Chapter 20
She stood abruptly, no longer trying to play nice for Edmund’s sake.
“This isn’t your territory,” she said, voice rising. “This isn’t a pack gathering where
everyone bows to your command.”
“I’m trying to keep you from getting hurt!”
“Then maybe you can explain something to me,” she snapped. “What exactly gives you the right to control my life? Are you just some childhood acquaintance who’s a little too involved–or are you still pretending to be my brother?”
The word hit like a slap. Hard. Deliberate.
Aaron froze.
If he acknowledged the title- ‘brother‘–then he’d have to let her go. Accept that any
future between them was forever off the table.
But if he didn’t… then he had no right to interfere in her relationships.
The air around them went taut with tension.
Edmund finally spoke up, clearly uncomfortable. “Alright, alright… look, Alpha. Even if
you have someone in mind for her, maybe don’t push so hard. Let Rachel say her piece first. Talk it through.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Aaron said, jaw clenched. “It’s not up for discussion.”
Rachel exhaled sharply, snatching up her coat. “I’m sorry for ruining the afternoon, Edmund. This was supposed to be a peaceful lunch. You all enjoy it–I’m heading out.”
She didn’t wait for anyone to respond, didn’t even look back.
And once again, Aaron was left in her wake.
She didn’t let Justin follow her either. “Stay,” she told him gently. “Keep Edmund
company.”
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Aaron barely waited a beat before pushing away from the table and storming after her.
“Rachel! Stop!”
She kept walking.
Faster.
He caught up just as she stepped off the block, grabbing her arm and spinning her
toward him.
“Just hear me out, please—”
“Aaron, how many times do I have to say it?” Her voice cracked. “I know exactly what you’re trying to say. I just don’t want to hear it.”
The shouting match ended only when Aaron shoved her into the passenger seat of his
car and slammed the door shut behind her–locking it before she could open it again.
silen
boilin
They were trapped in that narrow space, with everything unsaid.
“You’ve made your point,” Rachel hissed, eyes flashing. “You’ve ruined lunch, you’ve humiliated me in front of everyone–what now? You think this is still your turf? You’re not in the pack anymore. If you don’t let me out, I swear I’ll call the cops for unlawful
restraint.”
Aaron didn’t snap this time.
Instead, he drew a shaky breath and spoke in a voice she’d never heard from him before -low, rough, almost broken.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I just… I needed you to know. It wasn’t until you left that I realized it. Rachel, it’s always been you. I’ve loved you from the start. So no, I don’t care who you think you’re in love with. I won’t accept it. The only one who gets to grow old
with you is me.”
It was the closest he’d ever come to vulnerability.
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And even now–his confession sounded more like a demand than a plea.
Rachel stared at him in disbelief… and then let out a bitter laugh.
“Are you serious right now?” she asked, voice flat. “You really think those words are meant for me? Save them for Sierra. That’s the girl you should be talking to… big
brother.”
Aaron groaned, pressing his fingers to the bridge of his nose like the headache was splitting him open. “Can you not bring her up right now?”
“No, Aaron,” Rachel said flatly. “I’ve already accepted Sierra as your mate. I even wished you two a lifetime of happiness. What more do you want from me?”
“Rachel-”
“Or did you two have a fight?” she added, sweet as sugar and sharp as a blade.
And just like that, she hit him with another, “Big brother.”
Aaron’s temple throbbed. Every time she used that word, it was like a slap. He wanted her to stop, but couldn’t find a reason that didn’t sound hollow.
“You-”
He had just started to speak when Rachel slammed her palm against the window and shouted, “Help! Somebody helps me!”
Chapter 20
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From heartbreak to healing she found peace at last.
