Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

"You love being outside, right?" I began and waited for her to nod her head. When she does, I continue. "How would you feel if I locked you inside the house and refused to let you out?"

She thought about it for a second, a cute little frown appearing between her brows. "Very bad."

"Would it make you happy being inside all the time?"

"No."

"That's the same with this pretty butterfly. It loves being outside where it can fly around. If you lock it inside, it will be very, very sad. It won't even want to eat or play with you. Is that what you want?"

She looked at me and then at the butterfly in her hand. Tears sprang to her eyes as she answered. "I don't want her to be sad. I want her to be happy, like me."

I smiled at her while running my finger down her cheek. "Then you have to set it free. Play with it outside, chase it, but don't catch it. You also don't want to hurt its wings, do you? Look at how weak they are."

"I don't want to hurt her wings." Her tears are long gone as what I said finally sinks in. "I'll let it go now."

anything else, just skips away before lifting her hands in the air and letting the butterfly go. I watched as

didn't go too far, I stood up and stretched. My

him before I even see him. I used to know when Alec was around, but with the bond now

I feel him on my back or when

us. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it also wasn't

Why now? I thought I had move on. I had destroyed the love I felt for him. Now, though, feelings I thought I'd buried

he mumbled next to me, his voice a deep rumble that sent shivers down

still. "Well, that's so random,

So free," he whispered. "I can't believe I

missed three

I couldn't help

him. He faced forward.

could hear the regret in his voice. I could hear the hate and

hurt him without realizing he was already hurting. There was no use in beating down a man who was already beating himself down.