Damien stood rooted to the spot, his mind reeling from Annie's rejection.
"You can't reject me, Annie," Damien finally said, his voice low but filled with determination. His eyes bore into hers, trying to convey the depth of his conviction. "We're mates. We're bound together. I'mI'm the Alpha prince, and you—" He paused, his voice softening, almost pleading. "You belong to me."
Annie's heart clenched at his words, the pull of their bond strong enough to make her want to believe him. But she knew better. She had spent the last five years coming to terms with the harsh reality. And it wasn't the fairy tale she had once dreamed of.
With a heavy sigh, she met his gaze, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Can you really accept me, Damien?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Do you really have the power to take a half-breed mate? Your position, your duties—they won't let that happen."
