Too Late Alpha The Mate He Never Wanted (Iris and Eric) novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Iris’s POV

I took a shaky breath, trying to steady my voice as I tried to narrate everything. “It… it was Chloe. She cornered me in the store… and she grabbed my injured hand. She gripped it tight and dug her nails into it, worsening it more.”

My voice faltered for a moment, “I… I hit her. She had my bad hand, but I managed to punch with my good one.”

Rowan’s eyes were dark. “Where was Shane during all of this?” His gaze darted to Shane, then back to me. “He was with you, wasn’t he?”

I hesitated. My voice stumbled. “W-well… erm… He was-

Shane cut in quickly, stepping forward with his head down and his shoulders stiff. “It’s my

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fault, Alpha. I should’ve stepped in sooner. Chloe threatened me, and I hesitated. I will accept any punishment you give me.”

Rowan’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You hesitated?” His voice dropped. “I

gave you one order. Watch her. Protect her. And instead you let this happen because Chloe threatened you?”

“Alpha, she-” Shane started, but that was all he could

say.

Rowan moved faster than I could blink. His fist connected with Shane’s jaw. The sound of something breaking echoed in the room, and before I even registered what had happened, Shane was on the floor.

“Shane!” I screamed, stumbling toward him. He didn’t even lift his arms to defend himself, didn’t fight back. Blood pooled at his lip, but he stayed on his knees with his head bowed.

Rowan took a step forward, his eyes blazing as he stood over him.

“Rowan, stop!” My voice cracked, but he didn’t even look at me.

Shane’s jaw was clenched but he had a resigned look on his face. He wasn’t going to resist. He was going to take whatever Rowan gave him.

Even Jasmine had a grave look on her face, but she didn’t look surprised. She knew this was coming.

Rowan drew back his arm again.

“No!”

Before I even thought about it, I jumped between them, shoving Rowan’s chest with my good hand. It was nothing against his size and strength, but it made him pause.

I glared up at him, my heart pounded so hard against my ribs.

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Chapter 82

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“You don’t get to beat him down like this! He’s already taking responsibility, you heard him! What more do you want?!”

Rowan’s chest rose and fell as he glared at me. For a moment, I thought he would shove me aside and hit Shane anyway.

Behind me, Shane groaned, still kneeling.

Rowan growled low. It sent a shiver down my spine, but I didn’t move.

“Step aside, Iris.” Rowan ordered. “This is not just about you. This is about the order he failed. Do you understand me?”

“I gave him one command, to watch you, protect you. And instead, he hesitated. What if it had been worse? What if Chloe had gone further?” His jaw clenched, “I trusted him with you, and he allowed this to happen.”

My throat was dry.

I exhaled shakily, then I sighed. “It’s not his fault, Rowan. If anything…” I paused, then I swallowed. “If anything, it’s your fault.”

The entire room froze.

Jasmine coughed softly, with her eyes wide as she gave me a silent warning. Stop talking, Iris.

But it was too late.

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