“I need to talk to her,” I said. “Explain. Make her understand why I had to–”
“Alpha–”
“She deserves an explanation, Marcus. Eight years can’t just… disappear because of one night. Because of some bond that happened when she was emotional and vulnerable.”
Marcus was quiet for a moment. “Do you love her?”
“What?”
“Isla Rosewood. Do you love her?”
“Of course I do,” I said immediately. “Why do you think this is so hard? Why do you think I–” I stopped, dragging a hand through my hair.
“I love her. But I also love my Pack. I love what I can build with this position. The Harrington alliance gives me power to protect everyone, to create something lasting. Isla… she’ll understand eventually. Once she sees what we can accomplish together.”
“Together?” Marcus’ voice was carefully neutral.
