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 remembered the days 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

me from my thoughts. Axel’s hand held mine, his thumb

years. I want to be with you, to make you happy. I

and for them.”

understood what he was trying to say. He was laying out all the reasons why being with him

sense.

to pull my hand away, but

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name. You won’t

something stir within me. He was a

and letting him tie his life to mine

placed my other hand over his and gently rubbed it.

resolute. “I know you’re afraid to take

my tracks. Marriage?

calm down,” I urged

take a deep breath. Once he did, I spoke

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

I struggled

a close friend. I won’t call you my big brother,

took a deep breath, glancing up to see the pain in his eyes as my words sunk in. His grip on my hand began to loosen, but I didn’t let

before. You’re a good man, Axel. You deserve to find your mate, someone who can

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

said softly,