apter 157
Chapter 157
JESSICA
“So, let me get this straight, all of you are alpha’s in your pack but then here, you’re the alpha?”
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Grayson chuckles as he settles me on his lap, his arm wrapping possessively around my waist. “That’s right,” he
says, his voice low and teasing. “But don’t let it go to your head. You’re still mine.” His fingers trace lazy circles on my hip, and I can feel the heat of his body even through my clothes.
The others are doing some rounds while I’m left with Grayson and Kade and some other alphas who look as feral and powerful as them too.
What the hell? How come I didn’t know such kind of things existed?
Kade leans against the wall, his arms crossed, watching us with a sharp gaze. “What? You didn’t tell her anything even if you’re willing to risk all of us just to save her?”
I glance at him, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Grayson’s grip on me tightens, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Ignore him,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my neck. “Kade’s just pissed because he doesn’t like sharing.”
The other alphas in the room exchange looks, their expressions unreadable but tense. One of them, a tall guy with piercing green eyes, steps forward. “She’s a hybrid, Grayson. You know what that means. She’s a risk.”
Grayson growls low in his throat, his fingers curling into my side. “She’s mine. End of discussion.”
I know that. Everyone knows that. But a risks?
What are they talking about?” I whisper, turning to Grayson.
He presses a kiss to my temple, but his jaw is tight. “Nothing you need to worry about,” he says, though his tone doesn’t convince me.
Kade pushes off the wall, his eyes narrowing. “She’s not just a risk to us, Grayson. She’s a risk to herself. You think the other packs won’t come for her?”
Grayson’s grip on me turns almost painful, his protectiveness turning into something darker. “Later, Kade.”
No. No.
I locked my gaze at him and shook my head. If there’s something that is coming after me, I don’t need his protection. I can do that for myself. “Tell me about it, Grayson!”
He sighs, his fingers brushing my cheek. “It’s complicated. But you’re safe with me. Always.”
The green–eyed alpha steps closer, his voice cold. “You’re putting a target on all of us, Grayson. You think they’ll just let a hybrid walk free? She’s a threat to the balance.”
14:25 Sun, Sep 7
Chapter 157
…
Grayson’s growl deepens, and I feel his body tense beneath me. “I said *enough*.”
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Kade shakes his head, frustration clear on his face. “You’re blinded by her, Grayson. And it’s going to get us all killed.”
I feel like I’m trapped into something here. When I told Grayson to trust me, I meant it. I meant it so I could run away but he never let me.
“Grayson,” I whisper, my hand sliding up to his jaw. “We need to talk. What’s the plan? Why did you bring me here?”
He takes a deep breath, his fingers tracing circles on my back. “I came here because I thought they’d help us. Not question every damn decision I make.”
Kade scoffs. “Help us? Help *you*, you mean. You’re the one dragging a hybrid into our territory.“.
Grayson’s grip on me tightens. “She’s not a threat. She’s-”
“Different?” Kade interrupts, his voice sharp. “Yeah, I’ve heard that before. And every time, it ends the same way. Blood. Chaos. Are you really willing to risk that?”
I feel Grayson’s chest rise and fall with a heavy breath. His other hand brushes my hair back, fingers lingering against my neck like he’s trying to calm himself. “I didn’t come here for a lecture,” he snaps. “I came here because we need allies. Not enemies.”
“This is pathetic,” Kade said before walking out. Others follow him instantly, leaving Grayson and I alone.
I don’t know what to feel for him. The pack seems to be falling and losing their trust on him and that is because of me.
“I should just..go, you know,” I said, trembling and trying to stop myself from crying. ” Maybe, if I run long enough, no one will get hurt again.”
“Don’t,” Grayson interrupts, his voice firm. He steps closer, his hands gripping my shoulders. “I’m not letting you run. Not from this. Not from me.”
“But they don’t trust you anymore,” I whisper, my eyes welling up. “And it’s because of me.”
Grayson’s expression softens, his thumbs brushing against my arms. “They don’t get to decide what’s best for us. We do.”
He pulls me into his chest, his arms wrapping around me tightly.
“We’ll make a plan,” he murmurs into my hair. “A real one. Not just fighting, not just running. We’ll find a way to make this work. But you’re not doing it alone.”
“And what if it doesn’t?” I ask, my voice muffled against his shirt. “What if the only solution is for me to get
killed?”
Grayson’s grip tightens, his fingers digging into my back like he’s afraid I’ll vanish. “Then I’ll die with you,” he says, his voice low and steady. “But I’m not letting you go. Ever.”
14:25 Sun, Sep 7
Chapter 157
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I look up at him, searching his eyes for hesitation, but there’s none. Just that stubborn, unwavering resolve that both infuriates and anchors me.
“We’ll find another way,” he insists, his hand cupping my face. “We always do. But we’ll do it together. No more running. No more hiding.”
I nod slowly, tears spilling over. His thumb wipes them away, his touch gentle but firm.
“Stay with me,” he whispers, his forehead pressing against mine. “That’s all I need. Just stay.”
His other hand grips my wrist, his fingers warm and slightly trembling. He pulls me into him, his arms wrapping around me like a shield. His breath is uneven against my ear, and I can feel the tension coiled in his body.
*He’s scared. He’s always so strong, but he’s scared right now.*
“Grayson,” I say softly, my fingers trailing up his back. “You don’t have to hold on so tight. It’s okay if you want to let me go.”
It’s okay as long it won’t cost your life.
“Stop,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. “Just fucking stop, Jess. What the fuck are you saying?”
I bit my lips and tilt my head so the tears won’t fall. This is damn pitiful but I already thought about it. I’ve done everything to survive. In fact, it’s what I’ve been doing for so long and now I’m just fucking tired.
My ambition costs me my pack and friends but hearing how Grayson wants to risk himself for me again, I don’t think I can take that.
“You don’t get it, Grayson,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “I’m not worth it. I’ve already lost too much. I can’t lose you too.”
His hands slide to my face, forcing me to look at him. His eyes are dark, burning with something that makes my chest ache.
“You’re not going to lose me,” he says, his voice low and fierce. “But you don’t get to decide what I’m willing to risk. That’s on me.”
His thumb brushes away a tear I didn’t realize had fallen, and for a second, it feels like he’s the only thing keeping me from crumbling.
14:26 Sun, Sep
Chapter 158
