Chapter 75
Aragon.
When I walked into the kitchen of the small rented house, I immediately spotted Leah leaning against the counter, her gaze landing on me with that familiar knowing look. Her lips quirked up in a teasing smile as I walked in, looking more than a little worse for wear.
She was initially staying at a hotel but when I made it clear I hated that, she should be here where I could protect her because Marcel would kill me if anything happened to his mate and daughter.
Besides, here gave them more access to anything they could need. Right now, I was regretting that decision because of the look she was giving me.
“Well, well, look who finally made it home,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Where are you coming from at this hour!”
I sighed, too tired to bother with any kind of excuse. “Sapphire’s,” I said, trying to sound exsical as Laccepted the steaming cup of coffee she held out
for me.
Her smile widened, and she shot me an amused look over the rim of her own cup. “Oh, so a sleepover, huh?”
“Yeah, but not the kind you’re thinking.” I replied, running a land through my hair. I took a sip of the coffee, hoping it would clear some of the fog from my mind. “I thought things might be different, but they’re as complicated as ever.”
Leah watched me with a mix of sympathy and curiosity. “Didn’t go well, huh?”
[] shook my head, leaning against the counter beside her. “It was fine, at first. We had a nice date, and when she called me back, I thought maybe…. maybe she’d changed her mind shout us. Thought she wanted to give things a real shot. I let out a bitter chuckle. Turns out she just wanted to
scratch an itch.”
She winced, then reached over to squeeze my shoulder. “Ouch. But you know what? Don’t read too much into it, Aragon. Just because it happened doesn’t mean it’s anything until it’s actually something. She let you into her bed, that should mean something.”
I sighed, nodding, though the hollow feeling in my chest lingered. “Yeah, I know. It’s just hard. She’s a mother now, and I get that her son is her top priority. Thesitated, thinking of Charlie’s wide–eyed expression when he caught us that morning. “It didn’t help that Charlie walked in on us. She was adamant that she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea.”
Leah’s face softened, her expression growing serious. “See?” she said gently. “You’ve got to cut her some slack. You know, what you put her through back then was.. well, a lot worse than a confusing morning. She cried a lot and almost attempted suicide, she went through a lot of pain to get away from you and she took care of that boy for six whole years without any help. She probably just needs time, especially with Charlie in the picture
пок.
I looked away, guilt gnawing at me. “I know. I’m not trying to rush her. I just I wish she didn’t go back and forth so much. One minute, I think there’s something between us, and the next, she’s keeping me at arm’s length.”
Leah looked at me thoughtfully before giving a slow nod. “She’s protective of her heart, Aragon, and it’s no wonder why. But…” She gave me a sly grin. “I might be able to help you out.”
I raised an eyebrow, trying to ignore the flicker of hope her words sparked. “Oh yeah? And how’s that?”
“She texted me this morning.” Leah said, holding up her phone with a satisfied mirk. “Invited me out for coffee. And since I be seeing her anyway, I could. I don’t know, drop a few nice words about you. Make sure she knows you’rk senous this time.
My shoulder relaxed a lile, and I felt myself start to smile. Td owe you big time, Leah. Seriously.”
“Oh, I know,” she teased, giving me a playful nudge. “But don’t get your hopes up too high, alright? This is just one conversation. Let her come
around in her own time.”
I nodded, trying to temper my own expectations. I knew she was right, but it was hard to shake the longing that had been growing inside me since I’d reconnected with Sapphire. Thanks, Leal,” I said quietly, feeling a wave of gratitude. “I know I’ve made things hard for her, and for Charlie too. I
int. I’d like to make it right.T
Leah softened, looking at me with that rare serious expression. “I know you would, Aragon. But don’t forget, Sapphire’s learned to stand on her own. Shri not going to just let anyour waltz back into her life, not when it means possibly hurting her soIL
understand.” I taid, nodding. “I’ll try to give her the space she needs. It’s just,, härd when she’s so close, but still so far away.”
e parsed my shoulder, a bit more reassuringly this time. “Juu remember, a little patience goes a long way. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.”
rah grabbed her purse and her keys, flashing me one last smile before heading out. “111 let you know how it goes,” she called over ber lider before disappearing through the door
her sip of my coffee, letting Leals word settle in. She was right, of course, Sapphire wasn’t the same woman she’d been years ago, and
stronger, a lot more independent. That strength was part of what drew me to her, but it was also what made me realize I had to
mar and she would be doing me a luge lavor il der took me back after everytlung Lial to her but I love her, and I need her. Frant
Lehem being without ber When she left, a part of me died and I only managed to lead the pack with Marcel’s help.
1 kepe shunking she would come back but it dados happen. Had to take matters into my own hands and look for her. I rinsed the cup in the sick and
The day crowded by slowly, my mind drifting to thoughts of Sapphire every tiane Ltried to concentrate on something else. It wasn’t until late
Chapter 75
afternoon that my phone buzzed with a message from Leal,
“Talked to her. Don’t get too excited, but I think it went well. She’s open to other conversation with you, at least,
A strange mix of relief and nerves washed over me as I read her rext. I typed back a quick reply: Thanks, Leah Really, Lowe you one
Her response came almost immediately: Don’t worry. I’ll cash in that favor when I need it.
put the phone down with a full blown smile on my face, it was truly what I needed to lighten up my day. I would stop chasing her and instead show her that I am the man she needs to be around. All this time, I was busy apologizing and reminding her of the past when I should be showing her that I have changed.
I face palmed myself, Aragon, you idiot.
I had been going about this the wrong way.
My phone rang and I smiled, thinking it was her but a frown replaced that smile when I saw Marcel on the screen. I lifted the phone to my car,
“Marcel.”
“Alpha, we have a situation.” he said immediately.
My ears perked up and my back straightened as Lentered Alpha mode,
“What? What’s happening?”
“You need to come home”
“Marcel, what happened?” I asked. “I thought things were quiet while I was away.”
He sighed heavily, the sound of exhaustion evident even over
er the crackling line. “There’s been an attack. The rogues got word that the Alpha was out
of town and figured it was a good time to strike
My puise quickened as I absorbed the news. A rogue attack on the pack was serious enough, but to have it happen now, with so many things still unresolved… I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. “Did anyone get hurt?” asked
“No, thankfully.” he replied. “We managed to fend them off, but it was a close call. They were relentless, like they’d been planning it for a while.” He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. “Listen, I wouldn’t have called, but you need to come back. I know why you’re there, and I know how much it means to you. I hate this but I had no choice,”
I closed my eyes, trying to shake off the frustration building inside me. I had come here to find answers, to try and convince Sapphire to give us another chance to build some kind of fature together, if she’d let me. But now, my duty was pulling me in the opposite direction. I took a steadying breath “It’s alright, Marcel. You did the right thing by calling. It’s not your fault.”
–“How’s it going there?” he asked.
Thesitated, not sure how much I wanted to share. “Not well,” I admitted finally “I thought I’d be able to make some heathway, but she’s not ready. She’s not even sure if she wants me around.”
He was silent for a moment, probably digesting my words. Then he said, “Look, maybe it’s a good thing you have to come back, Let Leah take over here, and you can focus on the pack. You have responsibilities, Aragon The pack needs its Alpha.”
y resolve wavering. He was right, of course. My first duty had always been to the pack, Still, it didnt make leaving Sapphire any easier. I could feel my torn between what I wanted and what I knew I had to do. I took a deep breath and godded, though he couldn’t see it. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” I said, though the words felt hollow.
y it had to be this way.” Marcel said quietly. “I know it’s complicated with her.”
I managed a binenchuckle, “That’s one way to put it. But I’ll be back soon. Let everyone know in on my way.
I was just about to lung up when Marcel’s voice stopped me cold, “One more thing. Amgon. I thought you should know.” He hesitated, and I could hear the tension. “Benita found out where Sapphine is”
My blood turned to ice. For a moment, I was too stunned to respond, my mind racing to process the implication. Benita had always been dangerous, but now, with her knowing where Sapphire was it was a threat Deouldn’t ignore. “How!” [finally managed to ask
“We don’t know yet,” he replied. “But it’s clear she’s been digging. Maybe she had someone tracking you, maybe it was just bad luck. Either way, she
