VALERIA

I never thought I’d feel this kind of humiliation again—practically begging a man for something intimate only to be completely rejected.

"I’m sorry, I…." I lowered my head, trying to hide the sting of disappointment and shame.

"Stop apologizing for every little thing. It’s my fault. No one else’s," he said, exasperated.

I dared to lift my eyes just enough to watch him turn away, his back to me as he ran a hand roughly through his hair, visibly frustrated, as if he were battling something inside himself.

"Take a bath and change your clothes. We’re having lunch at the Alpha's residence. I’ll come back for you later," he ordered bluntly without even looking at me, then stormed out the door.

Why do I feel so hurt and disappointed?

He was the one who started all this.

What did I do wrong?

"What the hell were you expecting, idiot?" I scolded myself bitterly.

I was angry for giving in so easily. For breaking the one rule I had set for myself.

"Never make the mistake of falling for Ki