Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 305

Sadie's POV

The forest is quiet in the early morning, hushed and still as though the world itself hasn't woken yet. Mist lingers low between the trees, curling like silver smoke, and the damp earth softens each step I take.

I didn't mean to end up here. I'd woken up to find the space beside me empty, Alec already gone. For a moment, I'd simply lain there, staring at the imprint he'd left in the sheets, his warmth fading against my skin. And for a second, I almost thought of going to his bedroom, but I put a stop to those thoughts immediately.

Aspen was still fast asleep, peaceful as ever, and I knew there was no chance of me falling back under. My mind was too full, too wracked as my thoughts spun out of control.

It's like no matter what I did, I couldn't catch a break. Every time I thought that finally things had settled, something happened to pull the rug from underneath my feet.

So I slipped outside, hoping the forest would clear my head. Hoping the cold and being in nature would bring some form of peace to my soul.

But if anything, the stillness makes the memories louder.

Last night replays in my mind again and again. The way Alec came to me, choosing me over Piper. I hadn't expected that. Honestly, I'd braced myself to watch him stand by his sister's side, to remind myself she would always come first. But then he had crossed the room, wrapped his arms around me, and held me like I was the one who mattered most.

My chest tightens at the memory.

Knox. His presence, his warmth, brushing against me through Alec's embrace. I'd always thought of Knox as something separate, something wild and distant. But last night, he'd felt... safe. His growl hadn't been threatening; it had been protective. His steady rumble had wrapped around me just as much as Alec's arms had, urging me to relax and

I had.

the fear in my chest had given way to peace. For once,

I swore that he'd never be able to win back, but I was wrong. Slowly but surely,

other shoe to drop, but at the same time,

inside me. Hope that it's all in my head and he won't

and lean against a tree, running my fingers

present. The question burns hotter than the morning sun creeping through the

something more than duty? Or

"You're overthinking again."

thoughts,

much I needed her steady presence until

me; it's like taking that fresh

else am I supposed to do?" I mutter under my breath, closing my eyes. "My mind won't stop replaying

tell me. What