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I opened my mouth but then closed it, frowning. I let out a heavy sigh and stretched.

“Do it again,” she chuckled when I busted her for watching.

Yeah, sure, I would do whatever made her happy.

“I don’t know, and clearly I needed to talk this through with you since you’re smarter than me,” I grumbled, frowning when she snorted. “You are. But I didn’t want to mix things. We do handle things well, but this is the priority.” I gestured between us. “But you were also dealing with all the fucking fallout with the board. It seemed selfish—”

“You don’t get to decide that.Idecide that,” she snapped. “Don’t decide things for me. I was texting you asking if you were okay and reaching out—”

“You’re right,” I said firmly. “You are completely right and I was an idiot—Iamone.” I let out a slow breath when she seemed to accept that and calmed down. “I shouldn’t have made the decision for you and you’re right. I would just like to explain where my head was at.”

She took a large, angry bite but then gestured with her fork for me to go ahead.

“You were overloaded and looked overwhelmed. Adding to that when I’d been stupid seemed cruel. It seemed like I’d be trying to break you. I couldn’t help you, so I could at least stay out of your way. I was raised not to be a problem and to stay out of the way.” I frowned as I realized how true that was, folding into myself a bit.

“That’s clearly not a line from what I’m getting off of you and you just realized how badly you’ve been treated and trained,” she mumbled.

“Yeah, I don’t think I saw the way it leaked over before,” I whispered, staring at my plate. “How easily I push what I want or need to the side so I don’t bother others. And now I just found out part of it was a lie. My brothers were setting me up so I didn’t get closer to my dad. They’re always so worried I’ll want to become Alpha or—it’s fucked.

“I’m sorry my fucked leaked over so I didn’t handle this better. I let it go too long. It should have just been the weekend, and I should have told you like an adult. You’re right on that. Saying I needed a time-out to sort my head is completely acceptable. I just—it went too long, and I kept thinking just push it back a day until things calm down for you and don’t bug you.”

“I understand where your head is, and I even appreciate the consideration, but I’m mostly pissed you ignored what I was saying for you to decide what was better for me,Alpha.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” I whispered. “I really didn’t. I see how it came off like that, but I swear it wasn’t my goal or where my head was.”

She didn’t say anything for several minutes and just kept eating, my wolf practically squirming as she did. Hell, he was ready to show her our belly just to get out of trouble or feeling this pressure from her. “Only time will tell. Your actions don’t fit your words, and as much as I want to believe you, I need to see the pudding.”

That took me a moment. The proof was in the pudding, right, got it.

I nodded and opened my mouth to apologize again.

“But part of this was my not telling you things. I’m glad your friends sorted you out on that, but you need to accept that I won’t tell you shit. We’re not even fucking dating and we barely know each other.Youtold me a lot and I accept that—am always willing to listen. Just because you told me about your family does not make me obligated to tell you dick, and I won’t be—”

“You’re right,” I agreed.

“Stop fucking interrupting me,” she blasted, rage and something else in her eyes.

Fear. My wolf scented it and that was why he was squirming. This was setting her off and she was afraid.

Not of me. Of the past repeating itself?

Was I acting like Tommy Fitz to her?

I really,reallyhoped not.

I didn’t say anything for a moment, unsure of how to handle this. Then I decided to just be honest, pushing my hair back and letting out a long breath. “I’m not interrupting to be dismissive or because your words aren’t important, Ellie. My wolf and I don’t like seeing you this upset. The more you’re talking, the more your anxiety and anger are rising.”

“That’s for me to decide,” she mumbled. “I appreciate you caring, but I just got out of an emotionally abusive and manipulative relationship. Even I understand that I need to feel that I’m being heard and not brushed off.”

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry.”

She nodded and then gave an inch, saying that it was normal for people to interrupt when things were heated or they were excited. She just needed the consideration when there were issues.

And I was proud of her for saying that. I wished I could articulate my needs that well. It clearly had taken a lot for her to say that too.

Which was why I moved to sit next to her, sliding my arm around her and kissing her hair. “I’m on your side. Even when it’s on the side against me because I’m being a butthead.”

“Stupid butthead,” she mumbled… But didn’t push me away.