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.

feelings and

so much when I don’t even know this man

I should long

chases after him when he’s already stated plainly that he doesn’t want

knock at the door, and-as if summoned by my thoughts alone-Axel steps into

that his gaze is dragging slowly up and down my body, and it leaves tendrils of heat in

drawl-the way he always talks, as if normal words

I knew the party was in full swing, but I’ve

I want to protest.

fight and run and tear off this stu id dress

Aaron and Axel have warned me there’ll be consequences if I don’t cooperate, and part of me is terrified. to find out what those consequences

either of them would

there are far more painful and deeper ways to be hurt, other than

answer Axel, I barely acknowledge his presence as I pick up my skirt from the floor and

hip as I go by,

Axel despises me.

tolerates me because Aaron requires

why would he touch

noise of the party coming up to meet me, while Axel is a step behind

reach the bottom, Aaron

the rounds

doesn’t give me a chance

to a group of people and then it’s a blur of, “you remember this pack member,

And everything in between.

expect me to

Or anyone’s names?

them are vaguely familiar, but it’s clear

more people we talk to, the more it feels like the

smile and act like the sister

be gracious when people seem genuinely

getting harder and

like too

are too bright. The music and chatter are