“You’ve always been there for me when I’ve needed you.” I take his hand, half-expecting him to yank away, but he doesn’t. Not yet anyway. The muscles in his forearms tense. “It’s my turn to be here for you.”
“Orin’s helping me.” He rips his hand back, shaking his head. “You should focus on yourself and Adler. You’re bonded now.”
“Bonded or not, I still care about you. I always will,” I tell him. “Yesterday was the first time we’ve ever fought, and I acted like a dick. I’m sorry for… being, well you know...” I wave my arms. “Being me.”
“I’m sorry for how I blew up like that too.” He hangs his head. “I went back to the party to apologize and… to talk.”
“You did?” I gaze up at him in confusion. “I didn’t see you.”
“I guess you were too busy with Adler to notice anything else,” he mutters. “Who could blame you? He is the famous Ace after all.”
“I’m here now,” I say. “We can talk. I’m still the same person, Drax. Bonding hasn’t changed me.”
“How can you say that?” His body goes tense, skin turning white as it stretches over his taut knuckles. “It’s changed everything. How can’t you see that? You’rehisnow.”
“I’m no one’s property.” I cross my arms. “Nor will I ever be.”
“But you can’t ever be mine now!”
My ears ring as the impact of his explosive words drop like bombs.
“Drax…” My voice cracks. “You know, we… us… we?—”
“You don’t understand, Sabs!” He’s agitated, knee bouncing up and down, like energy is building up inside him with nowhere to go. “The reason why I’m suspended from work, the reason I’m staying here now… it’s all connected. I was coming back to the beach to tell you everything, and what’s worse? It could have changed everything, but I was too fucking late.”
“What are you talking about?”
Drax’s brown eyes lock on me. “I’m an alpha, Sabs.”
All the air seems to squeeze out of my lungs.
“An a-a-alpha?” I blink twice. Did I hear him right? “W-w-what do you mean?”
“I presented late.” He jumps up from the sofa and begins pacing. “I started to get angrier, more emotional. It felt like a beast was taking over my body, and I couldn’t always control it.” He waves his arms maniacally, gesturing as he talks. “That’s why I got suspended from work. My inner alpha got the best of me. I’ve been trying to handle it myself, but I’ve been doing a terrible job. I beat the crap out of someone yesterday. Granted, he might have deserved it, but that’s not me.” He stops, burying his hands in his pockets. “Orin worked out what was happening. He took me to the pharmacy this morning to get the right medication.”
The whole room is spinning. I’m glad I’m sitting down; otherwise, I may faint. “So that’s why you’re here?”
“Orin thought a pack environment would help me out. He’s dealt with late-presenting alphas in the military before, but I never expected…” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “You to be here.” He swallows hard. “With him.”
“Drax…” I spring from the sofa and wrap my arms around him. It’s probably not the right thing to do, but I don’t know what else I can do. I need to be close to him. Need to let him know that I’m here. “You shouldn’t have had to go through all of this alone.”
He freezes in place, arms pressed to his sides before they cautiously close around me. His inked arms feel like a safe haven. Familiar yet different. He strokes my hair, the way he always has, and I melt into him. While being with Adler feels like fireworks, Drax provides a quiet steadiness that makes me feel at home. TheGilmore Girlstheme tune sounds faraway, a new episode starting as I bury my face into his chest.
If Drax had found me last night, would I even be here right now?
I look up at him, cupping his lightly stubbled face with one hand and stroking along his chiseled jawline with the other. He rubs his cheek into my palm, his scent growing more potent. It begins to fill the room, making me sway.
“But you’re bonded now,” Drax groans, his muscled body pressing against me.
I should step away from him. I know I should. My body is still adjusting to my bond with Adler, but my heart is beating for Drax right now. His presence is solid, being around him as natural and easy as breathing.
How many times have I wished that he was an alpha because it would make life easy? Is this a sign that he was meant to be mine all along?
I lean in while he holds in a breath, the air thick with our scents as my lips brush against his. He tastes like toffee cheesecake, and for a second, we’re not standing in the Strike Pack’s mansion; we’re back home. We’re two teens making out in the bathroom during one of Drax’s mom’s parties, not wanting the night to end.
Drax releases a low growl from the back of his throat, a sound that vibrates straight through me. As our kiss deepens, I claw at his shirt, overcome with a desperate need that I can’t satiate.
I’ve always tried to keep Drax at arm’s length to protect him. I should probably do that now more than ever, yet I can’t stop myself. Last night only showed me how terrified I am of truly losing him, and I want to cling on stronger than before, even though I’ve tied myself to another alpha forever.
