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

cruel that I should long for

girl who chases after him when he’s

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

is dragging slowly up and down my body,

you to come down,” Axel says in a low drawl-the way he always talks, as if normal

I knew the party was in full swing, but

I want to protest.

want to fight and run and tear off this stu id

don’t cooperate, and part of me is terrified. to find out what those

don’t think either of

I learned the hard way that there are far more painful and deeper ways

I pick

across my hip as I go by,

Axel despises me.

me because Aaron requires it of

why would he touch

walk with a steady pace downstairs, the noise of the party coming up to meet me,

I reach the bottom, Aaron appears

do the rounds

me a chance to

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

trails after me like a silent shadow, and the more people we talk to, the more it feels like

and smile and act

gracious when people seem genuinely

it’s getting harder and

feels like too

bright. The music and chatter