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.

made his feelings

can it hurt so much when I don’t

cruel that I should long

not going to be the pathetic girl who chases after him when he’s already stated plainly

if summoned by my thoughts alone-Axel steps

the fact that his gaze is dragging slowly up and down my body,

low drawl-the way he always talks,

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

I want to protest.

off this stu

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

either of

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

barely acknowledge his presence as I pick up

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

Axel despises me.

because Aaron

would he

noise of the party coming up to meet me, while

the bottom, Aaron appears

you came down. We can do the rounds before they start bringing out the

chance to reply or catch my

then it’s a blur

And everything in between.

me to remember everyone’s

Or anyone’s names?

but it’s clear I’ve forgotten a

me like a silent shadow, and the more people we

and smile and act

be gracious when people seem

it’s getting harder

like too

too bright. The music and