Page 160 of The Alpha King's Fate

“There’s not much point right now when you’ve made your mind up, is there?” he asked.

Her emotions flashed in her eyes, and she looked away.

“No, there isn’t,” she whispered.

Her admission cut him up inside.

“I haven’t had a moment to slow down and think since we returned. Let's enjoy the food and the sunset tonight,” he suggested, holding the glass up again.

Layla sighed, but seconds later, she lifted her wine glass and clinked it against his.

They ate in silence as the stars started to appear. The forest around them was dense, but in this spot, they had a clear view of the sky and the dangerous forest in front of them. What was once his favourite place was probably going to become his worst. He should have stayed home instead of listening to the others at thetrailer park. It was the most uncomfortable meal he’d ever had, and that made his heart heavy. Layla wasn’t supposed to feel like that with him.

Layla hardly touched the food on her plate, confirming that she’d used food as an excuse to escape an uncomfortable subject. But she drank the wine. He refilled her glass several times as the woods became darker.

“When Hope is a little older, bring her here. I’m sure she’ll love it,” Layla said.

Her voice was already a little slurred. He’d forgotten that the alcohol would affect her differently without her wolf to burn it all off.

“Hope would prefer to run around down there with all the other monsters,” he snorted.

Layla giggled, and the sound shot straight through him. His body warmed up as if he wasn’t trying to deal with Layla’s rejection or accept the consequences of his and Cain's decision.

“That’s true. I bet she will be the only wolf around here who can play in that forest without fear,” Layla laughed. “I can already see her bossing around whatever lives in there.”

“She is bossy,” he agreed. “Just like her mum.”

He poured her more to drink. And then more. Somehow, Layla kept talking about everything and nothing. Everything except what mattered.

And then there was silence.

When he looked at her, he saw the tears falling down her face.

“We should go. I won’t be able to see anything,” Layla said.

“You’re safe with me. I’ll lead you back,” he said, taking the empty glass from Layla’s hand.

He should have taken it back at least three drinks earlier, but if he’d stopped pouring, he’d have had no excuse to keep Layla next to him.

Besides, it was the last time he would be with Layla like this. The next time they were together, things would be very different.

He packed the basket again and stood up to offer his hand to Layla. He realised she probably couldn’t see it when she didn't immediately take it. The difference hit him again. What would it be like to suddenly lose everything that made him who he was? The very thing that had ensured he survived all this time? His senses, his strength. Cain.

His chest tightened, but he forced the emotions away.

“Take my hand, Layla,” he said.

His voice was low and husky with the weight of his emotions.

Layla reached out, and he took her hand to help her off the rock. She stumbled into his arms and giggled against his chest. His whole body stiffened, and fire flowed through his veins. She wasn’t his mate anymore, but a simple touch twisted his insides as if she still was. How could Fate be so cruel to them once again?

Layla lifted her head and looked up at him, but he could tell she couldn’t see him.

“Kiss me, Jackson. Kiss me one last time,” she whispered.

It wouldn’t be the last, not if he could help it. But knowing that didn’t stop the crack in his heart at her words. And it didn’t stop his body from reacting to the need in her voice.

He lowered his head without hesitation and met her soft lips again for the first time in what felt like a lifetime. The fire in his veins instantly consumed him. It wasn’t the same, but she still brought every cell in his body to life. She still made his heart race.

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