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."

throat tight.

"Forget that you're not ready. Forget that you still don't trust me. Forget that if I

his rejection from last night stings, but hearing

say something, anything, but no words

his voice

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 not

cheek. I don't understand my action. Maybe it's the moon's heat influence, but all I know is I can't let

not your fault, Alec," I finally say. "You shouldn't be blaming yourself.

that he still blames himself for something that is completely out of his

stay like that — his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with mine, our

as the pain starts low, a throbbing ache that

and radiates outward, building until it feels like fire

I gasp, clutching my

wraps his hand around me "Hey, hey," he murmurs, voice

pulls off the hoodie

breathe,” he whispers, his lips against my ear. "I'm right

letting his voice wash over

check on Aspen. I had to sing for her. She was holding a competition and

to be one

Alec says, his

warm, calming murmur.

distract me and it works. I laugh at that despite

insides were on fire.