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 tight.

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

through me, sharp and unyielding, and my chest tightens. The pain of his rejection from last night stings, but hearing how much

try to speak, to say something, anything, but no words

was to stop last night,” he murmurs, his voice low

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

emotion 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 thinking that this is

finally say. "You

but I can tell that he still blames himself for something that is completely out

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

pull apart just as the pain starts low, a throbbing ache that spreads

radiates outward, building until it feels like fire is burning

gasp, clutching my

hand around me "Hey, hey," he murmurs, voice tight

he carries me to the bedroom, setting me down gently on the bed. He pulls off the hoodie I had on before taking off his shirt. He then slips on behin@me, putting me

he whispers, his lips against my

eyes, letting

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

be one

says, his voice

warm, calming murmur.

to distract me and it works. I laugh at that despite feeling

insides were on fire.