Chapter 39: True Mate
(Grace's POV)
Alexander stood near the door, torn between two forces: me and Victoria. His wolf hesitated for a fleeting moment, its energy thick and tense as it enveloped me. He lingered, his hand briefly tightening on my waist.
"Stay," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I wasn't begging, but the plea was there, raw and exposed. "Just once. Choose me."
His golden eyes softened, and for the briefest moment, I thought—maybe. Maybe this time he would stay. Maybe this time it would be different.
But then her voice came crashing through the mate bond, sharp and desperate. "Alexander! It’s my heart... I—" Her voice cut off, replaced with the sound of exaggerated breaths.
The tension in his jaw was all the answer I needed. He stepped back, creating what fe
