Winona’s mask of sweetness slipped, her lips curling in anger. “Stop her!” she shrieked. “My baby deserves a resting place! I won’t let her disturb him!”
The wolfguards grabbed my arms, yanking me away from the grave as I struggled and screamed. My wolf surged within me, begging for release, but I held her back. Not now. Not here.
Scott stepped forward, his face hard. “Ariana, you’re making a scene,” he said, his voice cold. “Winona’s been through enough with her dog’s death. Yet you’re blowing this out of proportion because I had to pause the mating ritual. This... this is ridiculous. Apologize to her. Now.”
“Apologize?!” I spat, my voice venomous. “She dug up my mother’s grave, Scott! Have you lost your mind?”
He shook his head, disappointment etched in his features. “Winona’s grieving. You’re strong, Ariana. You can handle this.”
His words were a blade, slicing through the last threads of loyalty I had left for him.
Winona tilted her head, her voice dripping with feigned concern. “Scott, I’m starting to see why the mating ritual didn’t happen. Look at her. She’s unhinged, acting like a rogue. If you marry her, you’ll be the laughingstock of every pack around.”