Derek's POV
The words hit me like a physical blow, and I stared at her in complete disbelief.
"What did you just say?" My voice came out rougher than intended. I needed to hear it again, needed confirmation that I hadn't misunderstood.
"Derek, I don't want anyone to discover this," Bella repeated, her voice steady but cold enough to freeze my blood.
The words settled between us like shards of broken glass.
"You're ashamed that I'm your mate?" The question tore from my throat before I could stop it. Each word felt like swallowing razors.
"You're missing the point completely," she snapped, her eyes flashing with frustration. "I don't want people gossiping about us. I don't want the complications that come with—"
She stopped abruptly, her gaze sliding away from mine.
"Finish what you were going to say," I demanded, stepping closer. My heart hammered against my ribs so hard I wondered if she could hear it. "You don't want me. That's what you were going to say, isn't it?"
