The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 322

Chapter 322

Aurora

“No,” I said.

He blinked, clearly not expecting that. “Excuse me?”

“I have nothing to say to you.” My voice shook despite my effort to keep steady.

Once the first words were out, the rest spilled free, sharp and uncontrolled “I don’t even know if you made up that whole mate thing, or if you ever told me a single F**king truth. I don’t believe you. Not anymore.”

The silence that followed was loud.

His expression shifted instantly-surprise giving way to something tighter more guarded. He took a step back, like my words had physically

shoved him.

“Rory,” he said carefully, holding his hands up slightly, “slow down. Where is this coming from?”

“Don’t,” I snapped. “Don’t say my name like that. Like you’re worried. Like you didn’t spend weeks playing some kind of role in my life.”

“That’s not fair,” he said, his voice firmer now.

“Oh, but lying to me is?” I shot back.

“Showing up out of nowhere. Saying all the right things. Making me trust you. Making me feel safe.” My throat burned. “Was any of it real? Or was it all just part of the plan?”

His jaw clenched. “What plan?”

I laughed, short and bitter. “See? That. That right there. Always acting confused. Always pretending you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

He dragged a hand down his face, frustration flickering across his features

“You’re accusing me of things I don’t even understand.”

“Then maybe that’s the problem,” I said quietly. “Because I thought I knew you. And now I’m realizing I don’t know you at all.”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. He just looked at me, really looked like he was trying to decide whether to push or pull away.

“I didn’t lie about being your mate,” he said finally, low and serious. “That was real. That is real.”

“Then why does everything else feel fake?” I demanded. “Why do I feel like I’ve been manipulated from the start?”

His eyes darkened. “Because someone put those thoughts in your head.”

I stiffened. “Don’t you dare.”

“I’m not blaming you,” he said quickly. “I’m saying something changed. You didn’t walk into this room like this for no reason.”

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Chapter 322

I stepped back, creating distance between us. “You don’t get to analyze ni You don’t get to explain me to myself.”

“Rory-”

“I came here because you threatened me,” I said, my voice colder now, stedier. “Not to clear your conscience. Not to listen to half-answers. If you have something real to say, say it. If not, we’re done.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said quickly. Too quickly. “I haven’t done anything. I swear-to everything I love-I haven’t done anything.”

I laughed.

There was no humor in it. Not even a trace.

The sound came out sharp, broken, and it seemed to catch him off guard more than shouting ever could.

“So,” I said slowly, lifting my head to look straight at him, “you didn’t work with Zayn’s father to take me to him?”

The words landed between us like a blade.

His face drained of color.

It wasn’t dramatic-no sudden panic, no exaggerated reaction-but it was here. A flicker. A fraction of a second where his mask slipped before he caught it again.

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