That evening I was still fuming. If anything my anger had increased. Each time I thought back to when he had physically tried to force his decision on me, it fueled my anger. I refused to even look directly at Maverick when he entered the bedroom, instead I kept my gaze fixed off to the side of him.

“I think it’s best you sleep somewhere else tonight,” I told him, tightly.

He halted and I finally moved my gaze to glare at him as I crossed my arms. I hated how despite my anger the sight of him could still make my heart race.

“You’re still mad,” he noted.

“You don’t get to treat me that way and get away with it Maverick. I don’t care who you think you are.”

He studied me with a growing frown.

“I am the Alpha of this pack Victoria. That is a fact. It is my responsibility to keep every member safe. Especially you. Don’t you understand the responsibility that rests on my shoulders. I don’t get to make mistakes. I don’t get to screw up because if I do someone dies.”

I clamped my mouth shut, I refused to allow his words to soothe over my hurt.

“I get that you want to help but I can’t take the risk that something might happen to you when I’ve just found you.” His voice softened but my anger didn’t. “You don’t know what it’s like to lose a mate. I’ve seen it.”

I didn’t wanted to be swayed by his words but I wasn’t immune to the emotion in his eyes even if I wanted to harden my heart to it.

“I’ve seen what it does. It destroys the surviving mate.”

“But you’re fine with destroying me by taking my choices from me.” I shot back, trying to get him to see where I was coming from.

His features remained unwavering, he was only seeing things from his point of view.

“You’ll have choices Victoria but on this subject my decision is made. There is no changing it. I won’t lose you. Be angry, sulk, whatever. I can take it. But know that I won’t change my mind.”

I shook my head. Why did it have to be life and death? I believed he was throwing the whole thing out proportion.

“Allowing me to help doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re putting my life in jeopardy,” I quietly pointed out. Not intending to allow him to steam role me with the worst case scenario.

“You remember the last time you were alone with someone who was after you? What happened?” His eyes hard. “He hurt you.”

I tightened my arms across my chest. “You’re being dramatic. That was a bounty hunter and we have no idea who this other guy is or why is after me? We don’t even know if he is out to hurt me.”

“You don’t get it, do you?” He ran a hand through his hair. I didn’t like to see him like this but I had to stand my ground or he would walk all over me and that wasn’t something I could allow, under any circumstances.

“I can’t take the chance. The last time I just made it in time. I won’t risk it again. What if something goes wrong and I can’t save you? Have you thought about that?”

I know how close it had been but taking the little freedom I had accumulated in the last year would be killing me slowly. Clearly, he didn’t understand that.

“I’ve lived my whole life having no control. I’m finally able to live my life on my own terms and I won’t give it up Maverick. Not even for you. Surely you get that. I understand you don’t want to put me into a dangerous situation but what if using me as bait is the only way to flush the guy out.”

He was already shaking his head. Why did he have to be so stubborn?

“It won’t be like the last time. This time we can make sure it is a controlled environment with you watching over it. It can be set up in way the takes away most of the risk. Come on Maverick.” I tried reasoning with him, hoping he would see my point of view.

He crossed his arms. “I won’t put you in danger.”

“You won’t let anything happen to me Maverick. With you handling it I will be safe.”

“You will be safe because it’s not happening. It’s that simple.” His features were tight and his voice cold. It was clear, there was no room for negotiation. He was used to laying down the law and it being followed.

“The subject is closed. My decision has been made.”

But that would not work with me. I wasn’t going to allow him to dictate to me. Werewolf or not, I would not be controlled by anyone, including him.

I lifted my chin. “I think you should sleep elsewhere. I don’t want to be near you.”

I really felt anger in that moment, I hated he just made decisions like he owned me and dismissed what I wanted.

“You are my mate Victoria. You are still recovering and I won’t leave you. You’re too weak to be on your own.”

I ground my teeth. If I had been completely recovered I would have got up and walked out. I hated that he was right.

He headed into the adjoining bathroom and closed the door. I wanted to yell and throw something. I heard the shower start. Staring down at my hands I tried to breathe through the hot emotion that he could just disregard my feelings like that.

“Ugh,” I murmured, frustrated. I wanted to hit or throw something to rid me of the burning anger making me feel raw.

When I had recovered he would learn that I would not allow him to walk all over me. I wasn’t one of those girls. I lay on my side ensuring my back would be to him when he got into bed. I pulled the covers up to my chin and closed my eyes, wishing I could fall asleep straight away.

I listened closely when the shower stopped. When the door opened I kept my eyes closed as I tried to breathe evenly.

He moved around the room and then I felt the bed dip beside me.

“I know you’re awake.”

I still refused to acknowledge him.

“I don’t want to fight with you. But I’m not going to change my decision. You might be too angry to understand where I’m coming from but I won’t endanger your life.”

He quietened.

He was so frustrating. Why couldn’t he see that I was my own person and not just someone who needed to be protected by him?

“Sebastian was right. You don’t know our ways but in time you will learn.”

I clamped my mouth shut refusing to give into the need to argue with him. There was no point, it was a complete waste of time. I would give him the cold shoulder, until I could drive my point home. No amount of time would make his behavior acceptable.

He shifted in the bed as I held myself still, ensuring we didn’t touch. I didn’t want my anger to calm, I wanted to hold onto it and allow it to burn. There had to be a way to show him that I was right. But the truth was I was too weak to do anything at the moment. Any plan I might come up with had to wait until I was strong enough.

I don’t know how long I lay there before I managed to fall asleep. My dreams were restless and I tossed and turned. My body felt warmer than usual. A couple of times I awakened, having tossed off the covers.

I sat up in the bed. Maverick slept deeply beside me, unmoving. I put my hand to my forehead, I swear I felt warmer than usual. My throat felt dry. I needed some water. The last thing I wanted to do was wake Maverick up and ask him for help, especially after our last conversation.

Tentatively, I shifted my legs over the side of the bed and tried to stand. I felt stronger. Feeling excited that I may be regain my strength pushed me to take a step, followed by another. I was walking, even if it was slowly.

I even surprised myself by managing down the stairs slowly, not pushing too hard for fear I would set myself back. With each movement, I felt stronger, less shaky.

When I got downstairs and I poured a glass of water I took a long swallow, easing the dryness in my throat. I saw the moonlight through the window. Something pulled inside me. Something I couldn’t explain.

Before I could even think my steps took me out of the house toward the forest, out into the darkness.