Page 28 of The Alpha's Weakness
I nod against the top of her head. “Always, mate.”
We’re silent, and Holly relaxes against my side. I can feel her letting go of her anger toward me by degrees, giving me hope that I haven’t ruined things with her.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I was wrong.”
“Hmm?”
I kiss the top of her head. “I thought the Pack was the most important thing in my life, but I was wrong. It’s you. It will always be you. I was an idiot to think otherwise, and I’m sorry for what I’ve put you through since our first meeting. I’m sorry for ever making you doubt my feelings for you.”
She tilts her head to look at me, her dark eyes scanning my features, looking for any sign that I’m not being truthful.
“It’s you, mate,” I tell her softly. “You’re what matters.”
She swallows hard and gives me a tiny nod.
Unable to resist any longer, I close the distance between us and kiss her. Her lips are soft against mine, trembling for a second before she leans in and kisses me back. My heart pounds in my chest, and my wolf lets out a low, satisfied rumble deep inside me. This—this is what we’ve both been starving for.
I cradle her cheek, mindful of her bruise, and deepen the kiss. Her hands slide up my chest, clutching the fabric of my shirt like she’s afraid I’ll disappear if she lets go. Tilting my head, I brush my mouth over hers again, slower this time, savoring her sweetness. She tastes like salt and tears and something that feels like home.
“I’ve got you,” I murmur against her lips. “You’re safe now, Holly.”
She exhales shakily, resting her forehead against mine. “I was so scared,” she whispers.
“I know, sweetheart.” I stroke her hair, my voice rough. “I’ll never let anyone touch you again.”
Her breath catches, and she closes the distance, kissing me again—this time with more need, more trust. I meet her halfway, one hand tangling in her hair, the other settling at her waist to steady her. The kiss turns tender again, a promise instead of desperation, and when she sighs into my mouth, I know she’s letting go.
When I finally pull back, she blinks up at me sleepily, her lashes fluttering.
“You should rest,” I say softly.
Holly starts to protest, but I slide one arm under her knees and the other around her back, lifting her easily.
She lets out a little gasp, her hands gripping my shoulders. “Camden?—”
“Shhh,” I hush her. “You’ve been through enough for one day.”
I carry her down the hallway to my bedroom, pushing the door open with my foot. The room is dim and quiet, with the faint scent of pine and cedarwood surrounding us. Setting her gently on the bed, I pull back the blanket so she can slip beneath it. She looks so small there, bruised and tired, but still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
I crouch beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’ll be right here.”
Her hand catches mine before I can move away. “Stay,” she whispers.
I don’t hesitate. I slip off my boots and climb into bed beside her, careful not to jar her sore hip. She curls into my chest like she’s meant to be there, her head resting right over my heart.
Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her close. She lets out a soft sigh, her fingers clutching my shirt.
“Camden?” she murmurs sleepily.
“Yeah, mate?”
“Don’t leave.”
“Never,” I promise, pressing a kiss to her hair. “You’re mine. Always.”
She relaxes fully then, her breathing evening out as she drifts off in my arms. I hold her tighter, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against mine.
My wolf finally settles, content for the first time since we found her.
