“You thought wrong,” Ryker cut in, venomous. “And even if you hadn’t, it changes nothing. You drained her blood to save your w***e’s fake pregnancy. You rejected your mate while she carried your pups. Get. Out.”
Matteo froze. The color drained from his face so completely he looked like he might collapse. His mouth opened, closed, then opened again, but no sound came out at first. When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse, cracked with genuine bewilderment.
“Drained her blood?” He looked straight at me, eyes wide and shattered. “Lara… what is he talking about? I never— I swear I never ordered anything like that. I didn’t even know she took blood from you. Goddess, I avoided the maids' quarter for hours after the rejection because I couldn’t stand seeing you in pain. I thought staying aw
