Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 260

His chin rests atop my head as he rocks me gently, his fingers stroking slow,

comforting lines down my spine.

"You're okay," he says, his voice a low rumble against my ear.

I rest my head against his shoulder with my eyes closed. We don't stay outside for long because within minutes I'm drained and all I want to do is sleep.

"Can we go back inside?" I whisper. "I'm exhausted."

"Absolutely," he answers, picking me up bridal style.

I'm surprised, but at the same time, I'm too tired to dive into the whole thing.

Inside, Alec wraps a soft blanket around me and pulls me onto his lap on the couch. His hand rests on my back, his thumb rubbing soothing circles as he rocks us both.

“I feel like this is my fault. Like you are going through this because of me," he mutters, his eyes closing briefly. "If I had just..."

"If you had just what?" I ask, my brow furrowing.

He doesn't answer, but the haunted look in his eyes is enough.

The ache inside me flares up again, this time for an entirely different reason. "Alec..."

"Don't," he says, his voice suddenly harsh. He pulls back, creating distance between us. "If you say my name like that, I'm going to forget myself."

swallow, my throat

that you still don't trust me. Forget that if I give in, you might hate me when

from last night stings, but hearing how much it

to speak, to say something, anything, but no

stop last night,” he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly. "You were in my arms, writhing against me, begging me to take you. And all I wanted — all I wanted

want you so bad it's killing me. Even now, your scent is driving me nuts. But I can't -I can't let it happen when you're

in his voice cracks something open inside me. I lift my hand, cradling his cheek. I don't understand my action. Maybe it's the moon's heat influence, but all I know is I can't let him continue

Alec," I finally say. "You shouldn't be blaming yourself. This

he still blames himself for something that

— his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine, our

pain starts low, a throbbing ache that

outward, building until it feels like

I gasp,

around me "Hey, hey," he murmurs, voice tight with concern. "I've got

He pulls off the hoodie I had on before taking off his shirt. He

lips against my ear. "I'm right

close my eyes, letting his voice wash

had

to be one

says, his

warm, calming murmur.

to distract me and it works.

insides were on fire.