The Alpha’s Hidden Heirs by Avery Rose

Chapter 128

I was stunned. More than shocked, I was upset. This wasn’t how I wanted our friendship to end up. I would have been far happier if Axel had confided in me about someone else he liked–anything but this.

His desperate eyes stayed fixed on me, and I could hear his heart pounding as he waited for my

answer.

How could I reject him to his face without breaking his heart?

“When?” I asked softly, trying to steady myself.

He lowered his head, his voice strained as he began to speak.

“From the day I met you. From the day Magnus brought you to the pack house.”

I looked away, my mind drifting back to the first time I met him. He had always been a kind and considerate man, his every action thoughtful and genuine. I had assumed his warmth toward me was simply because I was his best friend’s sister.

But now, with a heavy heart, I realized I had to tell him the truth–that I had never seen him in that way. “Axel, 1-”

“Selene,” he interrupted, his voice firm yet pleading. “I know you’re a single mother. I know your children mean the world to you. But you have your own life too–a life where you’re alone. You need someone who can protect you, someone who will always be there for you.”

I frowned, his words stirring an unexpected frustration within me. “Protect me? From what? You of all people know that I’m-”

“An alpha,” he finished for me, nodding solemnly. “I know. But what about your emotional and mental support?”

“Love is not about needing someone, Axel,” I murmured, my voice trailing off as memories from my past began to surface.

“Love is something we feel for someone, even if they’re completely unaware of it. Even if they choose to reject us,” I whispered, more to myself than to him.

I had tried so hard to gain his attention, waiting weeks for him to come home, only to be met with indifference. I had loved him with everything I had, but he had never acknowledged my feelings. In the end,

held mine, his thumb grazing the back of my hand

his sad, earnest eyes met mine. “My love isn’t weak either, Selene,” he said quietly. “I’ve loved you for years. I want to be with you, to make you happy.

and for them.”

laying out all the reasons

sense.

my hand away, but

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trembling with emotion. “I love your kids as if they were my own. I’ll give them my name. You won’t have to worry

felt something stir within me. He was a good man. He truly cared about my

about him, and letting him tie his life to mine would only lead to regret. He deserved love, and I couldn’t give

placed my other hand over his

his head, his expression resolute. “I know you’re afraid to take a risk. But I’ll make sure this time–your second

in my tracks. Marriage? He was talking about

down,” I urged gently. “Look

raised his eyes to mine, and I gestured for him to take a deep breath. Once

have to see things from my side too. You’re not just my brother’s best friend–you’re my friend too. I’ve always

lowering my gaze as I struggled to find

I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve always seen you as a close friend. I won’t

as my words sunk in. His grip on my hand

pain I’ve felt before. You’re a good man, Axel. You deserve to find your mate, someone who can love you the way you deserve to be loved. I’m sorry, but I don’t

slipping away from mine. The broken look on his face made my chest tighten, but I knew this was the right thing to do. It should have happened years ago. I didn’t want him to waste his life in a relationship

softly,