Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 258

"You've got it all wrong," he murmurs, his voice breaking.

I blink, the words not quite registering.

"I want you," Alec says, his eyes burning into mine. "God, Sadie. I want you so badly it's killing me." His thumb brushed along my jaw, a soft, reverent touch. "But not like this."

My chest tightens. "Why not?"

“Because if I take you now, you'll think it's just the moon heat," he says, his voice thick. "You'll think that's the only reason I want you."

I shake my head, but Alec's thumb presses against my lips, silencing me.

"If we do this now," he continues, his voice rough, "it'll feel good-so good-but when the heat passes, you'll think it was just that. Just heat. Just instinct." He swallows, his Adam's apple bobbing. "And you'll regret it. And I can't. I won't let you regret something that should be special."

My breath hitches. The weight of his words pressing down on me, and it feels like my heart is being squeezed.

I am so confused. Do I dare to believe his words? To believe that that's the only reason he isn't buried deep inside me right now and not because he is still in love with Lola?

I don't have time to think much of it because a sharp, stabbing pain explodes in my belly, and I gasp, doubling over. My arms wrap around my stomach, and my knees buckle.

"Sadie!" Alec is there in an instant, catching me before I hit the ground. "What's wrong? What is it?"

like fire, scorching through my

whimper internally. "What's

you about," she says, her voice pained. "The moon heat.

through me, and I

he murmurs, voice tight with worry.

body a solid, steady anchor against the pain. By the time he stops, I am barely conscious, my skin burning, sweat pouring down

Alec kicks the door open and carries me inside.

he says,

respond. Every inch of me is aflame. My skin feels

can barely keep my eyes

All I

1.n

up again, carrying me into the bathroom. The tub is half-filled with cold water, and he steps inside, pulling me into his lap. The water sloshes around us as he

wrapping around

cool water stings, but it also soothes. I sag against Alec, my head falling back

lips

his arms as

to hum, his voice low and steady. "Do you remember

a weak laugh escapes me. "You