Chapter 76
The Biker Alpha Who Became My Second Chance Mate
Chapter 76
44%
I sat on the cold sand watching the waves crash against the shore, each one rrying away a little more of my composure.
The salty breeze whipped my hair around my face, but I barely noticed. All Iould think about was the fight with Tristan and how everything between
us had shattered so completely.
Why was he doing this to me? Why throw my worst mistakes back in my face when I was already falling apart? The cruel things Seraphine had said were
bad enough, but having Tristan dismiss my pain and call me childish felt like a betrayal that cut straight to my bones.
I couldn’t believe he’d taken her side, that exactly how I feel right now. I knew I didn’t tell him what had transpired but still.
After everything that venomous woman had accused me of celebrating the deaths of his mate and child he’d been more worried about my reaction
than what she’d actually done to me.
Like my hurt didn’t matter as much as keeping the peace with his precious victim. He’d would have let be go when I said he should let me be, but no. He had to say those painful words.
Even when he’d tried to apologize, I could hear the truth underneath his words. He still saw me as a child who couldn’t handle adult situations. Still thought of me as the broken girl who needed managing instead of the woman I was trying so hard to become.
Maybe that was for the best. Maybe it was better to know what he really thought of me before I let myself fall completely in love with him again.
The sound of footsteps on sand made me tense, but I didn’t turn around. Probably some late–night jogger or dog walker. This beach was usually deserted at this hour, which was exactly why I’d come here. I needed somewhere I could fall apart in private without worrying about anyone seeing me cry.
Then I heard a voice that made my blood turn to ice water.
“ Athena. ”
No. No, no, no. This couldn’t be happening.
I smelled him before I fully processed what was happening – that familiar cologne mixed with something darker, something that had always made my skin crawl even when I’d been too broken to understand why. My body recognized the threat even before my mind caught up, every muscle tensing with the
urge to run.
But I’d promised myself I wouldn’t let him or even the memory of him break me anymore. I was stronger now. I’d learned to fight. I wouldn’t cower like
I used to.
I fisted my hands and started to turn around slowly, forcing myself to breath steadily despite the panic clawing at my chest.
How had he found me? How did he even know I was here? I’d been so stupid o come out alone, but I’d needed space to think, needed somewhere I could process the disaster my life had become without anyone hovering over me.
But before I could complete the turn to face him, I felt another presence appaching fast impossibly fast, with the fluid grace that could only belong
to one person.
Suddenly strong arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me back against a solid chest. I knew instantly who it was, even though I couldn’t smell or sense him the way I could other wolves. Tristan had always been different the way, like my senses went haywire around him.
He held me so tightly I could barely breathe, like he was terrified I’d disapp if he loosened his grip even slightly.
Despite everything that had happened between us tonight, despite the harsh words and mutual hurt, my body responded to his touch like it always did.
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Chapter 76
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I couldn’t help but savor the feeling of being this close to him again, of feeling tected and wanted and safe.
But then reality crashed back in. Daxon was here, somewhere behind me, and Tristan was holding me instead of going after him. Why wasn’t he protecting me by eliminating the threat?
Unless someone else was handling that.
I forced myself to focus, to extend my senses beyond the intoxicating warmt of Tristan’s embrace. I tried not to let his cologne mess with my ability to read our surroundings, even though having him this close made my head spin.
That’s when I caught another familiar scent on the ocean breeze. Stronger than Tristan, more commanding, carrying the unmistakable authority that
came with leadership.
My brother. My protector. The man who’d become my parents after our parents died.
“Orion, I gasped.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.