Page 61 of Ruthless Alpha Beast

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Why does it always come after so much pleasure?

“I’ll take you,” he says.

“No,” I dust myself off and look away. “I want to go alone.”

I head for the library door.

“Tara, wait.”

Now I feel the tears brimming behind my eyes, and there’s a bitter distaste in my chest.

I’m running now.

He could catch me if he wanted to, but why would he?

To humiliate me some more?

“I just need to go,” I whisper.

I run out into the darkness, and as my tears fall, I decide that all I need is to get away.

I don’t know where I’m going, it’s too dark, but I keep my legs moving and don’t look back.

***

Eventually, I have to stop.

The pain from running overpowers my sadness, and for a second, I don’t feel anything at all.

I’m numb.

The night around me is dark and silent; the only sounds are the crickets and the faint breeze of the wind. I could be anywhere. If I were a shifter, maybe I’d know exactly where I was.

Jasper.

Then I feel it again. The pain spreads through my chest, across every inch of my body.

I let myself cry. It’s embarrassing and stupid, but I can’t help it. If someone hears, then they hear, whatever. I need to cry.

Then I feel enraged.

Howcould I let this happen again?

I promised myself that I’d never, under any circumstances, let him treat me like this, let alone touch me again.

I’m weak. Susceptible to even the slightest bit of charm.

I wish I weren’tso weak!

I ball my fists, look around the pitch-black darkness for something to let my anger out on.

Of course, all I can make out are a couple of trees. Will have to do.

In a rage, I slam my foot against the base of the one closest by.

Fuck you, Jasper, you’ll never have me.

You sort of did just have me....

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