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

so much when I don’t

It’s cruel that I should long for something that I’ve never even

the pathetic girl who chases after him when he’s already stated plainly

door, and-as if summoned by my thoughts alone-Axel steps into the room before

is dragging slowly up and down my

down,” Axel says in a low drawl-the way he always talks, as if normal words can be made into

party was in full swing, but I’ve been

I want to protest.

off this stu id dress and disappear

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

don’t think either of them would physically hurt

are far more painful and deeper ways

his presence as I pick up my skirt from the floor and stride

I feel the trail of his fingers across my hip as I go by, leaving me shivering, but I

Axel despises me.

Aaron

would

of the party coming up to meet me, while

Aaron appears from somewhere,

the

give me a chance to reply

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, “this

And everything in between.

he expect me to remember

Or anyone’s names?

familiar, but it’s clear I’ve forgotten a

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

be polite and smile and act like the sister Aaron expects me to

be gracious when people seem genuinely happy to see

getting harder

like

lights are too bright. The music and chatter