Page 85 of Drown My Sorrow

“You said that before,” I rasp out.

“I know, and I didn’t…I know. I was a bad alpha. But this is different. We will obey the Daane to the letter.”

I shake my head.

“It is.”

“No.”

“You can’t stay here.”

“No.”

“I’m not going to let you die when I gave up everything to keep you alive!” Kelly shouts.

The whole cave freezes.

What?

He snatches me out of Shale’s arms and stalks towards the cave entrance. Shale, Gael, Beau, Keagan, and Ezy fan out around us. I’m so stunned by what he said that it takes me a minute to figure out what he’s doing.

As soon as I hear the rain, I scream.

“You can hate me later,” Kelly growls in my ear.

I fight him, but I’m no match. He carries me back to the village. Through the water, where I can see the storm-tossed waves crashing on the beach.

I think I go a little insane, but then we’re inside, and I have no memory of how I got here. Kelly drags me deep into the bathroom, lets me go, and walks out.

Beau takes his place and peels my clothes from me piece by piece. He puts the hot water on and steps into the shower with me.

I lean against him, exhausted and sore. My whole body is shaking, and I can’t seem to stop.

Music blasts into the hotel room. The classical score drowns out the sound of the rain. I slump in relief.

It doesn’t stop the thoughts, but it’s easier to pretend.

Beau wraps me in a huge towel and dries off, pulling on a dressing gown.

“I leave you alone for one day.” He clucks his tongue and rubs at my cheek.

“Don’t leave me alone.”

I don’t want to be without them. Even if I am a burden. Even if I’m broken. I’m selfish.

I lean over Beau and grip his hair, pulling his head back. I sink my teeth in.

“Shit! Shale!” Beau shouts.

The door rips open, and Shale stands there, chest heaving, staring at us. His eyes are wide with surprise but also exasperation.

“Love, what are you doing?”

“I don’t want to be alone!” I start to sob.

“Fuck sake, baby, it’s not supposed to be like this. Bonds are romantic and beautiful, not for when you’re afraid.”

Shale closes his eyes when he says it.

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