“I dislike that I feel pity,” Claire breathed, eyes full of sorrow, “for you.”

The way he watched her, the slow move of his analyzing gaze, it was if he already knew everything she confessed. “Little one, it is merely an indication of your nature to feel compassion—even for me.”

Her brows lowered, that little line forming between them. “Is this where you call me a coward or a fool?”

Shepherd smirked. “You are somewhat foolish, but you are not a coward—simply naïve. What you are is innocent.”

But that was not true. Disappointed in his answer, she rose from her chair, hands tugging the straps of her dress so the fabric could whisper down her body. Eager to finish the final requirement to leave the room, she moved, naked and expressionless, to stand before the Alpha.

He took in the secret places of her body, but did not touch.

Voice harsh, Claire felt the guilt, the anger, the fear eat her up. “What do you see now?”

Slowly, Shepherd met her indignant expression, softly purring, “My mate.”

The thrum was deep in her chest, something it took a great deal of focus to recall was unwelcome. Confused, she watched him, unsure why he wasn’t touching her. Unsure why they were not already on the bed, or table, or floor?

The moment was growing into something it was not meant to be.

Just as she was about to turn, to just walk away from him, the growl was made. It was loud, expectant, and brought with it a small pleasurable cramp as her body instinctively responded.

Slick came thick and copious at such a call, dripping down her leg. Shepherd watched the little trickle, captivated.

Rising slowly, he pulled his clothing over his head, stripping down to only flesh until he stood before her in an equal state. He was beautiful and grand, all the glorious epitome of Alpha physique in the control of a man who used such strength ruthlessly. Claire had to crane her neck to look up, to keep her eyes off his marked body where she could focus on his face and those hated eyes.

“What do you see when you look at me, little one?”

A monster, the man who had ruined her life, the little boy raised in hell whose mother had performed unspeakable acts just to secure him a knife, a former prisoner who had dedicated his love to Svana, a man with twisted faith, the male who had betrayed their pair-bond and caused her great pain, her jailor, the father of the life growing inside her, a creature she could not trust… Claire drew a deep breath and said the only thing she could. “I see the Alpha pair-bonded to me.”

“Can you not see more?” Shepherd hinted, trying to draw out the proper words.