Derek’s hand on Annabelle’s waist tightened, his body tense against hers. His forehead still rested on hers, but the air between them was no longer charged with desire—it was heavy, dark, and laced with suspicion.
“I asked you a question, Annabelle,” Derek said, his voice dropping an octave, low and commanding. The soft, almost tender man from moments ago had vanished, replaced by the cold, unyielding Alpha she had grown used to.
Annabelle swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. She tried to step back, to put some space between them, but Derek’s grip held her firmly in place.
“Answer me,” he growled, his blind eyes staring straight ahead but somehow pinning her in place.
“I wasn’t thinking about anything,” she said quickly, her voice trembling slightly.
Derek let out a humo
