A soft tap on her shoulder broke her reverie.
Jodie's cheeks burnt. She turned her face away, but not fast enough to hide the flush of shame.
"He was never just some rogue pup who became alpha by an incredible stroke of luck," Valiah continued, merciless. "He's the bastard son of Rogen the destroyer and the adopted heir of your father—I told you. Whatever softness you still carry for him, child, carve it out. He'll be leading the werewolf armies down here, the same way your father did before he stole you from me. When that happens, you'll meet him as the weapon I forged, not the girl he fooled."
"Yes, Mom, Jodie replied, shifting uncomfortably as she forced down the anger that was beginning to resurface with memories of Ares' betrayal. "They found me in no man's land and pretended to rescue me...but it was all a lie. However, that gullible Jodie is long gone."
