Bad Love an Alpha’s Regret by Elise Sinclair

Chapter 199

LEAH

It’s late at night and I can’t sleep.

Not after everything that happened at the council meeting.

My thoughts had been spinning after I’d finished talking to Karolina. I’d hurried straight over to one of the Rathborn SUVs and jumped in behind the wheel. One of Aaron’s guys-luckily not James, because I couldn’t have faced him then-had seen me and quickly climbed into the passenger seat before I’d gone tearing out of the parking lot.

The other SUV’s we’d arrived with hadn’t take long to catch up,

and everytime I’d glanced in the mirror, I’d seen James behind

the wheel of the vehicle directly behind me the whole way

back to Rathborn pack lands.

I’d rushed inside before James could climb out of the other

vehicle and then shut myself in my bedroom.

Now, however, I’m roaming the halls like a lonely ghost.

I think about shifting and running, but my appetite for that

has been curtailed after the incident on Roberts pack lands.

Arguably, I know Rathborn lands are much more secure, but it’s getting to the point where I don’t feel safe leaving the house, especially without Aaron’s larger than life presence looming protectively over me at every turn.

My wandering brings me to the library, and I step in to find a cheery fire roaring in the hearth, and soft candle light illuminating the space.

Outside the window, new snow is falling in the light of a

half-moon.

The room is cozy and inviting, and I wonder who left it this way…until I step further into the room and find James lounging on the rug in front of the fire, reading a book of poetry.

He straightens when he sees me, snapping the book shut.

“Leah! Is everything okay? Why are you still awake?”

I think about fleeing, but I know I can’t avoid James forever, not when his one sole duty is to protect me.

“I couldn’t sleep,” I admit, crossing my arms.

climbs to his feet, unfolding his large form

I can do?” he

can tell he means

isn’t trying to hide that

of him right now, and he

it for me.

exactly did things between us change so

these thoughts collide in

to this point, ending with him asking

is

even a little,

break the

find James has drifted closer

between us

never wanted anyone else

a child, into a

understand what it

want a man.

for the first time,

attractive to me, if not for Aaron being a

help but wonder exactly what James

when I was with

knowing I’m treading into dangerous territory. “Earlier, at the Council Meeting offices. How much of me did you

wish I could take back the question and pretend like the whole thing

assures me. “But Leah, you

to hear the words, but at the same time, part of me is curious, though my wolf doesn’t like what’s happening

I need

need to know the truth

place my hand in the middle of James’s chest and

his face, but he doesn’t pull away from me

kiss him.

can sense

doesn’t want to overwhelm

about that. Aaron never held back

were together. I realize now that I prefer that. I don’t want

nice, but

There are no fireworks.

desire crashing through

me forget

feel right now is kind of

know now, Aaron is the only answer