Page 68 of Alpha Chained

“Tomorrow…” She exhales the word. “Tomorrow, we’ll go to Jagger. To save Willow.”

“Yes. Tomorrow.” I stroke her hair, committing the feeling of the silky strands to memory. Because soon, that will be all I have left of this moment. Of her. And it will have to be enough to see me through…for however long I last back there.

Sinking down to sit on the bed beside her, I stroke her hair, taking in her features until she sinks back into a deep sleep. I brand each one in my mind…her thick lashes, the smooth blush of her skin, her plump pink lips…

“I’ll never forget you, Raura,” I whisper, then lean down and press a kiss to her forehead. I rise, looking down at her, then turn toward the door before pausing yet again. I can’t help myself.

Standing there, I cast one last longing glance at the sleeping woman, already feeling the raw pain that tears at my chest. It feels like I’m about to rip away a part of myself.

But there’s no place for me here. And the stakes are too high to ignore what I have to do now.

So I shove my feelings back in the box I’ve kept them locked in.

And I leave.

Chapter 25

Raura

I wake up slowly, stretching languidly as a feeling of utter bliss washes over me. For a moment, I’m lost in the memories of last night – Riot’s touch, his scent, the way he made me feel.

The wintery sun touches my face through the drapes, and a smile plays on my lips as I reach out, seeking his warmth. But my hand meets only cold, empty sheets.

Frowning, I sit up, the happy haze quickly dissipating.

He’s not here.

“Riot?” I call out, my voice echoing in the quiet apartment. No response. A sinking feeling settles in my gut as I scramble out of bed, pulling on clothes haphazardly. I don’t bother looking around my little home – aside from it being too small for him to be out of sight, I know he’s not here. I can feel it. The loss of him gnaws at my chest.

He’s out there somewhere!

Anxiety claws at my throat as I rush out of my apartment block and pause in the street outside, looking in both directions. It’s still early; the street and sidewalk are quiet.

He’s nowhere in sight.

I turn and sprint in the direction we’d taken to get here yesterday, hoping he would have taken a familiar route. My heart is pounding in my chest. The cold morning air stings my lungs as I push myself harder, desperately searching for any sign of him.

He can’t have gone far!

But even as I tell myself this, I’m trying to stave off the rising panic. He wouldn’t just leave, not after everything we’ve been through together.

But the further I run, the more my hope begins to fade. The streets remain empty, mocking me with their stillness. I call out his name, my voice raw and hoarse, but only silence answers me.

Think, Raura, think! Where would he go?

What if he’s gotten into another fight with the alphas?

The thought makes my blood run cold. There’s no way Jagger would let him stay if that happened again.

Please, Riot, I silently beg as I start running again, my feet carrying me aimlessly through the streets. Please don’t let this be the end of our story.

Apprehensively, I turn in the direction of Jagger’s apartment when I spot Sierra coming toward me. I hurry over to her.

“Raura! They said you were back.” Her face splits into a warm smile. “I’ve been hoping to—”

I cut her off, “Sierra, have you seen Riot?”

“Who?” She frowns.

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