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.

abandonment-cut deeper than anything

even try to fight for

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

today, she

truth. A truth I wasn't sure I was ready

She'd looked so broken.

always been the strong one-the protector. Even though I used to

kept me steady. She was the one who made me feel safe. And seeing her like that?

in me I didn't want

Forgiveness.

But the seed

it scared the hell

forgiving her meant loosening the armor I'd built around my heart. Forgiving her meant that

did. Goddess, I

gasoline on every good memory until

what the hell was I supposed to do

moment she said she missed me... some

But I didn't.

my hands clenched in my lap, shaking

to feel in

at nothing in particular and heard a voice