I straightened, trying to keep my breath steady as I held his gaze. “She hit me first,” I spat, my voice defiant. “And you? You’re an idiot if you think I’m your mate, or that I had anything to do with whatever mess Liana made!”
Tyler’s face darkened further, his fists clenched so tightly I could see his knuckles whitening. “You’re just arrogant because you think being the Beta’s mistress gives you power,” he sneered, his words laced with venom. “But you’re nothing but a seductress. You think you can just steal someone’s mate and get away with it?”
A wave of disgust and anger surged through me. “You’re delusional,” I snapped, squaring my shoulders as I glared at him. “I’m not Liana, and I sure as hell don’t want to be your mate. And Edwin? He’s my husband, not someone I tricked or seduced. Get that through your thick skull, dumb Alpha.”
I didn’t want to provoke him, but I needed a way out. There was no window for escape, no ally in sight. Every single person in that room saw me as an enemy, and I had to create an opening.
Tyler’s face twisted in rage, and I knew I had him.
“You talk like you’re something special,” he snarled, his chest heaving. “But you’re nothing, bitch.”