Page 168 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

“I’m sorry I failed you as your big brother,” I say, feeling tears stinging my own eyes. “I should have protected you from all of this.”

He shakes his head, his arms wrapping around me tightly. “You didn’t fail me, Liam,” he says, his voice barely a whisper. “You’ve always been there for me, even when I didn’t deserve it.”

We sit there in silence for a long time, silently supporting each other as if our lives depend on it.

And maybe they do.

We are family, after all.

When he tells me that he needs to be alone, I give him one last hug before leaving.

I head downstairs and find Layla using magic to help clean up. Mom asks how Colt is doing. I tell her that he’s going to need some time to process everything. She nods, understanding. Then she asks me how I’m doing.

“I’m hanging in there,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

Mom sighs, looking exhausted. “Emmett and Grayson are resting,” she tells me. “And so is Selene.” She shakes her head. “This whole thing has been a nightmare.”

I’m feeling guilty. Like I’ve put them all through this mess. “Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask, concerned.

She gives me a small smile. “Your father will be back soon. He’ll be here to hold me and work through all of this with me. As soon as he and Raskogr are finished with their task,” she says, trying to reassure me. “But for now, I’m helping Layla clean up. Then I’m going to see Alyssa. She left with Ariana.”

I nod in understanding. “I’ll take Selene home.” I can at least do that small thing right.

Mom smiles gratefully and kisses me on the cheek before heading back to help Layla.

I walk back into the living room and find Selene curled up in a ball on the couch. She looks so small and vulnerable.

“I know you’re awake,” I say softly, not wanting to startle her.

She lifts her head and smiles sadly at me. “Hey.”

I sit down next to her, wrapping my arms around her. “You okay?”

She nods, but I can see the pain in her eyes. “Just tired,” she says, leaning into my embrace.

I run my fingers through her hair, trying to soothe her. “You need some rest.”

She nods again, closing her eyes. “Can’t sleep,” she mumbles.

I kiss the top of her head and hold her close, feeling her slowly relax against me. “I’ll stay right here with you,” I say.

“Shouldn’t we be leaving, Liam?”

“I’m sure Mom doesn’t mind if we stay here for a couple more hours. We can leave when you are ready, baby.”

“I’m scared,” Selene whispers, her voice trembling.

I pull her closer, holding her tight as she lets out a sob. “I know,” I say softly, trying to reassure her.

She sniffles, wiping away tears with the back of her hand. “My siblings are dead. And my parents...” She chokes on the words, unable to finish. “It just hit me. I am the last Black alive. No one else. Just me.”

I squeeze her hand, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. “You’re not alone,” I tell her, my own voice shaking with emotion. “You have me.”

She looks up at me, her eyes filled with so much pain it hurts to look at her. “I keep thinking about how I’m the last of my lineage.”

Oh!

My heart hurts for my mate.

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