Page 104 of The Weakest Wolf

When she takes her hands from my back, my heart stops—until she frames my face. “Yes, you messed up. Several times.” She sighs. “But so did I. I never thought you’d be here looking to protect Eden. I was wrong about you, too.”

“No, that was on me. If I’d told you what I was doing there and why maybe things would’ve ended differently.” I frown. “No, Iknowthey would have. I said I’d make things right, and I will.”

Her eyes search mine. “You fought and killed most of the Stone pack.”

“Yes,” I admit, “and I told you then that wasn’t enough. That you deserved more. I still believe you do.”

“And how will you do that?”

Make you Luna. Spend the rest of my life loving you.

From the moment I stepped into her life, everything I did hurt her. I even ruined her first time, an experience she might never forget, let alone forgive.

I have a lot of wrongs to right.

Even then, one day she might look me in the face and realize she could have something better with someone else.

But first…

“A home, with a pack. A normal pack.”

She raises her eyebrow. “You think you’re normal?”

I don’t fucking deserve you.

“According to Dom, no. Apparently I snarl too much.”

Her lips curve in a faint smile. “I like him already.”

Like.

She’s only ever known predators all her life. There are good guys in the world, and one of them is Dom.

When I don’t respond, her smile fades. “What is it?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. Dom likes you too.”

Her expression turns thoughtful. “You said something like that before.”

“I did.”

After a searching glance, she sighs. “Galen? This thing between us isn’t because you want to save someone the way you couldn’t save Melody, is it?” Her question is soft, not intended to hurt. I read the sympathy front and center in her eyes.

“I should’ve said goodbye to Melody a long time ago,” I admit. “Dom hinted at it before he straight up told me I needed to let her go, but I couldn’t.”

“And you have now?”

I nod. “Yes. I played a part in her death, and that’s something I have to accept.”

“That wasn’t all your fault, Galen.”

Turning my head, I kiss her palm. “But some of it was. So, to answer your question, no, I’m not looking to replace Melody. What I have with you is different—youare different. I think I am too.”

Curiosity stirs in her silver eyes. “Different how?”

“Fierce.” Lowering my head, I brush my lips across hers. “My wolf craves you as if you’ve gotten into my blood and under my skin. I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone.”

“Not even Melody?”

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