Alpha Queen [1]

xvii

I watched as Tasha got in her car and sped away. I told myself it was what I wanted. But now I wasn't so sure.

I should have been furious. The four people closest to me had lied to my face for years. They all knew what was going to happen and nobody even told me—not even when they had every opportunity to. They weren't protecting me, they were only protecting themselves.

Yet I couldn't help but feel absolutely conflicted. I didn't want to cut my friends and family out of my life forever. I didn't want to lose them. I still loved them.

Was I really so heartless that I would freeze them out and never talk to them again?

This couldn't be how it ended.

I didn't realize I was crying until I felt something wet drip down my cheeks. Shattered emotionally, I rubbed my eyes with my sleeve and jumped back on my bed, burying my face to hide my muffled sobs.

Her words echoed in my memory in a never ending loop. I couldn't forget them.

Was I trapped here, like a bird in a golden cage forever? Would they hurt me like Milla's brother? Like Tasha's aunt?

No. I was committed to the pack now. Ares marked me, I was just starting to call this place home, I was all in. . .

Then why did I have this unshakeable feeling that I should go back?

I was torn.

"Alex?" I didn't even hear Ares walk into the room. He was stuck in the doorway, almost as if he were afraid to come any closer.

I wiped my eyes so he wouldn't see my tears.

"I know how much you want to go home."

I didn't move.

"I can see it in your eyes." He added. "So I've decided that I can't keep you here anymore. You're free."

My heart skipped a beat.

"You're letting me go?" I whispered, shocked to hear those words from his mouth.

"You were always free to make your own decisions but it was selfish of me to ask so much of you." Ares looked away. "It's my fault this happened."

He told me once that it was my choice to stay or leave but deep down, I knew he would never truly let me go.

This time I knew he meant it.

"So go," He murmured. His face betrayed no hint of emotion. "It's probably for the best."

"What about your wolf?" I asked. If mates were apart for too long, their wolves would die. I didn't have a wolf, but Ares did.

"I'll be fine."

He was lying to me. I could feel it.

"Go, Alex." He commanded and his eyes flashed amber. "Go home." His voice was louder and harsher and it reminded me of the first time I met him. How scary he was.