Page 113 of Alpha Ruined
“Why?” he asks gently.
“Because I didn’t want him to see what I’ve become.”
He hesitates. “Breana?—”
“This is the first time I’ve felt comfortable here, Cole, and I don’t know what that means.” Her hands tremble as she toys with the sleeves of her sweater, the pink of her scars peeking out. “I’m still so angry at you. I’m still so confused, but I’m also happy you’re here. You made my mother smile—I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that, much less even feel comfortable around her. I haven’t had to walk on eggshells or be on edge in the house since you’ve been here, and I don’t know how to process that.”
She swallows nervously, her throat bobbing. “I wasn’t ashamed of my scars around you, and now I’m back to these stupid sweaters,” she says bitterly. “I’m back to sitting with Carl on my lunch breaks, eating salads and not socializing. Every good thing that came out of meeting you is gone.”
His chest constricts.
“I want to forgive you,” she croaks, turning away from the portrait. “I want to forgive you for everything, but I don’t know how. I don’t even know if Ishould.”
She shouldn’t. He’s beneath her. He’s not worthy of even breathing her scent, but she’s tethered to him forever.
He doesn’t deserve an ounce of her forgiveness, but he wants it.
Hecravesit.
Carol enters the hallway and stops when she sees Bree’s face. “Is everything okay, honey?”
“Yeah, Mom. I just don’t feel well.”
Carol frowns. “Oh. I’m sorry.”
“I’m taking her home,” Cole adds, before he can stop himself. “I’ll bring her by to grab her car tomorrow, if that’s alright with you.” He can’t help but grin at Carol, who beams.
“Oh, of course.” To his surprise, Bree’s mother pulls him into a hug. “Thank you so much for taking care of her,” she says softly.
He catches Bree’s scent spike with sweetness and doesn’t miss the way her eyes widen.
“It’s impossible not to,” he says simply.
Carol shoots a look at Bree. “Oh, Bree-Bree, Ilike him.”
“Mom,” Bree grumbles. “Please.”
“Grab your things, Bree-Bree,” Cole teases, and Bree glares daggers at him.
He stifles a laugh as his mate walks back into the living room, leaving him alone with Carol.
“Thank you,” she whispers again. “Just…don’t hurt her, okay? My poor girl’s been through a lot in her life. Please continue to be good to her.”
He nods. “As long as I live,” he promises, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue.
He’s already hurt her so much.
He holdsthe car door open for her, and she gets in without argument.
There’s no need to use his Alpha Influence this time.
Her scent fills the small space, and he fights the rumble that builds in his chest. She smells divine, so mouthwatering that his cock twitches in his pants.
Keep it together.
“How did you know where my mother lived?” she asks quietly, her face angled to the window.
He sighs. “You should know by now that when it comes to you, I can find out anything, sweetheart.”