Compromise

Arielle’s POV

I was spent.

I was done.

I needed things to be over, and Richard needed to see that.

Yet as his lips melded together with mine, I found it hard to resist him and his damned reason.

My tears had long been shed, and though my cheeks were wet and I was shaking, I wasn’t down for the count.

We parted suddenly and he was breathing as hard as I was. My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest.

Then Richard spoke.

“You know, you say the pack cannot afford to lose me. The pack needs me. And that I’m a good Alpha,” he breathed out with a husky voice. “But all I hear is you.”

I sniffled, fresh tears prickling my eyes at his words.

He was right and I knew it.

He held me close to his chest, his strong arms around my waist and lifting my chin up to look into his eyes, oh so gently.

“You need me, angel. You cannot afford to lose me. And I cannot afford to lose you. I cannot let you go, no matter what you say, and no matter how much you beg. I may be a good Alpha. But now