Ditched Cheating Alpha, I Led My Daughter to Life's Peak novel Chapter 221

"It's not about that," he says. "I'm just..."

I wait.

I can tell he's being honest because the words don't come out as liquidy smooth as they usually do with him. This doesn't feel rehearsed or properly planned so I'm not offended. It's filled with pauses and frustrated forehead rubs. He looks back a few times to see if I'm still listening. "... Maybe you're right. Maybe I wasn't as honest as I could've been about the Onai thing." He nods.

I nod back, showing him I'm listening.

"Maybe I was mad, or I still am, or I don't know." He sighs, running his fingers through his messy hair. He looks over his shoulders, into my eyes for something. "I mean, I get that I could've said it a little nicer, but wolves are dangerous to humans. Period point blank. It's not a matter of opinion." His fingers search for some form of contact.

I give him my hand, holding onto him as hard as he's holding onto me.

"I... was just trying to protect you. I think that..." he searches for words. "Maybe you should've had my back a bit more? Or not should've, just..." He rubs his forehead. "I just wanted you to be on my side, you know? But you defended Onai instead."

"I wasn't picking a side," I say.

He gives me a look. "That's the problem. You insulted my ability to protect you in front of two betas. I'm an alpha, Mia." He stands up, and I'm reminded of just how tall he is. He towers over me, not in an intimidating way, but in a too frustrated to sit anymore kind of way. He's mainly facing the window, not even me. But he's still talking.

"I'm stronger than both of them combined," he says. "I didn't just inherit this position. I fought for it the same way Carson and Aiden did." His green and blue eyes connect with my brown ones, and unlike with Carson or Aiden, I know it's a deliberate act. He wants me to know who he is. What he is. What's inside of him.

He reaches towards me again for that contact, but when I give him my hand, it's not what he's looking for. "Can... I hold you?" he asks me. He asks it like he thinks I'll say no. It's the street corner all over again.

I reach up for him to show him I'm right here. I don't know why he thinks I'd ever reject him. He stands over me the way he did before, but the feeling is completely different. He looks at me for permission before putting his hands on my waist, gently, pulling me closer. I wrap my arms around his neck and hold onto him.

He whispers against my neck, "You're my mate, not Onai's. I can protect you. From windows, and werewolves, and anything else." He frowns. "And even when Aiden and Carson aren't here, I can be enough for you. At least for a day."

I nod.

He kisses my neck, lips soft against my skin. "I don't want anymore secret meetings with Onai. About your brother or not."