Brian's POV
The sound of the slap echoed through the dead-silent office like a gunshot.
The sting on my cheek was nothing compared to the shock that hit me deep in my chest. She slapped me. She actually slapped me. An Omega—one I dragged out of the dirt—dared to lay a hand on her Alpha?
But then I locked eyes with her. Those eyes full of shattered anger and bitter resentment. And just like that, every ounce of my rage froze in place.
I watched, helpless, as her body crumpled, like a statue suddenly stripped of all its supports, and she collapsed backward.
Thud.
The dull sound of her hitting the floor struck me like a hammer, shattering what was left of my pride.
"Ashley!"
I lunged forward, my anger extinguished in an instant by cold, raw fear. Dropping to my knees
