Alpha Gideon’s POV
I didn’t look at her. I couldn’t.
The sound of her soft breathing behind me, the silence between us—it was louder than any battle cry I’d ever heard.
My fists clenched at my sides.
I told her to leave.
The words tasted bitter, sharper than any blade. But I said them anyway. I had to. This was the only way to keep her safe. From me….
Her presence had begun to unravel the walls I spent years building. The way she looked at me—like I was worth something. Like I wasn’t made of ice and stone. It terrified me.
She made me feel again.
And that was dangerous.
I heard the rustle of fabric behind me. She was dressing—quietly, slowly, probably still in shock. I couldn’t bring myself to face her. If I did, I wouldn’t be able to let her go.
But I had to.
I couldn’t allow w
