“You’re acting cold, Debbie,” Alpha Darrell said, his voice low but laced with irritation.
“Cold? In what way?” I responded calmly, though I knew exactly what he meant. Carla, standing behind him with her ever-present smug grin, didn’t even try to hide her satisfaction.
“Toward Carla,” he snapped. “How many times do I need to say it? Don’t be cruel to her. You’re constantly envious, and honestly, I’ve had enough of it. You never seem to grasp the situation.” His hand clamped tighter around my arm, sending a jolt of discomfort through me. “Why is this so difficult for you to accept?”
“I’m not envious, Alpha Darrell,” I said flatly, though deep inside, my wolf let out a low growl, itching to retaliate. “I do understand. And it’s fine. Don’t trouble yourself over it.” The words burned as I forced them out, but I kept my composure. I had the urge to tell him it didn’t make a difference anymore—that I was leaving, that I was engaged—but what would be the point? He wouldn’t even blink.