Chapter 17

Aliyah

"What are you talking about? Get away from me!" I shouted, jumping off the bed and putting distance between us. The way he looked at me, I was like some rare specimen under a microscope. I couldn't stand it, not even for a second. "Take me back to Jadeiles. Now!" Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes. I couldn't let him see me cry—not again. Not after everything he had put me through in the past.

"Aliyah, we're meant to be together. You know it deep down," Brayden insisted. "I understand if you're scared or confused, but please, just give me a chance to explain. I promise you, I will never hurt you like before. Let me show you how much I've changed. I never stopped loving you."

"Love?" I scoffed, finally turning to face him. "You don't know the meaning of the word. You only care about yourself and your precious pack."

"Maybe that was true once, but not anymore," he said, his eyes pleading with me to believe him. "I've changed, Aliyah. Give me a chance to prove it to you.