What a question… Claire had to think, recognized she had been clinging to the Beta to the point where it must have made his shoulder ache. Easing her hold, she measured the little bit of human that she still was, and knew she had not wanted a baby yet. More so, she had foolishly allowed herself to develop an attachment to the monster who had filled her womb, a monster who was using her like a broodmare—a beast whose lover had tried to kill her.

Claire pressed her hand to the tiny life growing inside her. She could rid herself of the issue; abortion was a common practice, probably accessible even now. She could have Shepherd carved out of her.

After a shuddering breath she admitted her horrific truth, “I don’t feel anything, you know. Inside… I feel nothing at all.”

He gave her space, offering a lopsided smile. “I know it might seem like the world has ended for you, Claire, but you are free now. You’re a survivor.”

She could not help but sadly smile at a man who would never understand. “Survivor? What kind of future do you see for me? I was pair-bonded to a monster to be his toy, drugged into an unnatural heat cycle, impregnated against my will so I would grow devoted, and then forced to listen to the Alpha who was supposed to be my mate fuck his lover—a very scary Alpha female who wrapped her hands around my throat, who shoved her fingers inside me right in front of him.”

He couldn’t stop a grimace. “Shhh. This can be made right.”

“It’s okay for us both to admit there isn’t going to be a happy ending for me.” Claire sat up, holding the sheet to her chest, empty. “I have no future, but I can still fight for them.”

Brushing back her hair, wanting to pull her nearer, Corday restrained the desire to embrace the sad-eyed woman. “If you step outside that door and try to take on Shepherd, you won’t win.”

“I won’t win… but I am going to act out.” A goal, something to cling to, hardened her voice. Claire sneered. “I’m going to do everything I can to make noise. And if they catch me, I’ll make sure they kill me.”

“Please listen to me,” Corday grew urgent, afraid to scare her off should he say the wrong thing. “Let’s talk this through. The best thing you can do right now is grow stronger. “

“I intend to.” She nodded, knowing he misunderstood. “Shepherd once told me there is no good in the people of Thólos. He was wrong. This occupation has stripped away our pretenses; it has made us naked to our nature. Don’t you see? Integrity, kindness—it exists here…” Claire closed her eyes, nestled nearer once again. “You, Corday, are a good man.”