Chapter 4

After moving, I invited Caleb to dinner.

He asked me, "Can you really let him go?"

"I have to," I replied.

There’s no good outcome for two Alphas. I didn’t believe love could overcome pheromonal repulsion.

Did Jasper love me?

Of course. I never doubted his love.

I was a mischievous kid. I’d try to run before I could even walk properly.

I fell countless times, but whenever Jasper was there, he was always the one to cushion my fall.

He had so many small scars from protecting me.

I was naturally stubborn. In middle school, I differentiated into a Beta, but I was determined to get into the best military academy to study mecha operations.

Jasper never complained, training with me for four full years.

Then he joined the military academy with me, taking care of me everywhere.

Because I found it painful, he never fully took me.

Even when he was right on the verge of taking me, he’d still catch his breath and comfort me.

But Jasper, who was so good to me, was different the first time he saw Ashton.

Others might not have noticed, but I knew his gaze on Ashton was softer than on anyone else.

He was uncontrollably drawn to Ashton.

I lowered my eyes and smiled faintly. "Every time Jasper went through a rut, I used to wish I had differentiated into an Omega. Then I could ease his pain."

"Now I’ve differentiated into an Alpha too." I shrugged.

"The bond between an Alpha and an Omega is innate. He could hold back from making love to me, but he couldn’t resist marking Ashton…"

I trailed off, a shaky laugh escaping me. I couldn't bring myself to say more. I rubbed my face roughly.

Caleb looked at me with sympathy. "Alright, alright, don’t overthink it. Let’s live for today!"

He refilled my beer glass.

I have a terrible tolerance for alcohol, but tonight, I just wanted to get completely wasted.