"Kael," Onika said, sounding tired.
"What? It's true."
Even Annie was looking at Alpha. She was so disappointed. "Alpha, she just saved your life. The least you could do is-"
"I offered her money and a burial," Alpha said. "That's more than most people would get from me."
"What?" Annie's voice rose slightly. "Her sister died and you're talking about money?"
Alpha looked at her, and his expression softened just slightly. "Annie, I'm sorry her sister is dead. Truly. But I won't apologise for protecting you. I won't apologise for doing what needed to be done. If that makes me a monster in her eyes, so be it."
Annie shook her head and pulled away from him, standing up from the bed. She didn't say anything else-just wrapped her arms around herself and looked away.
The roo
