Ruby’s POV
I didn't sleep that night.
Manson's words lingered in my mind, weaving into my nightmares. His brother. His pain. His revenge. The way he spoke, so controlled, so measured, hid the storm beneath.
I should have felt relieved when he finally left the balcony, retreating to his side of the bed. Instead, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, my mind a battlefield of emotions I wasn’t ready to face.
I had spent years convincing myself that I didn’t need anyone. That I could survive on my own. That mate's love was just illusions meant to trap fools.
So why did his pain feel like my own?
Why did I want to take that burden from him?
A New Threat
The next morning, I was already awake when Manson stirred beside me.
I turned away before he could see the confusion in my eyes. "You'r
