Page 71 of Alpha's Rejected Warrior
“This isn’t just about us—”
“It’s never about us!” The words explode from him. “I see that, in every look, every conversation, every time you pretend I don’t exist unless you need something. That’s why you’re here now, isn’t it? You need something else for the investigation.”
Heat flares in my chest, though I know he’s right. “You’re the one who’s been avoiding me!”
“Because you told me that I was a mistake!” His jade-colored eyes flash with hurt and anger. “You made your choice. I’m just respecting it.”
“By treating me like the villain?”
“By knowing when I’m not wanted.” He closes the gap between us. “You think I don’t realize how the others see me? I’m the meddling human who put their Commander in danger.”
“That’s not—”
“I was never meant to stay here. I’m not even supposed to know that Clarion exists, remember? I’m not going to stick around until the Alpha King decides I’ve outlived my usefulness.”
My wolf snarls at the pain in his voice, but I force my expression to remain calm. “So, you’re giving up then?”
“You gave up first.” His laugh sounds bitter. “I’m just finally being realistic. I’m not one of you. Don’t try to contradict me. Don’t say anything. I’ve made my decision, and I’ll be gone after the summit.”
The finality in his voice is like a fist to my chest.
This is exactly what I thought was best, right? Clarion is no place for a human. With Ethan gone, my life is simplified, no more tough choices or conflicting responsibilities. But hearing him say I’m losing him is like losing a piece of myself I never knew I had, and I’m doing everything in my power to keep my wolf from flying into a panic attack.
The truth hovers on my tongue. I want to tell him to stay, that the thought of him leaving splits me in two, that just the past day alone without his constant presence has been torture.
But I can’t say that. I can’t give him hope for something that will only destroy us both.
“You’re right. This is what’s best for you to ensure your safety.”
He nods, though defiance still lurks in his eyes. “Agreed.”
“But you’ll continue to help me with Jayme?”
“Yes, of course. For Jayme’s sake.”
“Right, and we’ll stop avoiding each other? For Jayme’s sake.”
He nods, looking at the floor.
I shove down the urge to pull him in close, to demand that he reconsider, to fight for what we could still have. Instead, I lock everything up and slink behind my rank and title.
“Good. I do need your help with something related to Jayme’s case.”
“Sure.” His voice reverts back to being flat and neutral. “What do you need?”
“I want to ask Lady Gemma what she knows about Blackroot.”
“Blackroot?”
“Yes. When I spoke with the seers, Mahal mentioned repeatedly seeing Blackroot in their visions.”
Ethan’s eyebrows lift, his interest piqued. “Dr. Olcan said Holden gave him a box of Blackroot when they arrived. Do you think it could have done something to Jayme?”
“I doubt it.” I blow out a breath, folding my arms as frustration builds. We’re chasing shadows with nothing solid to grab onto. “It’s a harmless herb that we use to make tea. Thea once compared it to a popular drink that she served at the diner in the Outer Lands, one that’s commonly consumed in the mornings.”
“You mean coffee?”
“Yes, I believe so. It’s a mild stimulant. Nothing more.”
