A merciless predator who slaughters for sport. A tyrant who razes packs for his own amusement. A master manipulator who toys with lives on a whim. He's my fated mate. And I rejected him. *** Disgust burns through me as I stare at the monster before me—the one whose cruelty has shattered my nights into screaming chaos and sweat-soaked terror. Every nightmare traces back to him, my so-called mate. The one destined to cherish me unconditionally, to shield me from pain. Instead, he became my torment. There was no cause for his brutality. No conflict with my pack to justify his savagery. His abuse was pure, senseless violence. I won't spend another moment searching for answers that don't exist. "Please, just let me explain," he begs, desperation fracturing his voice. "There is no excuse, Alaricas. You're a sick, abusive bastard, and I'd sooner face death than accept you as my mate." The words drip like venom from my lips. His eyes flood with tears. I watch him crumble, pathetic and broken, and all I feel is contempt. "I, Jolene Flare, reject you, Alaricas Cain, as my mate and alpha." The mate bond shatters. The connection severed. The pain on his face is exquisite as I turn away, step into my car, and drive toward my freedom. Finally, I am liberated from this monster.