Bad Love an Alpha’s Regret by Elise Sinclair

Chapter 294

EMILY

The following night, I find myself standing in front of a full-length mirror, glaring at the reflection of me wearing a silver, floor-length silky gown that no doubt cost a small fortune.

When I was younger-before I was taken-I used to love nothing more than picking out expensive couture dresses, spending pampered hours getting my hair, nails and makeup. done for a party just like this one.

I would have loved being the center of attention. I would have loved being all sparkly and frivolous, as I danced and laughed the night away without a care in the world.

That girl doesn’t exist any longer.

That girl was kidnapped, locked away in a tomb, forgotten, left to die a slow death alone.

The girl I am now-the monster-still looks pretty as a picture on the outside.

But inside is all twisted and broken and ugly.

I fear it’s only a matter of time before Aaron and the rest of the pack see what’s beneath the façade and reject me outright.

They’ll banish me from their pack-or worse-and go about their lives.

It’s probably what I deserve.

But it’s not what I want.

For a second, longing comes over me, and the girl I used to be wants her mate.

Axel.

For him to accept me and love me and save me from myself.

I turn sharply away from the mirror, because I can’t stand to look at myself any longer.

And I can’t afford to feel things like that.

Axel rejected me.

his feelings and

it hurt so much when I don’t

should long for something

to be the pathetic girl who chases after him when he’s already stated plainly that he doesn’t want

my thoughts alone-Axel steps into the room before I can even give him permission

no effort to hide the fact that his gaze is dragging slowly up and down my body, and it leaves tendrils of heat in its wake, making me

Axel says in a low drawl-the way he always talks, as if normal

the party was in full swing, but I’ve been hiding up in my

I want to protest.

and tear off this

warned me there’ll be consequences if I don’t cooperate, and part

think either of them

far more painful and deeper ways to

don’t answer Axel, I barely acknowledge his presence as I pick

across my hip as I go by, leaving

Axel despises me.

tolerates me because Aaron requires it of

why would he touch

up to meet me, while Axel is a step behind

I reach the bottom, Aaron appears from somewhere,

do the rounds before they start bringing out

brother doesn’t give me a chance to reply or

thing I know he’s walked me up to a group of people and then it’s a blur of, “you remember this pack member, right?” Or,

And everything in between.

he expect me to remember

Or anyone’s names?

them are vaguely familiar, but it’s clear I’ve forgotten a

we talk to, the more it feels like the walls are

act like the sister Aaron expects

seem genuinely happy

it’s getting harder

feels like

The music and chatter are