Page 40 of Alpha Fate

“It’s alright.” I reach out and squeeze her hand. “I know you’re just trying to protect me. And honestly…you’re probably right that I should take some time before rushing into anything.”

Sierra searches my face as if gauging whether I really mean it. “I just want you to be in a good place, mentally and emotionally. Before…”

“Before getting involved with anyone,” I finish for her. She nods.

“I get it. And I appreciate you looking out for me.” I give her a small smile. “I love you for wanting to keep me safe, Si. You’re a great sister.”

She smiles back, misty-eyed. “I love you, too.”

She sinks down in front of where I’m sitting, and we hug again, holding each other tight. As I breathe in her familiar scent, I know she only wants the best for me.

She’s just fighting for me.

My fiercely protective twin, who already suffered through this nightmare and wants to shield me from further pain. Maybe she’s being overcautious, but it comes from a place of love. And she’s not wrong – I need time to heal, both physically and mentally.

As we pull apart, I take her hand again. “I promise I’ll be careful. I’m not going to rush into anything or make any big decisions yet. I’ll just take it one day at a time while I focus on getting my strength back…and recovering my memories.”

Sierra nods. When she smiles this time, it’s a little brighter. “That sounds perfect.”

I return her smile, hoping I’m properly disguising my inner conflict. Because while my logical side knows Sierra is right, my heart is fighting it.

I don’t want to let go of the feeling.

Ever since Gage kissed me earlier today, I can’t stop thinking about him. I’ve tried to chalk it up to gratitude for him saving me, but I know it’s more than that. There’s an undeniable connection between us – one that only grew stronger after he rescued me from that horrific place.

Being near Gage makes me feel safe, comforted…and also excited in a way I don’t fully understand. I’ve never felt this way before. At least, not that I can remember.

And that’s half the problem.

It’s exactly why I need to take a step back, despite my heart’s protests. I owe it to myself – and my supposed mate, Cole – to make sense of my muddled mind before getting involved with anyone.

As much as it pains me, I know I need to keep some distance from Gage for now. At least until the fog in my brain starts to lift. But God, it’s not going to be easy staying away from him.

Especially when all I want is to get lost in another one of those incredible, toe-curling kisses…

Down, girl!

I force the thoughts from my mind. This is exactly why I need space. So I can think clearly and sort out this jumbled mess in my head.

One step at a time. I just have to take this one step at a time.

“You okay?” Sierra’s voice snaps me from my reverie.

I blink, refocusing on her face. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m good.” I squeeze her hand again before letting go. “Just been thinking about that chip.”

“What about it?” She frowns.

“Well, if they did it to both of us, do you think there are others out there like us, too? I mean, they probably took others from our pack, right?”

She nods. “I’m pretty sure of it.”

“Then we need to know what it might do to them. And how to find them before it’s too late.”

Sierra’s eyes are huge. “I know. Jagger and I have been talking about searching for the others. I know he’s going to help me, but now that you’re here, I’m not the only one of my kind in Steel Lakes. It’s not just my fight anymore.”

I pinch my lips together as she says this, the responsibility suddenly feeling like it’s weighing on me. But there’s no way I’m going to leave this on her shoulders. They’re my family…my people too. “Of course it’s not just your fight. I’ll be right alongside you all the way.” I wish I could sound more convincing as I say it. I take a deep breath and rub a hand behind the back of my neck. My muscles are stiff and tight. I’m feeling the start of a headache.

Sierra looks at me with concern. “You okay?”

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