Chapter 329

AURELIA’S POV “That-That’s not true,” he said, his tone low, defensive. “I was trying to understand you—” “Understand me?” I cut in, bitter laughter escaping before I could stop it. “No, you were waiting for proof. Proof that the rumors were true, that I was dangerous. That I was everything everyone said I was.” His jaw clenched. “Aurelia, that’s not—” “Yes, it is!” I shouted, finally snapping. “You can’t even look me in the eye without flinching now!” He froze, and in that small, awful silence, I knew I was right. I stepped closer, my voice lower but sharper than before. “You’re afraid of me, aren’t you?” He didn’t answer, but his stillness was enough. His hands were at his sides — steady, measured — but his eyes gave him away. There was something raw in them, something uncertain, and it wasn’t the usual restrained calm of an Alpha. It was hesitation. Fear. I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “You think I don’t notice? You think I can’t feel it? You look at me like I’m… something you h