In his arm

The Alpha King looked up to me with softness in his eyes. He looked exactly like I always wanted him to look when he was with me. No fights, no guards or walls up, no defenses, just soft and sweet and fresh. Free from the chains and traumas of the past.

"You love him!" The Alpha King said in a deeply hurt and strangled voice.

I paused, taken aback by the suddenness and intensity of his words. I had always wondered if the Alpha King had feelings for me, but I had never expected him to confront me like this.

"I do," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it's not like that, I swear. I never meant to hurt you."

The Alpha King's eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he was going to lash out at me. But instead, he took a deep breath and composed himself.

"I understand," he said, his voice still strained. "I can't force you to love me, but I hope you know that I will always care for you. You are important to me, and I want you to be happy, even if it's not with me."

I felt