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Hot tears blur my vision, turning the world into a watercolor of muted greys and blues. The salt stings my eyes, mirroring the ache in my chest. Every inhale brings the scent of the ocean, of Dash, making my decision all the more painful.
The streets blur as I run, my mind a chaotic mess of fear and regret. I can’t let them find out. I can’t let them know what I really am. The consequences would be disastrous.
I find myself at the end of the street, no bus stop anywhere nearby, as the ocean breeze brings with it the scent of saltwater—Dash’s scent. I pause, if only for a moment, and take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but the fear lingers, driving me to keep going.
I don’t want to keep running.
My heart wages war against my mind. Every fiber of my being screams to stay, to be accepted, to belong. But the voice of fear whispers insidiously, reminding me of the danger. I want them. I want them to want me—all of me. But can I risk it?
I finally admit it. I want them to want the baggage that comes with me, and I want them to fight for me.
It’s too much to ask.
I collapse against a stop sign, my legs trembling from the exertion and the overwhelming emotions coursing through me. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to hold the pieces of my shattered world together. The weight of my secret and the fear of being discovered all feels like it’s too much to bear.
“Aria,” a voice calls out, cutting through the silence of the morning. I look up to see Dash standing a few feet away, his expression a mix of determination and concern. He must have followed me, refusing to leave me alone.
Stubborn alpha.
“Go away, Dash,” I say, my voice trembling. “You don’t understand. I can’t stay. It’s not safe.”
He takes a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. “I’m not leaving you, Aria. Not now, not ever,” Dash says, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. “Whatever you’re running from, whatever you’re scared of, we face it together. That’s what pack means. So please, talk to me. Let me in.”
Tears spill down my cheeks as I shake my head. “You don’t understand. If they find out… If they know what I am…”
Dash’s expression softens, and he reaches out to take my hand. “What’s that, Aria?”
All I can do is shake my head back and forth.
He can’t know. If he knows, it’s too much…
“Hey, it’s all right.” He nudges my chin up. “Baby, it can’t be that bad.”
“It’s bad.”
“Then you are with the best pack you could be with. We keep people safe for a living.” He brushes my tears away. “We’ve got you.”
His words break through the wall of fear surrounding my heart, and I let out a sob, collapsing into his arms. He holds me tightly, his warmth and strength grounding me, giving me a glimmer of hope.
“Shhh, it’s all right,” he murmurs, his voice filled with emotion. “I’ve got you.” He presses little kisses to the top of my head.
I cling to him, my tears soaking his shirt. “I don’t want to lose you,” I whisper, my voice breaking, “but I’m so scared, Dash. What if they find out? What if they hurt you because of me?”
He pulls back slightly, cupping my face in his hands. “We’ll deal with it, Aria. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together. I promise.” His smile is damn near radiant. “I won’t ever let anything hurt you.”
The sincerity in his eyes and the unwavering determination in his voice give me the strength to believe him. If I open up to him, to them, then maybe everything will be all right.
“Okay,” I whisper, nodding. “Okay.”
Dash smiles, relief flooding his features. “Good. Now, let’s go back. I make a mean latte, and I think there might be some hazelnut syrup in the cabinet.”
My breath catches as Dash mentions the hazelnut syrup. A warmth blooms in my chest, spreading outward and momentarily chasing away the chill of fear. Such a small detail, yet it speaks volumes about how much he cares.
I shouldn’t compare, but Noah never remembered. I need that comparison, though, to remind me that Dash isn’t Noah. I need to stop treating him the same as Noah.
I take a deep breath, the weight of my fear lifting just enough for me to breathe, and I give him a watery smile.
“I’d like that.”
