Page 51 of Two Years Gone

“Ella, would you let me explain?!”

Ella emerged from the closet with an arm full of shoes. She cocked her arm back.

“There’s nothing to explain! Get out, Zane!”

I stood my ground. I was an alpha for heaven’s sake. I wasn’t going to be intimidated by this girl with a shoe.

“Ella, would you just listen?”

Shoe launched.

I ducked again, impressed with her aim. I shook my head.

“Ella, nothing happened.”

“That sure didn’t look like nothing, Zane. Get the hell out.”

“No,” I replied sternly.

Second shoe launched.

I stepped to the side and moved closer.

“Ella, she ambushed me in my room. I didn’t ask her to be there.”

“You’re saying a big, bad alpha couldn’t keep a little woman off his lap?” Ella scoffed.

I winced.

“Well, when you put it that way…”

Third shoe launched.

“Zane, just go! I knew this wasn’t going to work. I knew you just wanted me to forgive you so you could be alpha! She obviously has something more that you want.”

I growled in irritation. She wasn’t hearing me. I stepped toward her again.

Fourth shoe launched, this time connecting with my head. Ella smirked in victory.

“Would you stop that?!” I hollered as I rubbed my head. The girl had an arm, I had to give her that.

“Not until you leave me alone. I’m… I’m nothing.” I could see Ella’s resolve was beginning to crumble. Tears welled in her eyes.

I shook my head and looked at the floor.

“Ella…”

When she didn’t respond, I looked up to see her arm ready to fire another shoe, tears streaming down her face. It broke my heart, and I could hear my wolf whining, wanting to hold her and comfort her.

I decided to risk it and lunged forward. She attempted to throw the shoe, but I dodged it, grabbing her hand and pulling her close to me.

I cupped her cheek in my hand.

“Ella.”

She met my eyes, her fury now replaced by hurt.

“I promise you, you are not nothing to me.”