Craig’s attention immediately snapped to her, genuine concern flashing in his eyes. Sonya wasted no time, collapsing dramatically into his embrace with a heavy sigh. The handprint I had left on her pale cheek stood as a vivid testament to the rage I had unleashed.

Tears glistened in Sonya’s eyes, and the Alpha tenderly brushed them away with a gentle touch that felt too familiar. I recalled a time when he had shown that same kindness to me. When we were younger, he would have helped me up if I stumbled and comforted me just like that. But now, those moments of warmth seemed like nothing more than distant memories.

His face hardened abruptly, transformed into something chilling and ruthless. “Kristen, apologize to your sister.”

I lifted my chin defiantly, locking eyes with him, unwavering in my stance. “No.”

Craig’s surprise was evident, his eyebrows rising in shock at my bold refusal. In the past, when he held nothing but disdain for me, I treaded carefully around him, desperate to earn even the smallest shred of his approval. Despite the depth of my feelings for him, it never seemed to be enough, especially with Sonya always in the picture.