This scary, hulking man of an Alpha is shattering in front of me, and I can’t stand the sight any longer.
“We haven’t even been dating for a month, Travis. It’s not working out.” I swallow and keep my chin held high, even as part of me shatters inside.
He stares at me, his jaw clenching. “That’s a lie you’re telling yourself,” he says through gritted teeth. “All a lie, so you can feel better about giving up.”
Everything inside me screams to run into his arms and stop this.
But rejecting him and his packmates is the best thing to do in the long run for them.
“I can’t even drive properly,” I mutter in defeat. “I can’t even start a car without reminding myself of what happened.”
Travis remains silent, his eyes locked on mine.
“I’m not good for you,” I try. “And it’s better to end this.”
Travis flinches, and my legs threaten to give out.
This is for the best.
No, it’s not!My inner Omega screams.This isn’t right!
Travis shakes his head but remains silent.
“You don’t have to understand it,” I add, my heart breaking. “But it’s better if we’re not together.”
My inner Omega sobs.
Travis shakes his head again and closes his eyes, pained. “If…that’s what you want,” he grits out.
It’s not what I want. Of course, I don’t want this.
But I can’t even drive a fucking car without being reminded of what happened or what I’m responsible for.
Maybe it’s not true,my inner Omega whispers.Maybe he’s right. Maybe it’s not our fault.
I ignore her words.
“Leave, Travis,” I mutter, my chest aching, and he opens his eyes.
What I see there devastates me.
My gentle giant, my teddy bear, is hurting.
His scent is nothing but charcoal and ashes.
With a curt nod, he turns and exits my apartment, taking my heart with him.
I try to tell myself it’s for the best, that the loss was inevitable one way or another.
But my stomach sours, and I end up hunched over my toilet again, heaving out whatever is left of me.
27
RYLAND
Rowan is yelling.
He won’t stop yelling.
