Rejected, Abused, I Fall for the Forbidden Alpha (by Riley Scott) novel Chapter 105

Chapter 105

Lies. I don’t want Raven to be involved with anybody else but me. She’s mine. I don’t care what anybody else says.

“It’s not that kind of relationship, Hades,” Aeress’s voice is like a roaring fire, “you know nothing about what’s going on between them. You’re only assuming the worst.”

“Then what is it?” I demanded, my eyes flashing, “Why are they so close to one another? Why is he so determined to give his blood that he’s willing to fight me for it? How did he even know she was hurt!”

“I told him,” Aeress’s voice is heavy, “he deserved to know.”

It’s like a knife cutting through me. I can’t believe she betrayed me like this. She’s supposed to be my sister damnit. She’s supposed to be on my side.

“Why?” My voice is hoarse.

“I can’t tell you, Hades,” she sighed, “it’s between them. I can’t betray their trust.”

“I feel sorry for you,” Aeress’s voice breaks. “Choosing a life without love, without emotions, without affection, it’s only misery that awaits you now. Raven is different. She’s full of life, she’s vibrant, she’s loving. She has a dark side to her but that only makes her more admirable in my eyes. She doesn’t give up, hell, that’s proof right there,” she yelled, motioning to Raven inside the room, “she’s a survivor. She’ll go to the depths of the earth for somebody she loves. Can you say the same!”

It’s like being struck by lightning. Realization floods through me. I’m not like Raven. I put my emotions aside, focusing on nothing more than my duty as the Alpha and my responsibilities to the pack. I don’t let love get in the way, even though I’m attached to Raven, I can’t quite bring myself to say I love her. Maybe it’s denial, maybe it’s something else. Who knows. Right now, though, I realize that Aeress is right. I’m nothing compared to the girl lying in that hospital bed. She’s better than me. Always has been. At least she’s willing to do whatever it takes and deal with what life throws at her, rather than procrastinating like I am. I sigh, looking away from Aeress and rubbing my chin, unable to meet her eyes.

Shame floods through me. She gives a bitter laugh. “Exactly. You hide from everybody and push them away. I love you,” she says, her voice wobbling, “so much, and I can’t bear to see you like this or Raven. She’s my friend Hades. You’re my brother. But I can’t stay in the middle. Don’t make me choose. Don’t make me hate you. Don’t make me see you as the monster I’ve always denied you’re not.”

She turns and walks away, heading back into Raven’s room as I stand there digesting her words. For the first time, I feel pain in my heart, a pain that nothing can take away. Aeress was right. I did push people away. But I had good reason, I thought silently, turning on my heel and walking quietly away, didn’t I?