ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 40

It was enough. Danielle knew.

She had known all along that she couldn't stay away from Mark for too long, especially when they had only been mated for a few months. The bond between them was still fresh, still tender, and every second away from him gnawed at her heart like an open wound.

For some reason, Danielle regretted her decision that night. But with all the chains the alpha had wrapped around her, was it really as simple as shrugging it off and accepting his apology?

Mark had apologized countless times. If he was truly sincere—if he genuinely considered her feelings—he would change. He would lessen the suffocating grip he had on her. And yet, Danielle also knew that they both needed this space. They needed to step back, to reflect, to understand themselves apart from each other.

It was going to be difficult. Danielle knew that, too. Young mates like them were meant to be together most of the time. The physical distance pained her in ways she couldn't put into words.

But despite everything, Danielle had made up her mind.

She needed Mark.

Mark knew he had to brace himself for yet another challenge.

The moment he received a message from his mother, he felt the pressure mounting. He needed to act fast. He needed to be careful.

His parents were coming, and they had no idea what had been happening.

"Relax, Mark."

"I can't, Gi." Mark ran a hand down his face, frustration thick in his voice. "I can't disappoint them—especially Mom Irene. I was the one who barged into Elle's life. How shameless of me to hurt her?"

Giselle watched him pace restlessly. "What are you even going to tell them?"

Mark let out a humorless chuckle. "That's the thing. I have no idea."

"Does Elle know?"

"I don't know. She hasn't texted me."

"You didn't text her?"

"I text her every day." He exhaled sharply. "But about this? No."

"Why?"

Mark's head dropped. "Because this is my mess. I should be the one to tell them what's happening. I can't bring Elle into this."

Giselle sighed, exasperated. "There you go again, carrying the weight of the world on your own."

"Just leave me alone for a moment," Mark muttered. "I need to think."

"No."

"Giselle."

"Mark."

They held each other's gazes, the tension thick between them. Neither of them wavered. It was a battle of pride—one that neither of them wanted to lose.

But Mark was the more stubborn one. He sighed, looking away first, swallowing his frustration.

"I'll leave you alone," Giselle relented, stepping back. "But don't you dare lock your door." Her voice softened just a little. "Mark, you're not alone. Yes, this is between you and Elle, but you have me. You have our family. You have friends who care about you. You'll drown if you keep pushing us away."