Irrational anger grips me, and I push at Killian’s chest. He doesn't even sway. “That’s not how it was.” I ball up my fists, hating the alpha for trying to ruin the few good moments I’ve had this last year.
“He doesn’t love you, Beth,” Killian says with absolute confidence. “He never did.”
“Stop it,” I demand. “You don’t know. You?—”
“I do know.” Killian’s voice is soft. Firm. Confident. “And that beta used you.”
Tears burn the back of my eyes, and I lose all control. “Linden was the only person that treated me like I was an actual person!” I yell.
A calm seems to settle over Killian and his expression relaxes as he listens to me rage.
“He was the only one that didn’t beat me, berate me, force me to do chores or watch the babies.” Tears blur my vision as I continue to scream, “He was the only one that took care of me. The only one that made me happy.” I begin to cry. “He was the only one that didn’t hurt me!” Deep ragged sobs rack my body and my chest heaves. “Why did they hurt me?”
Muscular arms wrap around me, pulling me to Killian’s big body. “It’s okay.” He cradles me, urging me to rest my cheek against his firm chest. His skin is so warm, and his scent is so soothing. “You can cry,” he whispers, pressing his nose to the top of my head. “You’re safe here.”
I let out several deep wails, feeling my chest heave with each violent sound. “Why did my mom let them hurt me?” I cry through spit and snot. “Why didn’t she stop them? Why didn’t she protect me?” I’m lifted off my feet. Killian carries me, but I don’t look where. I’m too devastated.
Too broken.
He can do whatever he wants to me. I don’t care anymore.
My body is placed in the center of the bed. I go limp as the alpha removes my shirt and pants, leaving me completely naked. I don’t fight him. There’s no point. Alphas give pain and violence. And omegas take it.
It’s just the way it is.
The light is clicked off and the bed dips. I close my eyes.
This is it.
He’s going to fuck me while my heart breaks into a million pieces.
I hope his dick splits in two while he’s inside me.
Firm hands maneuver me on the bed, forcing me onto my side. Killian settles directly behind me, pressing his chest against my back, then he curls his naked body around me, holding me gently. I hold my breath, not sure what he’s doing.Is he going to enter me from behind?
“It can be hard for mothers to protect their young,” Killian whispers, pulling the covers up and over both of us. “Especially when the threat is inside their own home.” He moves my hair off of my neck. “Don’t hate your mother too much. I’m sure she has done the best she can with what she was given.” He places a single kiss on my bare shoulder.
I don’t say anything. But he’s right. My mother has done so much for me. And despite my ugly outburst, I have never blamed her for what Burke has done and what Tony and Scott have allowed. After all, she’s just as weak as me—a lowly omega, with no one to love or protect her.
“Go to sleep, Beth,” Killian’s voice has a slight alpha edge to it, making my eyes instantly close. “Dream about something soft and sweet.” He kisses my shoulder again, before relaxing against me.
I let out a long, pained breath, trying to force away the ache in my heart. But then the pack alpha begins to purr and all my bones seem to vanish.
Before I know it, I drift off, warm and safe in Killian’s strong arms.
In the Middle of the Night
Beth
When I open my eyes,I have no idea what time it is, but the whole room is pitch black.
Killian is dead asleep, his body still wrapped around mine, and his breaths deep and even. I listen carefully, not hearing any other sound in the house. Everyone else must be asleep.
Good.
Moving very slowly, I wiggle out of Killian’s hold. His fingers curl around my waist for half a second, before releasing me. Once his hands fall away, I stay frozen in place, making sure he really is asleep, before slipping out of the bed.
Holding my hands out, I weave them through the darkness, trying to find the closet door. Finally, my fingers touch something round and metal. I turn the knob, hoping it’s not the bathroom. I’m relieved when my feet touch carpet.
