Share Your Burden

Caleb didn’t respond, he just held her tighter, and she welcomed it.

“We both put people at risk out of fear of losing each other,” she continued. “That won’t happen again.”

“What are you saying?” Caleb asked quietly. Holding back the panic he felt rising in his stomach.

Ashleigh turned so she could face him.

She kissed his lips gently and placed her hand on his cheek.

“We love each other, and that’s not going to change,” she smiled.

He nuzzled against her hand.

“But,” she continued, “we need boundaries. You are the Alpha of Summer, first and foremost. I need to know your pack comes first.”

“But–”

“No,” she stated. “Non-negotiable. Your pack comes first.”

Caleb clenched his jaw.

“I will do my best to ensure my pack is not put at risk again,” he said. “But I refuse to lose you. So if you’re telling me to accept whatever my pack thinks is best regarding our relationship, I won’t.”