SOREN

The moment Skye left, I collapsed onto my bed, feeling as weak as a newborn. My legs just gave out, and I crumpled. This whole situation drained me—my nerves, my heart rate was chaotic, everything was out of control.

What the hell just happened?

From the second he pulled me close, and I got lost in that pine-and-lime scent of his, I felt like I was out of my mind. It was insane how much I hated it when he let me go. I just wanted to stay there, marinate in that feeling of his closeness forever. What the fuck was wrong with me? I used to hate this guy! He was a nasty alpha, and every nightmare in my life had always started with an alpha. But here I was, pathetic—drawn to his touch, his smell, his presence.

It was like a drug, honestly.

I let him return the favor because I just couldn't deny myself the pleasure, and damn, it was worth it. The second he was done, I already wanted more.

More of his closeness, I should add, not just the sex!

But I couldn't. I shouldn't.

It would just end in heartbreak for me—again. I couldn't let that happen.

After pacing the room like a maniac for what felt like fifteen minutes, I decided I needed to do something with all this pent-up energy. So I ran out of the dorm and jogged around campus, hoping the exertion would clear my head.

I stopped at a vending machine to get an isotonic drink when I noticed a group of people approaching. With some displeasure, I recognized one of them—it was Sean. He was part of the late-night acting class group, and I figured they were just heading back to the dorm after it ended.

Sean spotted me immediately and slowed down. He muttered something to his friends and then started walking toward me.

To be honest, I didn't want to talk to him—I was way too on edge, and this could end badly.

We stood in front of each other for a while, just staring.

Then he snorted and muttered, "What's up?"

Another moment of silence.

It was coming, it was coming!

Meeting him had to end in disaster because I just couldn't stop my stupid mouth:

"Not much. So, how's being a backstabbing bitch working out for you?" I had to say it—yep, should've put a muzzle on my fucking puss. "Skye showed me your text messages. You're such a great, loyal friend."

Sean's expression changed, his eyes averted. "I sent those right after our argument. I was drunk as hell."

"Fuck you. I was drunk too, but I didn't run to Alvin, telling him you're hustling outside campus, did I? But you know… Being a friend probably means something different to me than it does to you. So let's just part ways in peace."

I turned to leave, feeling it could only escalate from here, but Sean quickly grabbed my arm.

"I'm sorry, Soren. I really am. I fucked up, I shouldn't have sent it… I was jealous and bitter, and I felt sorry for Skye. I like him, you know? He didn't do anything wrong, and you treated him like shit. I hated the thought of him sharing Don's fate, but I shouldn't have come between you two."

I stared at him, debating what to say. Further escalation served no purpose; we could try to bury the hatchet or at least pretend we were cool. "You're not living my life, Sean. I've been through a lot. And more is coming soon. I just don't want to get involved with alphas. I have my reasons why I push them away, and they're solid. Can you respect that?"

"I know what Anton did, that he broke off the engagement, but other alphas—?"

I pressed my hands to my eyes. "It's not just Anton, Sean! More has happened. I hate talking about it because I don't want pity from people—I don't want to be seen as a victim!"

Sean stared at me. "Was there… abuse?"

"Yep, and pretty recently. And I'll be paying the price for it soon. Now, forgive me, but I need to go—"

Sean took another step toward me, again grabbing my forearm. "Wait, did you… If Skye showed you my texts, then you talked to him, right? Did he agree to the whole blowjob thing?"

How dare he even ask about it? A wave of anger rushed through me, but I stopped myself in time. There were already too many heated emotions for one conversation.

"Sorry, I gotta go, Sean. See you in class," I gritted out through clenched teeth.

"But are we good, Soren?!" he shouted after me.

I didn't answer, only sent him a resigned gaze, then practically ran, wanting to get as far away from him as possible. I knew he wouldn't give up, and I would have to pretend all was good now. But I wasn't one to forgive easily.

Maybe that would be my downfall?