Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 43

manage, my eyes fixed on some point in front of me, my heart fixed on the resolve to get through this, to emerge stronger, no matter what. A faint knock brings me back to daylight.

“Karry, if you’re done eating and you don’t mind, can I send Deckard in?” Leona asked, her voice gentle but tangled with concerning curiosity. “He’s been asking to meet you,” she added.

I frowned, my mind racing with apprehension, wariness, and a dash of embarrassment. I wasn’t sure I was ready for any more people to see me like a hideous zombie, but Leona’s expectant gaze told me she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“Why are you asking?” I replied, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my question

“”He flew all the way here, I’m not a bitch,” I added, shrugging my shoulders.

She let out a sigh of exasperation and understanding. “You know how protective Corwin is,” she said, her tone laced with a hint of amusement. “He already refused him twice,” she continued, rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, you can send him in,” I told her, my voice firm, a deliberate attempt to mask the vulnerability I felt.

Chapter 31

She nodded, taking the partially eaten tray of breakfast from me, her eyes flicking to mine with a hint of concern. I sighed, gathering mysell, steeling my emotions, determined to project a sense of simplicity and strength. I didn’t want to add another pair of pitiful eyes to the collection, I didn’t want to be seen as weak or broken. I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders, preparing myself for another set of conversation with all the repetitive words.

Forcing myself out of the bed, I went through the motions of washing my face and brushing my teeth, tying my hair, the familiar routines providing me the light of normalcy.

Just as I was exiting the bathroom, a soft knock on the door grabbed my attention, sealing the turmoil that had been brewing inside me. I paused, taking a deep breath, mentally preparing myself to appear fine.

“Come in,” I called out softly.