Page 68 of The Bodyguard and the Alpha
Did I dare?
The Voice returned, but this time it was weak.He doesn’t love you.He doesn’t want you.
Golden light shimmered in the air around me, the tangible sign of Bastien’s love, beating back the darkness. Fighting for me. Fighting my fears.
Tentatively, I reached back along our bond.
Truly?
Baby.His tone was tender.Come back to me and let me show you how much I mean it. For the rest of our lives.
The light was almost blinding now, sending the darkness into the corners where it belonged.
But you’re going to tell me everything. No more shields. No more secrets. I meant it before and I mean it now.
I cringed.
He felt it.Tell me, he demanded.
This was it. I had to decide. I could be afraid and flee to the shadows, running away from my chance at happiness.
Or I could fight. I could fight my demons, with my mate by my side, supporting me every step of the way.
To do that I had to show him. I had to show him everything. Every fear. Every doubt. The light can only cleanse the dark when the windows are open to let in the sun.
I made my choice.
I opened my eyes.
Chapter 62
Bastien
I knew my mate was listening. There was a change in the quality of her stillness. Anticipation. Thoughtfulness.
Sweat dripped down my spine. I couldn’t fuck this up. I’d made so many mistakes over the past years, but I knew, without a doubt, that this was the biggest single moment.
I was standing on a precipice, the ground underneath me crumbling. One wrong move and I would be over the cliff.
I gritted my teeth. I hadn’t got to my position by being a quitter. In fact, whenever anyone told me I couldn’t do something, it only fueled my desire to do it. I thrived on challenge.
And winning my mate back was the only challenge I cared about.
Really?
Her mental voice was hesitant. Doubtful. But it was beautiful, nonetheless. She was listening.
Baby.
I kept my voice down the bond gentle but inside I burned to know what had caused her to doubt herself like this. I would know all her secrets. And I would know them today. Now.
It was time to show her that I was her Alpha. I would care for her always. I would protect her, even from herself. This was what I was made for. There was a reason my shoulders were so broad.
I pressed, demanding her secrets. Her submission.
Her head lifted, consciousness returning to her beautiful green eyes.
Thank the gods. I hadn’t been pious for years, but awe filled my chest. My Pixie had returned to me.There you are. I let my lips curve into a gentle smile.
