Naomi’s pov :
I shoved Elias away with both hands, my palms slamming into his chest like hitting a brick wall. He staggered back a step, surprise flickering in those golden eyes before the storm rolled in. My heart raced, the mate bond twisting like a knife in my gut, but I couldn't give in.
"I don't want you," I spat, the words tasting like ash. My voice cracked, but I held his gaze, refusing to back down.
He froze, then laughed, a dark and bitter sound that sent chills down my spine. "You don't want me? Bullshit, Naomi. The bond screams otherwise."
He paced like a caged wolf, muscles coiling under his shirt, fists clenched. "Look at you—coming home reeking of sweat and cheap cologne, bruises on your skin from those animals at the bar. You're working in a pit like a common w
