Screw My Childhood Sweetheart His Alpha Brother Marked Me First novel Chapter 84

Knox’s shoulders slumped. “But it’s not enough.”

“I’m not saying that.” I collapsed back against the pillows, trying to find the words I needed. “These past few months have

been a lot.”

He moved closer to the bed. “I know that. I’m sorry I’ve piled more on your shoulders when that’s the last thing you need. I’ll do whatever I can to make it up to you. I swear. You can trust me.”

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my tears at bay. “I’m not sure this can work.”

Panic lit Knox’s expression. “Don’t say that.”

“We’re a mess and we haven’t even bonded. Maybe this six–person bond is a mistake. You said there’s never been another one in your pack. Maybe the mark means something else.”

“It doesn’t. This is a gift from the fates. It’s meant to be. We want it.”

I met Knox’s gaze. “I’m not sure you do. And I’m not sure I can take the risk.” It hurt too much when I saw the signs that not all

of them might want this. Want me

“Senna, please.”

I shook my head, staring down at my hands. “Just give me some time. Right now, I think I just need to be alone.”

“Take all the time you need. I’ll be here waiting whenever you’re ready.” His footsteps sounded on the hardwood floors, the door opening and closing again. Then there was nothing but silence.

I was completely alone. It should’ve been comforting. Alone was familiar. But now it hurt worse than anything I’d ever felt.

A soft knock sounded on the door. I forced myself to uncurl from the ball I was in and sat up. “Come in.”

My voice sounded hoarse, the result of a serious crying jag and not using it for days before this. I wiped under my eyes but

knew it was likely hopeless. My face was probably a tomato.

Caspian poked his head through the cracked door. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.” It was a simple, one–word answer, but inside, a battle was raging. I wanted nothing more than for him to hold me and tell me everything would be okay, but at the same time, I was scared to let myself lean on him, on any of them

He moved into the dimly lit space, taking me in. “Ro…” My name was pained. So much hurt in a single syllable. He strode towards the bed, then stopped just as he was about to sit. “Do you want me to leave?”

I studied Caspian’s face. He too had dark circles rimming his eyes. Scruff dotted his jaw, and his hair was in messy disarray. “I don’t know.” It was the honest truth. Every step I could possibly make had so much potential for pain.

“Don’t push me out because Knox messed up and my brother’s being an asshole.”

20-22

Screw M. Childhood Sweetheart Hic Alpha Prother Marked Mo First!

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Chapter 84

Guilt flooded me at his words. That was exactly what I was doing. Punishing Caspian, River, and Anson for someone else’s actions. It made me lower than low. I looked up into those pain–filled eyes and admitted the truth. “I’m scared.”

He moved then, sinking onto the mattress and curving his body around mine. “I’m so sorry. I’m here. I always have been.”

Caspian was right. He had been a steady warmth from day one. He gave me the space to move at my own pace, but had always been there when I needed him.

I turned in his arms so I could bury my face in his chest. “I’m sorry. It’s just all so much and it hurts. Every time Vaughn walks away. Knox’s lies. It makes me question everything. I know that’s not fair to you, but I don’t know how to stop it.”

Caspian stroked a hand up and down my back. “I get it. I really do. Take all the time you need, just don’t lock us out while you do.”

“I’ll try.” Even though a voice in my head was screaming to run fast and far, I couldn’t imagine leaving any of the guys behind. Not even Knox and Vaughn.

“That’s all we can ask.” Caspian’s lips skimmed over my hair. “You might not want to hear this, but Knox is beating himself up about what happened.”

My fingers twisted in Caspian’s T–shirt. “That’s not what I want.”

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