And then he knew. “You still think your death would make any difference? You would throw away your life for nothing, destroy the child growing in your womb for nothing. Do you understand me? It would change nothing. Remove those thoughts from your mind.”

Spine ramrod, Claire made no reply.

Cocking his head, Jules came to a decision. “Shepherd needs to be told that you are struggling in this manner.”

“There is no need,” Claire offered, her own voice laced with weariness. “Shepherd is standing right behind you.”

Jules was still. There was no look of disbelief on his face or even a trace of fear, simply placid acceptance. At the first obvious sound of another man’s breathing, the Beta turned and nodded at his leader. “Sir.”

Looking at Claire, the Alpha barked at his subordinate, “You’re dismissed.” Jules moved at once towards the door. Once the sound of the locks was thrown, Shepherd took the seat across from her. “You know his name and history... he has freely told you these things.” Shepherd seemed amazed and equally unsettled.

“You should not be angry with him. He is your greatest advocate, and I was the one who initiated all conversation.” Urging him to not react negatively to what she’d revealed, Claire admitted, “There were times I needed someone to talk to, and he only did it for you. I know he doesn’t like me.”

There was a look in Shepherd’s eye, buried under heaps of disapproval was a large dose of envy. “He has spoken on your behalf more than once. Jules likes you a great deal.” Something was going on inside the Alpha, a stiff calculation of odds. “Do you always argue with him?”

“Always.” She fought back the tick at the corner of her lips. “Your friend greatly enjoys reprimanding me.”

Hooking a finger on the tray, Shepherd pulled it before his mate and gestured for her to eat. “You are behaving as if you feel playful, but you are upset. I am willing to discuss Svana and Corday.”

“I don’t doubt that for an instant.” She knew he was trying to maneuver, and offered him a sullen smirk at his attempt. Claire picked at the fresh fruit. “I, however, do not want to hear you gloat about how my friend has been manipulated by your beloved.”

“Little one.” Shepherd leaned back in his chair and leveled her with those eyes. “You need not be threatened by her. I love only you.”

After swallowing a bite of melon, Claire put down the fork. She let out a sigh, her expression falling flat. “If I say please, can we drop the topic? You have taken my world from me. I don’t need to hear about how I have lost him too.”

The purr began the second it was clear she was upset. “You have Maryanne.”