Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 124

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1 squeezed my eyes shut, to avoid looking into his eyes that conveyed how vastly unbearable not being able to he with me was for him, I found myself unable to endure the searing ache in my chest. Devastating guilt pours all over me, steaming hot, making me wonder if I was being punished for overlooking Deckard’s unwavering devotion and instead choosing Keith.

Now, with clarity, I saw the truth: Deckard’s selfless love had been there all along, a constant, magical, presence in my life. He had always been there for me, without expectation or condition. Every thoughtful gesture, every prompt response to my calls and texts, every sacrifice he had made for me it all made sense now. The feelings I had mistaken for kindness and compassion, qualities I had assumed were simply a part of his nature, were, in fact, something more precious. Deckard loves me!

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The tears I had been holding back finally broke free, trickling down my cheeks and past my chin falling into my lap as I wept for the pain I had unknowingly caused him, for the faithful love he had given me without expectation of return.

Before I knew it, I was falling apart, collapsing into tears, overcome with emotions and regret as I imagined the depth of Deckard’s pain, the pain I had unknowingly but stupidly caused him.

“Karissa, no, oh no, sweetheart,” he beseeches with concern as he scooted closer, his armis enveloping me in a warm, soothing embrace. He held me gently, affectionately wiping away my tears with his thumb, his soft hushing sounds bringing me down to ground of comfort. As I wept, Deckard’s hold on me tightened, his rapid heartbeats echoes mine, his arms wings of love and compassion „“wrapping around me like a shield.

I swear, this is the last time you’re crying, Karissa, no more tears,” he vowed, and it seemed to be for the both of us, filled with a gentle determination as he held me tightly, letting me weep out my sorrow and guilty in the safety of his arms. He didn’t try to silence me or shush me, but instead, allowed me to release the pent–up emotions, holding me with a fierce tenderness that seemed to surrounded me in a calm atmosphere.

As my cries slowly subsided, I felt exhaustion replace the ache, a tiniest feather of peace follows behind, that I hadn’t known in years, not since my morn had been by my side. It was as if Deckard’s arms had become the satest harbour of my broken, almsot sunken ship, a place where I could find solace and calm, and I knew, in that moment, that I was exactly where I was meant to be, not a step behind, not a step ahead.

“I hope you know I didn’t tell you I love you because I’m grabbing the opportunity or trying to take advantage of your situation,” he humbly defended his words and actions, his eyes seeking mine for reassurance. I wiped my face, trying to compose myself, and shook my head, a small, weary smile on my lips.

“I know you, Deckard, “I spoke just as soft and assuringly “I know how you are. You don’t need to explain yourself anymore.” My smile felt heavy, burdened down by the knowledge that I had caused him palo, a pain that would forever leave a scar on my heart. But in that moment, I wanted Deckard to know that I trusted him, that I understood his intentions, and that I valued the love he had so selflessly offered me.

“Are you going to tell your family about Jovi?” I questioned and he nodded, a resolute glint in his eye, now that curtain he held so stiffly up was down, I doubt he’ll keep it any longer.

“I don’t have to hide it anymore,” he smiled, wide and proud, is tone wrapped with liberation. “I don’t care if people think I’m foolish for loving you, Hamsty,” he added, his fingers brushing against my nose in a playful gesture before he flicked and I groaned. A low chuckle rumbled in his throat, and my heart swelled with nostalgic longing. These past days, I missed the easy bond we always had, the effortless beauty of our friendship.

“I just hope –“he gulped as he coughed lightly battling the difficult words. “Jovi – she doesn’t hates me for hiding the truth.” His voice came out shaky with anticipation as my heart wrenches along with his with the possible fear. “I’ve been thinking about breaking this to her for a while, but I am just scared of losing her love,” he admitted his fears out and I nodded in understanding as I reached forward and held his hand tightly, clutching it firmly to assure him my complete support.

“She’s your daughter Decks – you’re her Father! I’ve seen you doing things for her even blood Father would hesitate doing so. She respects and loves you more than anyone. I don’t think that’ll faze her love for you one bit. “I encouraged reassuringly as he clenched his jaw and nodded at me partially skeptical.

Yet, a hollow, cruel truth lingered between us, a heatbreaking reality that threatened to disrupt the delicate balance of our relationship. Despite his ardent love for me, and my deep admiration and respect for his feelings, I couldn’t deny my fears, that I wouldn’t be able to

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reciprocate his emotions.

He had always been a friend to me, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t seem to rewire my feelings overnight. The thought of being with anyone felt suffocating. Before I could even consider the possibility of love, I needed to rediscover myself, to heal myself and learn to be whole again.

“Deckard, I-“I began, my voice faltering as I hesitated, worried that I might unintentionally reject him twice. But before I could continue, his face softened, and he offered a cordially knowing smile – one that didn’t quite reach his eyes, but announced his pure intentions and evergreen understanding

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“I know, Hamsty,” his eyes filling with habitual awareness, he was a master in reading my ever since childhood, without or before any words could escape me.

“You don’t need to explain anything. It was never my intention to drag you into a relationship or pressure you into something you’re not ready for. You’re free to choose and live the way you want, and every time you turn around, you’ll find me right there, loving you,” he confessed, his words so realistically beautiful tattooing itself into the safe of memories. I bit back tears, determined not to cry again today. As much as I knew that rejecting him felt wrong, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t ready to get romantically involved with anyone – not even the man who had quietly captured my heart long ago, though I had only just begun to realize it.

“I want to go home, Deckard,” I declared, my eyes locked on him, awaiting his reaction, his eyes widened in surprise, but then, like the sun bursting through the clouds, warmth and happiness radiated back into his eyes, and a wide, beaming smile spread across his face, reminiscent of a child on Christmas morning, overflowing with joy and exhilarating anticipation.

“I want to live there and be around people who love me and make me happy,” I finalised with everything I had left and had in me. “No more hesitations,” I added, and Deckard’s face lit up with a soft, contented laugh that seemed both disbelieving and touched a joyful sound that spoke of satisfaction and delightedness.

“It’s always been your home, Karry,” his claim secures me, his hands rising and his fingers gently sweeping my hair out of my face, and in that simple gesture, I was reminded of just how effortless things were with him. His touch was like a healing ointment, his actions a reminder of his thoughtful nature, his words a neer ending source of comfort, and his devotion a reflection of his kind and caring heart. Even his gentle guidance, born from a desire to protect and care for me, never felt controlling or suffocating, but rather a reassuring presence that gave me strength every step of my life.

Just as he was about to leave, I reached out and grasped his hand, pulling him back down beside me, he didn’t expressed a confusing surprise this time around.

1 inched closer, my face inches from his, and cupped his cheeks in my hands. His eyes widened in astonishment, before they shifted, analyzing me, filling with admiration, I could feel his heart racing beneath his chest. His skin grew warm to the touch, and his eyes darkened, an uncontrollable smoldering edginess took over his gaze, his pupils dilating as he gazed at me with a gravity that pulled my heart and held it captive. It was then that I remembered the way he used to look at me when we’d spent time together, riding or playing games at the tree house, go out to the movies a look that I had mistaken for friendship, but now realized was something more.

The shade of his orbs grew darker, as he scrutinized at my mouth, his sight aimed at my lips, his own parted slightly, and hazily, absent mindedly the tip of his tongue trudges forward to lick it, and I found myself momentarily imprisoned, finding it deliciously cantalizing, this side of him, were both fervently foreign and compelling to me. But I couldn’t bring myself to kiss him. It didn’t feel right, like I’d be giving him a fleeting, empty hope that was on repairing. He didn’t seem like he’ll be able to stop at just a kiss, and I was incapable of offering anything being vulnerable myself, he deserved so much more than that.

“I’m at a point in my life where everything seems messy,” I confessed, the words tumbling out of me like a heavy, emotional purge. I spoke from the depths of my heart, unencumbered by the anxiety of what–ifs or fears of judgment. All I wanted was to lay myself bare before him, to expose the tangled emotions that had been knotting inside me, and to let him see me in all my vulnerability, exactly the way he trusts me

“But I know one thing- I am sure of it,” I professe with unbothered rhthym, “if I ever fall in love with someone again, that would be you, Deckard Halston.” I spoke the words with tender sincerity, my heart, thundering in my chest, wet with pouring out its emotions. I leaned in, my lips brushed against his cheek in a delicate, gentle kiss. Deckard’s body shuddered in response, and for a moment, he froze, his eyes closed, as if savoring the touch, the words, and the emotions that suspended between us.

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