Chapter 237
Chapter 237
“I did,” I said, watching him, “for you p>
His face softened and he leaned forward, placing a finger under my chin and drawing me towards him to kiss me softly.
I let him.
“Does this mean you accept our bond?” Gideon said, hopeful.
I stared at him a long moment.
“I accept you, but…” I held up a hand when he surged forward, “I have no interest in the power-struggled and games of Pack hierarchy. It almost broke me,” I stared into his eyes, pleadingly, “I can’t take it, Gideon. I don’t think I’m strong enough,” I whispered.
“We will face it together,” he squeezed my leg beneath his large hands, but I shook my head.
“No, I am going to leave,” my words dropped into the space between us and exploded, “I will take my mother to the human world where she and I will finally be able to live a normal existence p>
“What?!” Gideon instantly stood, his face angry and his eyes concerned, “Avery, the rogue threat is still very real. The Rogue King is actively looking for you! If you leave here, you won’t be protected, and neither will your mother. Are you really willing to take the risk that he captures her, or you, again p>
“That’s why I need your help,” I said, pleadingly, “He won’t be expecting us to leave, and you can buy us
time p>
“Absolutely not!” Gideon roared, “Avery, this is insane! He knows what you are, and he will never stop until he gets you! This man is not stable, he wants to destroy everything that the packs have built, and for what? He delights in destruction. I can’t watch idly while he hunts you, not when I can be there by your
side p>
He reached out and grabbed my shoulders, shaking me lightly. I had never seen him look so anguished, and it broke my heart.
“That’s why I can’t stay,” I tried to explain, though tears were starting to run from my eyes, “Gideon, I need you to understand this, even if you understand nothing else about me! I can’t have him target the people I love-I can’t stay here and know that he will hurt you and it’s my fault!” (2)
We both froze as we realized what I had just admitted. Gideon’s hands tightened, vise-like, on my arms, and then he crushed me to him in an embrace. I heard his voice, muffled, next to my ear as he hugged
me as though he’d never let me go.
Through our bond, I felt his confusion, concern, and something else…
“Gideon,” I tried to take it back, “I wasn’t saying that I love you, but even if I was… if you feel the same for me,” my own panic was rising, “you have to let me go! You can’t keep me here p>
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Chapter 237
+25 Bonus
“I will never let you go,” he pulled back, and kissed me with so much intensity that I felt my heart pounding in my chest like it would burst. Oh, the passion in that kiss! He poured in all of his concern, his desire, his hurt, and his hope.
It hurt, and it healed.
I kissed him back. How could I not? This beautiful, powerful, terrifying man was telling me that he wanted me more than anything. That he would watch the world burn with me, if I asked it-even if it killed
Which was why I couldn’t ask it. I couldn’t let myself be sucked down this dark road with him. Together, we would forever be targeted by the Rogue King. Only by separating could we have any hope of finding happiness, even if it meant we were forever missing our other half. 2
My wolf’s sorrow flooded through me. She could not forgive my decision.
“You have to let me go, Gideon,” I said, softly, resting my forehead against his. 1
He sat down in his chair suddenly, staring at me with disbelief.
“What-?” He placed his hand on his forehead.
“I’m leaving now,” I hopped off his desk. He tried to reach for me, but his arms fell limply back in his lap. I gave him a pitying glance, “You have no choice. I put something in your drink. It will put you to sleep. When you awake, I’ll be gone. Don’t follow us.” 4
Gideon opened his mouth to yell, but his head lolled backwards and his eyes closed.
He might have looked asleep, but I could feel his rage and pain over our bond.
1 pulled his office door shut behind me and locked it.
Then I left. 1
P
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