**Trigger warning:* This chapter contains scenes of self-harm. Proceed with caution.
Derrick
I take Alisa straight back home. I didn’t plan to move her into my room right away. Even when I had a marked mate in the past, I liked my space when I needed it – that was before I could control the panic attacks, and I prefer solitude when they come.
But it’s too dangerous. I can’t risk my fated mate. Much as I’d rather be alone with my thoughts right now, locked in a room with my bottle of whiskey while I process Gabriel’s invasion, I have to consider her first.
I also need to block her out. From my experience, I know that she-wolves can’t handle it when their mate, the man she perceives to be strong and unshakable, comes apart. It scares them. If he can’t hold it together, how must I?
Alisa
