Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

I stare at Aspen, who is soundly asleep. She looks so beautiful. So, at peace. Her long lashes fan her cheeks, and her mouth is slightly open as she snores. Snoring should be annoying, but when it's from Aspen, it's absolutely cute.

The day out that we had completely tired her out. She didn't even finish her dinner. She fell asleep midway through her meal. She was tired, but she was happy and that's what matters most.

I head for the bathroom after placing a gentle kiss on her slightly damp forehead. Tiredly, I take off my clothes before jumping into the shower. I lean forward, my hands against the wall, holding me up while I let hot water run down my back.

I thought this small outing would help, but it didn't. The moment I got back to the pack, I found my problems still waiting for me. It was a small reprieve from the stress, but it didn't really fix anything. Sighing, I finish showering and get out. Wrapping a towel around my chest, I move to the mirror. I stare at myself, but instead of staring at my scar like I usually do, I stare at my eyes.

I see nothing there but emptiness. Black, dead, emotionless eyes stare back at me. I no longer see the vibrant woman I used to be. I no longer see the loving person I was. My eyes used to be so expressive, and now they are just dead.

How did it come to this? If I am truthful to myself, then I'll admit that I hate this. I hate the dead look in my eyes. I hate the stranger staring back at me. I hate the woman I've become.

my moisturizer and leave the bathroom.

and pull her little body close to mine before covering both of us

to the zoo since Aspen insisted on it. After that, we went to the mall, did some shopping, had lunch and dessert, stayed

a great day, but once I was back, I couldn't shake the melancholy was feeling. Once we came back, I couldn't stop thinking of Alec's broken look when I told him that I wished he was dead. I know he did me wrong. He hurt me. More than that, he destroyed me. Still, when did I get so

look on his face when I said those words. It was like I'd shattered him. Like I had ripped his heart into small, tiny pieces. I try to justify my

cry, I snap my eyes open and get out of

a run. I need something that will use up my energy and leave me

make sure the

kiss. I slowly and quietly walk towards the door. When I am successfully on the other side, breathe a sigh of relief before

mind. I want to feel something else apart from hurt, anger, hate,

my skin is a welcome reprieve