Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

"I'm not trying to win you back because of Calvin," she said, her voice steadier now. "I'm here because I miss you, Sadie. I miss my best friend."

And then, just like that, she turned and walked away-rushing out of the library before I could even respond.

She hadn't waited for forgiveness.

Just like she hadn't expected it.

I stared at the door long after Piper had left, my mind spinning, my chest tight with something I didn't want to name.

She said she was sorry.

The words echoed in my head over and over, like they were trying to find a place to settle-but there was no space left inside me that didn't already ache.

I wasn't expecting that. Not today. Not like that. No defenses, no excuses, no clever manipulation. Just... guilt. Pain. Raw and real and pouring out of her like she'd been carrying it for as long as I'd carried my anger.

And that was what scared me most.

Because it wasn't just that she apologized.

It was that I believed her.

That pang in my chest hadn't been pity-it was recognition. A memory of who we used to be. Of sleepovers and secrets whispered in the dark. Of laughing until we cried and making stupid promises to never let anything come between us.

We were a team. The kind of bond that was supposed to last forever. But forever had shattered the moment she believed I could betray her.

than anything else that

even try to

couldn't let go of. Not the choice she made... but that she didn't hesitate to make

yet... today, she

with truth. A truth I wasn't

She'd looked so broken.

strong one-the protector.

who kept me steady. She was the one who made

something in me I didn't

Forgiveness.

Not yet. But the seed

the hell

armor I'd built around my heart. Forgiving

I did. Goddess, I

into rage. I'd poured gasoline on every good memory until all I had left was ash.

hell was I supposed

the moment she said she missed me... some part

But I didn't.

hands clenched in my lap, shaking with the weight

myself to feel

sat there in silence, staring at nothing in particular and heard a voice inside