"You don't mean that. All the pack members will be there, important high-profile people. And it's my mother's birthday – you can't honestly expect me to attend without my mate by my side."
I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "When my own mother was dying, where were you, Kieran?" I snapped.
He was nowhere to be found, too busy with his pack duties and his precious Nina to even spare a thought for me.
"That's why I'm trying to make it up to you,” he pleaded. “Let me shower you with love and make you happy."
I yanked my hand away, glaring at him. "By forcing me to go to your mother's birthday party?" I hissed, my temper flaring. "Kieran, that's not making up for anything. That's just you trying to control me, like you always have."
His eyebrows drew together, and he shook his head. "No, no, that's not what I mean at all," he rushed to explain. "I just want you there with me, to celebrate with our pack. Please, Selena, reconsider. Come to the party with me."
I fell silent, my wolf, Skylar's voice echoing in my mind.
"Don't fall for his charm, Selena. Stand your ground."