My brother-in-law is my mate

te walk felt like a marathon as I clutched my heels. My feet throbbed with every step o

son home earlier than expected, and he

, watching the rise and fall of his chest. His face loo

and the little birthmark on his nose, which was a signature of my side of the f

htmare waiting to happen. I wanted so much m

the world, not even close. And it burned inside, knowing I wanted h

ve a college degree to fall back on. The truth was far from the fantasy she spun. Byron's wealth wasn't mine. H

len. But Byron crushed that hope with a single blow. He looked me d

r his wealth and power, leaving me nothing b

ont of the mirror, and took off my earrings. But s

st my chest. My hand drifted to my neck, caressing it absentmindedly

. A hot, uninvited tear slid down my cheek. I bit my lip

ng have to be so

ry. "Stop thinking about him," I hissed at my reflection, scrubbing h

n place. Deep down, I knew the truth-I didn't want to leave. The mate bond pulled at

their affair for everyone to see. They weren't even mat

ess. "You gave me a shitty childhood, a shitty husban

coff. Of course, she wouldn't care. Why would some immortal being give a da

ning until I heard Byron's voice downstairs. Panic surged through me,

e Byron and try to beg him to give me a chance, but now the idea made

's room-this was my sanctuary, where I could escape from him, especially on nights when h

wn across the bed. I stood, smoothing my robe, and tiptoed tow

and my wolf snarled in my chest. He couldn'

" I whispered, hopin

keeping my gaze down. He followed me into th

in my chest, and the empty hallway seemed to close in on m

ning for me to come closer. That si

d you r

ced with ice. Did his br

ded to take

me by the collar of my robe. His grip burned agains

but it explained why the nanny

thing you want

lie. Panic set in, and I shook my head,

n sniff a trace of unfaithfulness from you, you'll regret the day you crossed me.

my lips. What was h

rcing me?" My voice trembled, unce

, his Adam's apple bo

turning cold. "Because if you do, Valen will neve

ire. I shook my head and tried to spea

each his eyes. "Now, go to my bedroom and