But Winona saw an opportunity to manipulate Scott more because of my actions. She turned to Scott, her voice dripping with false concern. "Scott, you’ve always said Ariana was a good person, but look at her now. She’s completely unhinged, acting like a rogue. If you actually marry her, you'll be the laughingstock of not just this pack, but every neighboring pack too."
"Who dares to laugh at my woman?" he shot back, his voice cold and sharp. But I saw the flicker of doubt in his eyes, the way Winona's words slowly took hold. She gave him a sweet, triumphant smile, knowing full well she had won.
Scott turned to me, disappointment etched across his face. "Ariana," he said, his voice icy, "I can't believe you're making this all about you. This is ridiculous. If you apologize to Winona, maybe —just maybe— I'll forgive you."
I locked eyes with him, my heart weighed down by a betrayal so deep it felt like a knife in my chest. "And if I refuse?" I asked, my voice shaking as I fought to keep my emotions in check.
His silence is enough.