Page 54 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

“It’s true,” he shrugged.“I’m just glad Briggs never knew the real price he’d have to pay.”

My mind created an image of Briggs cradling an infant.I hurt for him and for that unimaginable loss.

Was it his punishment for skirting fate by choosing Ruby?It was too hefty a sum.My life wasn’t worth more than anyone else’s.

Colten was right.It was completely fucked up and unfair.

When I entered the Alpha’s cabin, a tiny flicker of hope ignited.Though I was terrified to let it grow, it clung to life—stubborn and defiant—as I crossed the threshold back into captivity.

Knowing the truth had me contemplating forgiving the male.Unfortunately, forgetting was another matter altogether.

Chapter 16

Briggs

As I’d begun doing, I knocked before I opened the door.Technically, I unlocked it first, but I preferred to ignore that part of the routine.

If I could normalize things a little for Ivy, I would.

She was straightening the comforter and putting the pillows back in place.My mate was surprisingly tidy and kept the room neat.

She’s bored,Onyx asserted.

Which is why we’re going on a walk.

"Ready for our walk?"I asked.

"Sure.”

Ivy’s demeanor had been pensive since she returned from Theia’s yesterday.It seemed she was still in that same headspace.

Fighting instinct, I didn’t pry.I’d had years to wrestle with the truth where she’d had mere days.

“Before we go, I have something for you.”Hesitantly, I slid the black velvet box from my back pocket.

“What is that?”She eyed it in confusion.

"It’s something I had made for you a while back.”

Her plush lips flattened.Instead of reaching for the offering, she stared at it like it might bite.

The tip of her pink tongue ran across her bottom lip.“When?”

“When did I have it made?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t recall the exact date of the order, or when it was finished, but I do remember when I had the original thought.”

Ivy’s focus remained on the item in my hand so I kept talking.

“The day I first felt the pull of our bond, you were standing under a big willow with Emery, laughing.You were so beautiful.So full of life.It was all I could do not to charge over there and rut you against the trunk.”

She blushed and I was once again tempted to take her to the ground and mark the shit out of her.The fact she wasn’t ready to mark me in return held me off.

“Not long after, I had Colten find out your favorite color.I went to a jeweler and he helped me design it.A week later and I had it in hand.”

“So you bought it before that night?”

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