Lost everything. The words struck me, but not in the way he meant them. I felt the heat of jealousy rising, fierce and overwhelming.
I forced a smile, nodding stiffly. “Of course, Alpha Damon. Whatever you think is best.”
But as I said the words, a part of me already knew that “temporary” would become something else, something worse. Every time I saw him by Georgina’s side, helping her settle into her new space, giving her the kind of attention, I felt like an outsider.
My days became filled with painful glances, stifled sobs in empty hallways, and nights lying awake, wondering what Alpha Damon saw in her. I didn’t want to feel this way. I knew she’d suffered, and I wanted to have empathy, but my jealousy was stronger.
One day, after another evening of watching Alpha Damon’s concern for Georgina, I couldn’t keep my silence any longer. My heart pounded as I approached him, cornering him in the library.
“Alpha Damon, why are you doing this?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why is she so important?”
He looked at me with surprise, a slight frown creasing his forehead. “Kierra, what are you talking about?”
“She’s… she’s just here, taking up all of your time, your attention,” I stammered, feeling foolish but unable to stop. “Do you even see what this is doing to…u-us?”
Alpha Damon sighed, stepping closer and taking my hands in his. “Kierra, Georgina has been through more than you could know. She doesn’t have anyone else, and right now, she needs support. This isn’t about you or me. It’s about doing what’s right.”
But his words didn’t comfort me. Instead, they stoked my resentment further. “I’m here, Alpha Damon. I need you too… We ne” My voice trembled, but he just shook his head gently.
“Kierra,” he said softly, “it’s not the same. She’s just a friend.”
Those words echoed in my mind, a bitter refrain that wouldn’t go away. He didn’t understand how deeply I felt, how much his attention to her tore at me. I wanted to believe him, to feel secure, but every time I saw them together, the pain came rushing back.
And then one night, I couldn’t take it anymore. It was late, and the mansion had gone quiet. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling as if I were suffocating under the weight of my own emotions. I had tried to be patient, to understand, but the ache in my heart was unbearable.
“Maybe it's time…” I whispered.