Page 101 of Ruthless Alpha Beast

It’s too much.

“It’s fine,” I mutter, darting my eyes to the trees the shifter disappeared into. “You didn’t have to do all that, so thanks.”

“I did,” he presses, edging close. “Are you okay?”

The answer is a definite no. I’m definitely not okay. But now, I’m not sure how to behave.

“Let me take you home,” he says, his hand hovering for a moment before gently cupping my face. “We can talk about this in private, okay?”

I almost let myself sink into his hand. But I don’t.

“I just,” I huff, battling with my urge to cry. “I need some time, I need to...”

Before I finish, I twist away. My feet somehow manage to move before my mind does, and they carry me fast through the trees.

For the second time today, I have no idea where I’m going, but the tears are going to come pouring out of me either way.

“Tara—" Jasper’s voice is behind me, sharp and commanding at first, but soon turning softer. “Wait.”

But I can’t.

My lungs burn as I continue running, the mass of greens and browns blurring at my sides as I try to find an empty space.

I run until I can’t run anymore.

I hate this feeling—one of being vulnerable and small. One in which I feel like I need protecting.

I’ve managed so long without needing anyone, so why does it all feel so different now?

“Tara!” His voice is closer now. Of course, he’s caught up with me. What did I expect?

I shove past a low-hanging branch, my breath hitching as I continue to walk.

“Tara, calm down. We can figure this out together. We’ll find a way to make it better for you here.”

Now I stop. I feel his warmth behind me; he’s not going to give up.

“Just leave it,” I snap. “I don’t care.”

“What do you mean you don’t care?”

I take a deep breath, fists clenched as I stare at the forest floor. “Look, the only reason I agreed to this arrangement was to make the lives of my coven friends easier. I don’t care about my standing in this pack, I’m fine with being a lowly human.”

“I don’t want to ever hear you say that again.”

His voice is harsh and angry.

I’m confused. I stay silent.

“I don’t want you thinking for one second that you’re any less important than the witches.”

I turn, my hair a mess around my face, my breath ragged.

Jasper’s expression stops me cold.

Chapter 20 - Jasper

I refuse to let her think that she doesn’t have a place here.