Bad Love an Alpha’s Regret by Elise Sinclair

Chapter 21

LEAH

Wolves don’t beg.

They don’t grovel or back down,

A pack’s value comes from its strength.

I tilt my chin up.

I may be on my knees, but it doesn’t make me weak.

My will is strong. So is my willingness to fix this mess I’ve made.

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If Aaron won’t be reasonable then I will rely on the mercy of this Council.

“Ma’am Karolina, are we not all wolves?” I say.

Her lips purse. It’s a not so subtle reminder that everyone here is a wolf-except me.

“Our numbers are low,” I press on. “Our strength is tied to our

unity as a species. There must be justice, yes, but also mercy

and understanding so that every member of every pack might thrive. So that we can prosper as a species.”

She inclines her head encouraging me to continue.

this sacrifice, I can give my life greater purpose and meaning. I’m dying. I can’t have children. I

packs-1, Leah

ahead,” Council member Karolina tells me.

in place

my dead body!” Aaron screams.

AARON

Leah gasps.

are you doing?” I ask her.

at the Council. “Alpha Aaron is a good man, and, of

want to shield me. But I stand by my vow. Please accept me as tribute in my father’s stead, and I beg

I sometimes make mistakes

accounting.”

there it

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wisely. Acknowledging I’m her husband and

divorce she

washes

on her knees.

hearing her choose me.

twist my hands in her

her flesh and mark her skin so

world-will know she belongs

do such a thing.

be more than a partner in name only.

obsession with my mother.

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chain that

suffering.