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.

his feet, unfolding his large form and then stepping closer to

he asks

I can tell

hide that he cares about me

know I could ask anything of him right now, and he would

it for me.

things between us

thoughts collide in my mind. Everything Aaron

with him

how Aaron is swiftly losing control,

him even a little, then maybe I should

break the mating

look up to find James has drifted

between

never wanted anyone

a child, into a

what it is

want a man.

time, I seriously wonder what

Aaron being

I can’t help but wonder

I was

I’m treading into dangerous territory. “Earlier, at the Council Meeting offices. How much

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

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

off, not wanting to hear the words, but at the same

need to

need

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

crosses his face, but he doesn’t pull away

kiss him.

can sense he’s holding

want to overwhelm

cared about that.

now that I prefer that. I don’t want

kiss is nice, but it’s kind

There are no fireworks.

no overwhelming desire crashing

making me forget my own

I feel right now

the only answer