Alpha's Regret After She Kneels novel Chapter 113

I turn slowly, my pulse pounding in my ears as my eyes meet his.

Midnight.

He’s angry; I feel the storm beneath the surface. His posture stiff, and yet it’s his eyes that betray him.

Possessiveness.

Jealousy.

For a fleeting moment, the mask slips, and I see the raw emotion he’s trying to bury. But then, just as quickly, it’s gone.

“The council requires your presence.”

His voice is flat, devoid of emotion, but I know him too well to miss the tension beneath his cool exterior.

He doesn’t acknowledge Zion. Doesn’t ask why we’re standing so close. But the air around us crackles with unspoken tension, thick enough to suffocate.

Zion steps back, giving me space, but I feel his watchful gaze on Raiden, his stance subtly protective.

“I’ll speak with you later,” Zion murmurs softly, his tone respectful but laced with concern.

I nod, though I can barely tear my gaze away from Raiden’s retreating figure as he turns on his heel and strides toward the council chambers.

I follow, my mind spinning, heart pounding.

Why?

Why did he look at me like that?

Why did Zion’s confession provoke such evident displeasure if Raiden doesn’t care?

He doesn’t care.

He’s made that clear time and time again.

And yet…

The memory of the flash of emotion in his eyes burns in my mind, refusing to fade.

As we walk in silence, the space between us feels heavier than ever. The bond that once connected us is barely a whisper now, but even in its weakened state, it thrums with something I can’t quite name.

“Raiden…”

I don’t know why I speak his name. Maybe I’m hoping for answers. Maybe I’m just tired of the silence.

He doesn’t respond.

I try again.

“Why did you send Lila away?”

His steps falter, barely perceptible, but I catch it.

For a moment, I think he might ignore me. But then, his jaw tightens, and he speaks without looking at me.

“She was… becoming a distraction.”