KADE ~
The slap had been satisfying.
For about three seconds.
The sharp crack of my palm against her cheek. The way her head snapped to the side. The red mark blooming instantly across her pale skin.
In that moment, I'd felt powerful. In control. Like I'd finally put her in her place.
Then I'd seen her eyes.
Not filling with tears like I'd expected. Not afraid or apologetic or any of the things that would have justified what I'd just done.
Just... empty.
Dead.
Like I'd finally succeeded in killing whatever small spark of defiance had kept her fighting.
And the satisfaction curdled in my gut, transforming into something that felt uncomfortably like shame.
No. I don't feel guilty. She deserved it.
She'd kissed another wolf. Hours after binding herself to us. She'd disrespected the bond, disrespected us, and she needed to understand there were consequences.
That's what I told myself as we all took our seats around the family dining table.
