ALPHA Magnus Andersen
"Wooing you."
The air completely rushes out of my lungs. "You are... wooing me?"
"Yes," he states flatly, his tone almost clinical. "Ulrich ordered me to make an actual effort. You may report back to the Supreme Alpha that I have complied with his command."
The fragile bloom of hope inside my chest withers instantly. I press the blossoms down onto my lap, their soft petals mocking my foolishness.
The carriage eases away from the stone curb. Magnus leans his head back against the leather, his sharp profile cut in the shadows, his jaw tight enough to crack bone. He doesn't speak a word for several minutes, and when he finally does, his voice is pure steel.