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.

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, all

held mine, his thumb grazing the back

loved you for years. I want to be with you, to make you happy. I already live in this house. You and your kids are my family. You don’t have to worry about stability–I’ll always be here for

and for them.”

what he was trying to say. He was laying

sense.

tried to pull my hand away, but he held it

11:25

< Chapter 128

Get 5 >

= Menu

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 anymore. You don’t have to hide them. You can proudly tell everyone

moment, I felt something stir within me. He was a good man. He truly cared

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

my other hand over his

to take a risk.

me in my tracks. Marriage? He was

down,” I urged gently. “Look

his eyes to mine, and I gestured for him to take a deep breath. Once he did, I spoke softly

things from my side too. You’re not just my brother’s

lowering my gaze as I struggled to find

always seen you as a close friend. I won’t call

see the pain in his eyes as my words sunk in. His grip on my hand began to loosen,

want this one–sided love for you. It’ll only bring you pain, the same kind of 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 want to give you any

hand 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 said softly, watching