Page 65 of Unhinged Alphas

"It's okay," she whispers. "We're okay."

Are we? How can we be?

I'm a monster. She's... everything.

I sign, clumsy.You should go.

Her brow furrows. "Go? Why?"

Because you deserve better. Because I'll ruin you.

Because I'm selfish and I'll keep you if you stay.

Because they're scared I hurt you.

Can't say any of that. No words.

Just point at the door. At the others waiting.

She shakes her head. "I'm not going anywhere."

So stubborn. So beautiful.

My chest aches. Hope and fear war inside me.

She stands. Winces.

Panic claws up my throat at her pain.

But she smiles. Small. Secret. "I'm fine. Just... sore."

Heat floods me. Memories. Her body. Her sounds.

Stop.

She pulls on clothes. I do the same.

She is wearing my shirt. Wearing it like a prize.

She does a little spin. Shows it off.

Smiles at me.

Is she not ashamed?

"Ready?" she asks.

No.

Never.

Miss her skin already. The warmth of her.

But I nod.

She takes a deep breath. Squares her shoulders.

So small. So fierce.