Chapter 442

• It hurt to hear the plea in his voice. Rafe truly thought that he was somehow lacking as an Alpha and that was the furthest thing from the truth. He was the best Alpha she'd ever known, and she knew a few of them. Jared was a good Alpha too, but there was something about Rafe's kind heart that was that bit more special, that earned him love and loyalty, not just because he was Alpha but because of who he was.
• Lily took a deep breath, trying to overcome the shock of his words, feeling his disappointment running down their bond. She knew Mac wouldn't hold it against her if she discussed the situation with Rafe. He understood the pack dynamic even if he hadn't come under Rafe's command when they'd mated.
• Swallowing hard, determined not to cry and be seen as weak, Lily took another deep breath before fully opening up her bond with Rafe, letting him feel the emotions behind her words. "Mac didn't want children. He'd lost a child when he was human and had never recovered from the grief. I only found out just before I discovered I was pregnant. I panicked, Rafe. I closed down all my bonds automatically without thinking. It wasn't because I was disrespecting you. It was never about that, you have to believe me. I was afraid I'd have to choose between Mac and the baby. I was trying to protect my child."