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.

to his feet, unfolding his large form

I can do?” he asks in

tell

trying to hide that he cares

could ask anything of him right now, and he

it for me.

between us

these thoughts collide in my

with him asking for a

Aaron is

little, then maybe I should reject

break the

James has drifted closer still, and

distance between us

never wanted anyone

a child, into a teenager,

understand what it is

want a man.

time,

if not for Aaron being

help but

I was

feeling my body warm, knowing I’m treading into dangerous territory. “Earlier, at the

redden a little, and I wish I could take back the question and pretend like

James assures me. “But Leah, you should know, my

to cut him off, not wanting to hear the words, but at the same time, part of me is curious, though my

I need to

for all, I need

the middle of James’s chest

doesn’t pull away

kiss him.

sense he’s holding

want

about that.

I realize now that I prefer

nice, but it’s

There are no fireworks.

desire crashing through my

me forget my

feel right now is kind

know now, Aaron is the only answer I’ll ever need