Tyler’s face darkened further, his fists clenched so tightly I could see his knuckles whitening. “You’re just arrogant because you think being the Beta’s mistress gives you power,” he sneered, his words laced with venom. “But you’re nothing but a seductress. You think you can just steal someone’s mate and get away with it?”
A wave of disgust and anger surged through me. “You’re delusional,” I snapped, squaring my shoulders as I glared at him. “I’m not Liana, and I sure as hell don’t want to be your mate. And Edwin? He’s my husband, not someone I tricked or seduced. Get that through your thick skull, dumb Alpha.”
I didn’t want to provoke him, but I needed a way out. There was no window for escape, no ally in sight. Every single person in that room saw me as an enemy, and I had to create an opening.
Tyler’s face twisted in rage, and I knew I had him.
“You talk like you’re something special,” he snarled, his chest heaving. “But you’re nothing, bitch.”
“Is that what a real Alpha does?” I shot back, my voice cold and sharp. “Blame others for his incompetence? Attack a woman he barely knows? Pathetic.”
The insult hit its mark. With a furious roar, Tyler charged again, faster this time, his eyes glowing with dangerous intent.
He swiped at me, and I dodged to the right. This time, his momentum carried him forward, leaving him slightly off balance. It was just enough for me to bolt out.
I didn’t look back as I sprinted into the open air. My heart was pounding, every muscle in my body burning with adrenaline. There was no way I could drive away fast enough. I’d be caught before I even got the keys in the ignition. So I ditched the car and ran on foot, sprinting as fast as my legs would carry me, away from the Night Creek pack.
The trees blurred past me as I tore through the forest, the branches whipping at my arms and face. My lungs burned, and every step felt heavier than the last, but I couldn’t stop. I had to put as much distance between us as possible.
But I underestimated Tyler.
I could hear him gaining on me, his heavy footfalls crashing through the underbrush, far faster than I’d anticipated. Damn it! Of course, he was quicker. He was the Alpha of his pack. A seasoned fighter. And I… I wasn’t at my best right now.