Zane~
Michael's words still lingered like smoke in the room, curling around the edges of my composure. I didn't let it show, but Red stirred restlessly inside me, his presence sharp and watchful.
I gave a small smile, one that didn't quite reach my eyes. "I'm still waiting, sir," I said casually, folding my arms, "why do you think I don't have dignity?"
Michael's eyes narrowed, his calm veneer slipping just enough to show the flash of distaste beneath it. Owen looked at him, then stepped forward.
"Because, child," he said like he was talking to a toddler, "a man with dignity wouldn't take another man's fated mate, no matter the circumstances."
Ah. So that's what this was really about.
I paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle into the space between us. Then I tilted my head, still smiling, but the air around me had changed.
