Bad Love an Alpha’s Regret by Elise Sinclair

Chapter 289

LEAH

I’m sitting in our bed, reading a book to Ethan, who is drifting off to sleep after just finishing a bottle, when Aaron slips into the room.

He looks weary, like the weight of the world is sitting on his shoulders, as he comes over and stretches out on the bed next to us, trailing his fingers over Ethan’s soft curls.

“How did things go with Emily?” I ask, even though I can tell they probably didn’t go well.

“It’s worse than I thought,” Aaron replies in a heavy voice. “I’m worried she might never recover from this. We still might lose her, if she can’t take it anymore and goes rogue.”

Guilt for the part my family played in this-in destroying an innocent girl’s life-is like acid in my veins.

“Aaron, I’m so sorry,” I tell him, the words desperate and heartfelt.

“I know,” Aaron says with a quick smile. “But it’s not your fault, Leah. You can’t be held responsible for the actions of your

Brother and father.”

Aaron’s words might be true-and I’m grateful to hear them- but it doesn’t make me feel any less guilty.

“Maybe there’s something I can do to help,” I offer. “Maybe I can talk to her-”

But Aaron quickly shakes his head.

“Yeah…that’s not a good idea right now, Leah. In time, yes, I want you both to get along, maybe even become friends for the sake of Ethan, our family and the larger pack. But right now, Emily can’t see past her hatred toward you for what your father did to her.”

for a moment, an expression

inside me. I’ve told her she needs to start

reach over and

don’t want to think about what terrible things

impossible, that

people who would hurt an innocent girl

simply hurting

I know

be okay, left to her own devices?” I ask, wondering if I dare approach Jessica and ask her to keep an eye out and

has so much on his plate, especially now that he

after its members is the least I can do for him. And it is partly my

never exactly been my biggest fan, but in the few days since

did while she was away, but it seems to have

watching out for her,” Aaron says. “Same

that’s a good

to chafe against James following me everywhere, always checking up on

I thought he

through the good times and the bad times, even when I didn’t want him to

he’d become one of the most important people in my

My best friend.

hope the same can be true for

glad you think so,” Aaron said with an amused look.

around,” I say confidently, even though

it’s what Aaron needs

it is what I