I gritted my teeth and managed a nod. "Well. That's… something to consider."
Don Diego straightened, satisfied with himself, then smoothed down his jacket. "Keep your eyes open. And remember who really keeps the pack safe. And oh, I didn't think you had it in you, but you surprised me. Congratulations, boy."
He turned and strutted off, his guards forming a protective triangle around his ego as he vanished down the hall like he'd just delivered divine wisdom.
I stood there, trembling from the effort it took not to explode. Not to scream and not to punch a hole in the marble.
What the fuck was he congratulating me for?
And my God, he blamed María José. He always blamed her for everything.
My heart thundered in my chest, and I closed my eyes, trying to picture her smile. Her laugh. The sound she made when she teased me about my brooding. Anything to anchor me.
Because if I let the rage win, it would cost me everything.
