Chapter 31 Writer's POV
Alexis stormed into his home, his anger and frustration boiling over. He didn't notice the woman standing in the shadows, didn't notice her concern etched on her face. Not until she stepped forward, that is.
"Alexis, is everything alright?" she asked softly, her hand reaching out to touch his arm.
But Alexis wasn't having it. He lashed out, his hand swatting hers away. "Don't touch me," he growled, his voice low and menacing.
The woman stumbled back, her eyes welling up with tears. "Alexis, please..."
But he wasn't listening. He turned on his heel, leaving her standing there, tears streaming down her face. "You're always so clingy," he spat over his shoulder. "Can't you just give me some space?"
The woman, Rose, his mate, collapsed to the floor, her body wracked with sobs. She had been waiting for him, hoping that he would finally show her some kindness, some affection. But instead, he hurt her again.
As Alexis walked away, Rose's wolf howled in pain, feeling the sting of rejection and hurt. She had given herself to Alexis, body and soul, and he repaid her with cruelty and disdain.
Rose lay on the floor, her body shaking with sobs. She didn't know how much more she could take. Alexis's rejection was a constant ache, a wound that never healed. She loved him, despite everything, despite the way he treated her.
As she cried, Rose felt her wolf's pain, felt its despair and sadness. She knew that she deserved better, that she shouldn't have to suffer like this. But she couldn't help herself, couldn't help loving Alexis, no matter how much he hurt her.
The silence in the room was oppressive, punctuated only by Rose's sobs. She lay there, feeling lost and alone, wondering if things would ever change, if Alexis would ever love her the way she loved him.
As the minutes ticked by, Rose slowly got to her feet, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She knew that she had to get up, had to keep going, no matter how much it hurt. But as she looked around the empty room, she felt a pang of sadness, a sense of loss and longing.
She loved Alexis, but he didn't love her. And she didn't know how much longer she could keep loving him, despite the pain he caused her.