#Chapter 11: Contract of Hearts

"My fated mate is—" "Raymond!" I shouted, leaping to my feet and grabbing his arm. My heart pounded against my ribs like a trapped animal. "Please, not here," I whispered urgently. His eyes met mine, burning with frustration and something that looked almost like hatred. For a terrifying moment, I thought he would shove me aside and finish his sentence, destroying everything. But something in my desperate expression must have reached him. Raymond's jaw clenched tight. With a growl of frustration, he yanked his arm from my grip and stormed out, slamming the door with enough force to rattle the crystal glasses on the table. I forced a smile that felt like shattered glass cutting my cheeks. "He's just nervous about taking over as Alpha," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll talk to him." I excused myself quickly, before they could see the tears threatening to spill. Raymond was already gone, his scent trail leading toward the forest—toward Giana. I drove home in a daz