Chapter 171

LIAM’S POV The silence after Natalie said those words was deafening. I thought I misheard but she said it again. She took a deep breath then said, “I, Natalie, reject you as my mate.” The moment she said it, something inside me cracked wide open. My wolf howled in agony, clawing at me from the inside. He was furious and heartbroken. I gritted my teeth through the pain. I didn’t want anyone to notice. I didn’t accept her rejection. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I turned around like a man possessed. I stormed out of the room and into the courtyard, needing to unleash this wildfire inside me. And there she was—Jannie, standing with one of the guards like nothing had happened. It looked like they were both talking about something. My vision blurred with rage. “You think this is a joke?” I barked, walking toward her. Jannie turned “Liam, what—” I didn’t let her finish. I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away from the soldier. She gasped, stumbling backward until I shoved her to the ground. H