Suddenly, Griffin’s eyes flashed open, and he flipped me onto my back. His hands gripped my hips as he drove into me, pushing me further and further toward the edge.

“Did you need some help, sweet thing?” he asked as he thrust into me.

“Griff,” I cried out, my voice cracking as I rubbed my clit furiously. “I woke up, and you were inside me.”

“I needed you to warm my cock,” he whispered into my ear, biting my earlobe. I tensed before finally shatteringwith my orgasm.

He came too, grunting as he thrust into me a couple more times. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over me, leaving me breathless and spent. As the last tremors of my orgasm faded, I collapsed against the pillow, my slick-covered fingers still tangled in my sex.

“That was…”

“Fucking hot,” he growled, kissing me on the lips. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you too,” I whispered in the dark.

chapter 28

. . .

Tyler

The next morning, I stood at the top of the staircase, watching our omega, Carmen, laughing in the kitchen. Her voice was melodic and beautiful to my ears, and I wished I could be around her.

She was surrounded by some of the alphas who were helping her cook breakfast.

Even though I didn’t want to intrude on her happiness, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the way her body moved. The swell of her pregnant belly made her dress ride up higher than it should have, revealing her tantalizing curves.

As she bent down to retrieve a spoon that had fallen to the floor, the sight of her black thong peeking out from beneath the hem of her dress sent a bolt of lust through me.

My cock strained against my pants, and I licked my lips, desperate to taste her. But I knew I couldn’t just take her, not after all the hurt I’d caused.

A heavy sadness settled over me as I quietly mourned the distance between us.

The doorbell rang, and now I was on alert.

“Who is it?” said Logan, opening the door.

A woman stood there wearing a gray sweater dress. I recognized her as Carmen’s mother. She didn’t look happy as she stormed inside, rage emanating from her.

She beelined toward Carmen in the kitchen, and I straightened up, ready to jump down the stairs to protect her.

“What did you do?! Why is Henry dead?” she screamed at Carmen.

Rage roared through me like a wildfire, and before I knew it, my feet were pounding down the stairs.

A pained silence replaced Carmen’s laughter, tears in her eyes while her mother glowered at her. I couldn’t let Carmen be subjected to this cruelty.

“Leave her alone,” I growled, stepping protectively in front of Carmen. “None of this has anything to do with her. We destroyed the scumbag.”

“She was supposed to be for Henry,” shouted Carmen’s mother, staring daggers at Carmen. “If you people had just let her be with Henry, my family would have been royalty!”

“What the fuck?” I muttered, realizing this woman was deranged.

We stood there, tense with unspoken words, our gazes locked in fierce confrontation. Then, Carmen placed a soft hand on my arm.

Her touch went straight to my soul, and I felt my anger dissipate as quickly as it had come.

“Let me talk to my mom, Tyler,” she whispered, her voice soft against the harsh beating of my heart. “Please.”