#6 Forbidden Fruit

Walking behind the alpha, my mind was a whirlpool of doubt and self-recrimination. I had hoped to project strength and independence—qualities that alphas supposedly admired in their partners. But the truth was, I felt anything but powerful. I had found myself in an embarrassing situation, a damsel in distress whom Jake had to rescue. It was a stark contrast to the image I wished to uphold.

I couldn’t help but feel that I was failing at maintaining the façade of resilience. The reality was harsh and unyielding. Without Kathy's steadfast support, I would have been crushed under the weight of the judgmental stares and malicious whispers. I was weak, wolfless, and at the mercy of those who were more powerful. Day in and day out, I fought my own battles, and it was only thanks to my friends and aunt that I had managed to endure. Yet, here I was, cursing Jake—an ungratefulness that stung with each thought.

Lost in my introspection, I nearly collided with the passing traffic. A brawny hand re