you as a pawn.”
He stepped closer again, his hands trembling. “But if I claim you, Lucian has no choice but to annul the marriage. We could be together. Please, Mara. Just give me the chance to prove myself.”
I stared at him, stunned.
“You’re talking about claiming me. What about my reputation?” I asked quietly.
He hesitated. That was answer enough.
“I can’t let
