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 intentions

much when I don’t even know

long for something that I’ve

who chases after him

and-as if summoned by my thoughts alone-Axel steps into the room before I can

up and down my body, and

drawl-the way he always talks, as if normal words can be made into some kind

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

I want to protest.

to fight and run and tear off this stu id dress and disappear out

I don’t cooperate, and part of me is terrified. to find

of

the hard way that there are far more painful and deeper ways to be hurt,

answer Axel, I barely acknowledge his presence as I pick up my

my hip as I go by, leaving me shivering, but I tell myself it was probably

Axel despises me.

me because Aaron requires it

why would

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

bottom, Aaron appears from

We can do the rounds before they

a chance to reply or catch

group of people and then it’s a blur of, “you remember this pack member, right?” Or, “this pack member

And everything in between.

expect me to

Or anyone’s names?

it’s clear I’ve forgotten a lot

after me like a silent shadow, and the more people we talk

smile and act like

people seem genuinely happy to

getting harder and

like

bright. The music and