Chapter 11

He stopped, though his breathing was still ragged, his wolf pressing dangerously close to the surface. But when it came to my mother, he was powerless.

“I’ve already told you—that alliance will never work,” she said firmly. “You will not force him to claim a woman he has no interest in.”

“He’s our son, Olivia,” my father shot back. “I know what’s best for him. Bella will make a good mate and a good mother.”

My mother shook her head. “No, Owen. I know how close you and Hamilton are, but you won’t drag my son into your little circle.”

“Bella loves him,” my father pressed.

“I don’t care,” my mother replied, her voice like steel. “Osborne doesn’t love her. That’s all that matters.”

Thank the Moon my mother wasn’t buying into the madness my father called friendship. I let out a silent sigh of relief. My father’s eyes flicked toward me, sharp as a blade, and I glanced away.

“I can see he hit you,” my father said coldly. “And you deserved it—becaus