Nathan POV
I was stunned by Claire slapping me. My ears were ringing, and it took a moment for me to realize what had even happened.
The kiss had pulled me in so deeply, so fast. I thought we were both lost in it.
But apparently I was wrong.
“Claire, what…?” I touched a hand to my face, where the heat of her slap still lingered. “Why?”
Claire looked up at me with tears in her eyes. But her voice never wavered.
“I can’t be with you, Nathan,” she said. “You don’t respect me. You’re still ashamed of me and my Omega and wolfless status.”
I started to deny it, but she shook her head.
“No, I know it’s true. If I went back to you I’d still be your shameful little secret, and you’d expect me to act like I’m just the nanny again. And I don’t want that.”
She took a breath and squared her
