Its final whimper and collapse don’t deter the rest of the pack from gathering around Gabriel’s legs.

Their growls are now in sync, the rhythm so ferocious and loud that it sends owls flying from the trees.

I wobble as I stand to my feet, my fingers trembling as I pick up my knife.

Gabriel fires three shots into another wolf’s face and grabs the alpha by the neck, throwing his body against a tree.

The sickening crack of his spine echoes throughout the forest, and they all stand frozen in shock.

He cocks his gun again, immediately sending the remainder of the pack running wild in different directions.

They never glance my way.

Gabriel slings the weapon over his shoulder as he storms toward me, his eyes filled with rage. “What part of, ‘I’ll shoot you in the back, if you run away from me,’ did you not understand?”

He doesn’t allow me enough time to answer.

“Before I tell you how you’ll be severely punished for this, feel free to say thank you for saving my life, Gabriel,” he says. “That would be nice.”

“Thank you.” I swallow. “For saving my life.”

“Good girl.” He looks stunned by my compliance. “Now, say, I belong to you.”

I say nothing.

“It’s not that difficult, Belle.” He closes the gap between us. “Say, Gabriel, I belong to you.”

“I’ll always despise you.”

“I don’t believe that in the slightest.”

“Then you clearly haven’t been paying attention.”

“I honestly think that if circumstances were different, you’d want me.”

“I still owe you a fight, remember?” I refuse to give in. “I’m still holding a dagger in my left hand.”

“I can see that.” He smiles. “I’m not threatened.”

Unable to come up with something sarcastic to say, I stare into his eyes.

“Do you really hate me?” he asks, cupping a hand around my neck.

“That’s what I said.”

“Thoughts of being with me haven’t crossed your mind once?”

“Not at all.”

“So, why were you watching me bathe naked under the cascade?” His voice is low. “Tell me.”

“What?” My cheeks flush red. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I saw you in the grass,” he says, strumming his fingers against my neck. “Did you like what you could see?”

“I’m not sure what delusion you’re under,” I say, flustered, “and I know it’s hard to believe, but every woman you meet doesn’t want you.”

“Do you?” He runs his fingers through my damp hair and my breathing hitches.

“I’m not the one you’re interested in,” I say. “Remember?”

“That’s not what I asked you.”

“I should let you know now that my sister has never ever liked you.” I deflect. “If we find her alive, she won’t want anything to do with you.”

“In that case, I don’t feel so conflicted anymore.”

“About what?”

He crashes his lips against mine, forcing me to drop my weapon to the ground. He wraps his other hand around my waist, pulling me flush against his hard chest.