Ava's POV
Anderson looked intensely focused, like a predator deciding whether to strike or wait.
My wolf tensed, holding her ground.
“From your perspective,” I said, forcing the words out evenly, “I’m a criminal and your enemy.”
I didn’t look away.
“Your hatred… your resentment… your desire for revenge… They’re all reasonable.”
Silence stretched between us.
“But from where I stand, Alpha Anderson…”
My chest tightened, something raw pushing forward at last. “I feel utterly wronged.”
That was the truth I had held onto for so long in the past five years, the truth no one wanted to listen to.
“I’ve never fought back,” I continued, my voice lower now, but steadier. “Never defended myself.”
“Because I couldn’t, because I had nothing. No evidence. Nothing to prove my innocence.”
My wo
