This entire thing was quickly spiraling out of control. I just got here, and already we were at each other’s throats.
Aries and I had never fought before, but life had hardened us both in different ways.
She ignored me and stomped over to the front door, sliding on running shoes before making sure they were tied.
There was no way in hell I was letting her run out that door and leave me behind.
Was I dressed in running gear? Absolutely not. But I didn’t give a fuck.
She huffed when she saw me fall in line next to her, giving me another look.
“You’re not invited on this run. I’m swinging by for Leon, and then you can fuck off and give me time to process this.”
“Absolutely fucking not,” I bit out. “I told you that you’re not leaving my sight. At least not for right now.”
I knew when she rubbed her chest, she could feel the frustration and hurt I was feeling, but I could tell that she was also overwhelmed.
The downfall of the bond meant that our feelings were loud and clear. Our bond was far too fresh to be able to shut it down properly.
“Go talk to your pack. You’ll see me after. I’ve kept myself alive for ten years despite your alpha need to protect me. I learned to protect myself.”
She picked up the pace, leaving me behind.
Her words hit me right in the chest, another lance of pain echoing through me.
She was right. I hadn’t protected her.
Aries protected herself, kept herself alive, escaped, and built a life without me.
So where did that leave me?
Chapter
Twenty-One
Aries
I’d barely made it halfway to Club 21 when Leon was stalking toward the house. My beta looked just as tightly wound as I was.
When I ran up with tears on my face, his expression shifted to a mask of fury. His arms opened automatically, and I folded myself into his embrace.
I knew with one breath he’d know exactly what had happened. Though, it would be obvious either way.
“Did he hurt you?”
“No,” I whispered. “I just need space to process this. I just want you.”
His scent swelled at my words, but thundering footsteps echoed outside of our little bubble. When I looked up, he was already glaring over my shoulder.
“She said to give her some fucking space. If you step closer, I won’t hesitate to lay you out,” my beta said, puffing on his chest. It was all bravado but I loved that he was keeping the alpha in line.
But I didn’t want us to fight. Right then, I just needed space.
“What did you say to me?” Nikolai growled, stepping forward.
I think if I hadn’t been in Leon’s arms, he might’ve done more. Fucking alphas.
“She needs space,” Leon repeated, slowly this time. “Step the fuck back.”
