Losing control.

Rael’s POV

“You're a bastard, Rael Allston.”

Her words came to me. Cutting and tear laden. It was the words of the young woman who was breathing soundly beside me, leaning onto me with her arm tightly linked to mine. I looked at her, watching every rise and fall movement of her frame.

Her eyes, which had not fully recovered from the swollen mess it was due to last night, stood out more.

She was right. I was a bastard. Probably the worst of them, but it wasn't for the reason she thought.

I carefully extricated my arm away from her with ease. Her arm slipped off, resting on the couch.

Standing up, I managed to gather her in my arms, lifting her up bridal style. She didn't wake up, not once.

Carrying her brought her scent so close to me. I shut my eyes for a moment to reject the push my instincts gave.

I walked slowly out of the library toward her room.

On the way back, we crossed the dining room, where the pack members were packing the dishes full of unfinished food.

When the older woma