Lynn’sPOV

"I know you don't believe me," he continues, voice breaking slightly. "I know you think this is manipulation. Another Alpha game. But Lynn... God, Lynn, I never meant for any of this. I was angry and stupid and so fucking blind. But I never wanted you hurt. Never wanted you terrified. Never wanted our children to grow up afraid."

Our children.

The words hang in the air between us. Acknowledgment. Claim. Everything I've been ...