Present time…
Leo interrupted Eliana. "So, you are the fiancée Gabriel is searching for. You're Victoria."
"Yes," Eliana admitted, her voice laced with regret. "I don't know how, but my parents fell for his charm, just like I did, and paid the price for it."
"So Eliana is not your name?" he inquired.
Eliana lowered her gaze. "Eliana is my middle name. Sometimes my closest friends used it so I decided it would be easier if I just used it now."
"I see," Leo said and stepped closer. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into an embrace. She rested her head against his chest, finding solace in his warmth.
"You can stop here if you want," he said softly. "I don't want to push you."
She shook her head against him. "No. I need to tell you everything before Alpha Gabriel tries to take me away again."
"I won't let him," Leo growled, his protective tone bringing a small smile to her lips.
