Alpha alec's redemption (Sadie) novel Chapter 308

My chest aches for her. I know what it’s like to carry too much alone, to think silence protects the ones you love when really it just builds more walls.

She doesn’t want to worry him, but what she doesn’t understand is that by blocking him, she’s already worrying him.

“Piper,” I say softly, “he’s your mate. He wants to share that with you—the good and the bad. Blocking him out won’t make the fear go away. It’ll just make you lonelier and will make him feel like he’s failing you.”

Her eyes shine, brimming again with tears, and I catch the way her chin trembles as she tries to hold herself together.

“But-But” she stutters, “What will I say? What will I tell him?”

“The truth is that you two created a beautiful life.” I whisper. “I feel his life force, Piper; he’s already thriving.”

The tears she was balancing just a few minutes ago now start flowing down freely.

“Do you need a hug?” I ask carefully, not wanting to push but not wanting her to drown in her silence either.

She nods, almost desperately. “Yes.”

I don’t hesitate. I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. She folds against me, clinging tighter than I expected, like she’s been holding herself back for far too long. I rub her back in slow circles, steady and quiet, letting her cry it out against my shoulder.

When we finally pull apart, she lets out a shaky laugh, wiping at her swollen eyes. “I’ve missed this.”

“Me too,” I admit, my throat thick but my chest strangely lighter.

I hesitate, considering brushing it off, but her gaze is too knowing. “I’m… figuring it out,” I say truthfully. “It’s a lot. More than I thought I could handle, but I’m starting to accept this new power. It’s a gift that brings joy, not something I should be terrified of.”

She nods, eyes soft. We remain in a comfortable silence, just enjoying the morning peace.

Eventually, I push myself to my feet, brushing off my hands. “I should get back before Aspen wakes up.”

Piper nods.

“You know…” I say, meeting her gaze. “You can go see Calvin. Even if it’s just for a little while. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Her breath hitches, and for the first time since I sat down, I see a flicker of peace settle in her.