Chapter 65

Natalia's POV

As soon as I heard his gibberish, a sharp pain pierced my left chest. I couldn't even touch it; I was transfixed on the cruel man before me. Moments ago, I'd been considering thanking him for saving my life. Now, I saw him for what he was: a scumbag.

His words about my brother and me were ridiculous. I would never reveal my identity to him. But what was his problem with me seeing another man? Why the assumptions? He even accused me of obtaining the cure through sleeping with someone else!

"Cat got your tongue? Oh, wait. What am I expecting? A justification for sleeping with another alpha?"

I closed my eyes, clenching my fists around the crisp white hospital sheets. The fabric felt rough against my fingers; my nails almost broke the skin.

Calm down. Don't lose your temper, I told myself.

Opening my eyes, I saw him still standing there, awaiting my response. Despite his absurd accusations, did he really think I'd explain myself to him? I was no slave, obligated to justify every action.

"I told you it's a misunderstanding. But if you insist on believing your own fabricated stories, there's nothing I can do," I said.

My voice was weaker than I'd intended; the accident had left me drained. My throat was parched. I looked at the water beside the bed. I tried to lift my right hand, but couldn't reach the glass.

Adrian, meanwhile, remained motionless at the edge of the bed, within easy reach of the water. Instead of helping, he simply watched. His face was fierce, a stark contrast to the worried expression I'd glimpsed last night—though that might have been a delusion.

How could he feel worry for me? It seemed impossible. Yet, why had he saved me? He could have left me to die.

"What do you want from me?" I asked, agitated.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, studying my face. Couldn't he see I was thirsty? If he couldn't help, at least get me the water.

"You can't give me anything. I know why you did it. You just wanted to show me you were doing me a favor. Am I right?" he asked.

"What?"

"Don't play innocent. This body" He paused, pointing at me with a cold stare. "this body is worthless to me. You're no longer attractive. Who knows how many men have touched it in the past few years?"

His filth made me want to disappear. Tears welled in my eyes, my heart pounding—not from a mate bond, but from sheer anguish.

Gathering my breath, I asked, "If that's what you think, why save me? Why not let me die? Was that a favor, too?"

He seemed stunned, clearly unprepared for my confident retort. Why shouldn't I be confident? I'd done nothing wrong.

"You still have the audacity!" he muttered, gritting his teeth. His eyes blazed with fury.

His anger was familiar. He'd reacted similarly when he saw me with Eric, with Harold at the café, and now Jason. Only one explanation made sense: he was either concerned about his reputation or wanted me under his control.

He wanted to play with my life, treat me like a toy.

"Stop acting innocent. Does that man know the real you? Or did he approach you because he knows what kind of woman you are? How could you cheat a beta with his alpha? Do you have any shame left, Natalia?" He shook his head.

Tears streamed down my cheeks. I tried to wipe them, forgetting my injured hand. I bit my lip, stifling a cry of pain.

"I regret helping your father. I regret saving a woman like you last night."

His words felt like a punch to the gut. He regretted saving me?

I slowly raised my head, meeting his gaze. He frowned, leaning close until his face was inches from mine. I flinched back.

His hand clamped down on the back of my neck. I squeezed my eyes shut. The pressure on my bandaged head was agonizing.

I remained silent, my gaze locked on his hateful eyes.

"Do you know what I want right now? I want to kill you, here, in this hospital bed."

His words froze my heart. My wolf felt it too—his utter disregard for us.

With tears streaming down my face, I glared at him.

"You're not my Alpha, and I don't owe you explanations. I can be with whomever I want, and you're no longer my husband to stop me. Just wait until I leave your pack, Alpha Adrian. You'll regret this."