Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 29

As we chatted about random things, our conversation flowed effortlessly, and for a brief moment, we forgot about the worries and complexities of life. It was the first time we’d truly talked, and it was everything I had imagined it would be all those years ago easy, natural, and utterly captivating.

I shared a bit about my own life, trying to put her at ease. As we talked, I noticed the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, or the way her hair fell in soft waves down her back

The conversation was stilted at first, but slowly, we began to open up. I discovered we shared a love for old movies and hiking. Rose’s shy demeanor began to fade, replaced by a quiet confidence.

As the wine flowed, our words became more effortless, our laughter more natural. I found myself drawn to this new, vulnerable side of her and I couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets lay beneath her reserved exterior,

“Hey, Rose, I’m really glad we’re talking like this,” I said, feeling a sense of ease and connection I’d never experienced with her before. “I feel like I’m getting to know you for the first time, and I have to say, I’m really enjoying it.”

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Yeah, me too. I always thought you were, arrogant, I guess.”

I laughed, surprised by her honesty. “Arrogant? Me? I had no idea I gave off that vibe.”

She shrugged. “Well, you were always so popular, and confident. I assumed you thought you were better than everyone else.”

I shook my head, feeling a twinge of regret. “Wow, I had no idea. I actually thought you were the one who was, untouchable,” 1 admitted.

Her eyebrows shot up. “Untouchable?”

“Yeah,” I continued, my heart racing with vulnerability. “You were always so quiet, and seemed so put together. I thought you were out of my league, that I’d never be able to reach you.”

ha

Her expression softened, and she looked at me with a newfound understanding “That’s funny. I thought the same about you.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Really?”

She nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Yeah. I had a crush on you in high school, but I thought you’d never notice me.”

on yout

My mind reeled as I processed her words. “I had a crush on sense of wonder and awe.

We both paused, looking at each other in surprise.

too, but I thought you were too good for me,” I confessed, feeling a

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She broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. “We were both so wrong about each other.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude and connection. “I guess we were.”

“I wanted to ask you out for prom,” I confessed, the memory is still fresh in my mind. “But Casper beat me to it. I remember feeling so down when I found out I wouldn’t be able to take you to my prom.”

Her expression softened, and she looked at me with apologetic eyes. “Sorry, I had no idea. Casper was just the closest person to having a friend, I guess. He asked, and I said yes.”

I couldn’t help but wonder what could have been. “If I had asked you, what would have been your answer?” I asked, my voice laced with curiosity

Her eyes sparkled, and a gentle smile spread across her face. “I would’ve said yes,” she replied honestly.

I felt a flutter in my chest as I gazed into her shining eyes. The possibility of what could have been hung in the air, and for a moment, I forgot about the years that had passed. I forgot about the choices we’d made, the paths we’d taken. All that mattered was the connection between us, the what–ifs, and the maybes.

With a careless flourish, I waved off the past “That was in the past,”

Extending my hand in a gesture of newfound energy. The wine’s intoxicating warmth encouraged me, and the distant melody from downstairs seemed to swell in harmony with my suggestion.

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“We can have a celebratory dance before I leave,” I offered, my voice low and inviting. For a fleeting instant, something sparkled in her eyes, a hint of mischief or perhaps longing, before she smiled up at me, her gaze glassy from the booze.

As she stood up, she swayed unsteadily on her feet, her eyes gleaming with haze.

I on the other hand, was drunk with emotions, my heart overflowing with the bittersweet memories of our past. The alcohol had merely unlocked the floodgates, allowing the long–dammed feelings to surge forth.

I reached out instinctively to steady her, my hand brushing against hers as I grasped her elbow. The touch sent a spark of electricity through me, and I felt a rush of concern for her well–being

As Rose’s stumbling steps faltered, she collapsed into my arms, her body surrendering to gravity. I caught her effortlessly, my hands wrapping around her waist to hold her steady. The sudden proximity sent my senses reeling, my heart racing with excitement.

Every inch of mine came alive, electrified by the warmth of her skin, the softness of her curves, and the sweet scent of her perfume. I felt like I’d been waiting for an eternity for this moment, wondering what it would be like to touch her, to hold her close. Now, with her nestled in my arms, I couldn’t help but regret not doing this sooner,

The night deepened along with my rising desires. The music from downstairs had long since faded away, leaving only the sound of our ragged breathing.

As the slow music played downstairs, our bodies moved together perfectly. We swayed to the rhythm like two people in syne. I wanted to hold her close, but I didn’t. Instead, we kept dancing, our steps slow and smooth.

It felt like we were gliding across the floor together. The world around us faded away, leaving just the music, the moment, and the connection between us,

“Keith, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to kiss you,” Rose murmurs, over the gentle hum of the candles. She gazes up at me through her lashes, her captivating hazel eyes locking onto mine with a vulnerability that makes my heart skip a beat.

The soft light dancing across her face highlights the gentle curve of her cheeks, the delicate shape of her nose, and the plump, inviting shape of her lips. I feel my pulse quicken as I search her eyes, looking for a glimmer of uncertainty, but all I see is a deep longing that

mirrors my owEL

But when I don’t respond, don’t give in to the temptation to lean in and claim her lips, she hesitates, pulling her head back slightly, doubt creeping into her expression like a shadow. “Do you have a girlfriend or wife, Keith?” she asks abruptly, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment, as if she’s preparing herself for rejection.

Something inside me stirs tangled with guilty desire. I remember my fiancée, the life we’re supposed to build together, the promises I’ve made and the expectations that come with them. I know it’s time to leave, to walk away from this moment and the temptation that Rose represes.

But as I stand up, the wine, lust, and long–lost desires take over, clouding my judgment and fueling my needs. I’m consumed by the urge to let go, to have Rose, to taste her lips, to feel her skin against mine. I was aching

I’m throbbing with need, my heart racing with anticipation, as I gaze at her, drinking in the sight of her. I’m losing my sanity, my grip on reality blurred at best, as I stand there, frozen in indecision, torn between the one I love and the one I want.

The only

“No,” I reply, the word slipping out smoothly, that technically isn’t a lie. I don’t have a girlfriend or a fiancée. Rose’s eyes sparkle with uncertainty as she asks, her voice barely above a whisper, “Then would you kiss me if I asked you to?”

I should shout “NO,” I should walk away, but my voice is trapped in my throat. The maddening need coursing through my veins is fogging my mind, triggered by the alcohol and the fantasy I’ve harbored for so long. However, I was still conflicted between the reality Walting for me out of that door and the dream waiting right beside me.

One kiss, I rationalize. One closure kiss, and we’ll part ways forever and probably never come across again.

With newfound courage, 1 cup the back of her neck, my fingers tracing the gentle curve of her skin. I pulled her closer without hesitation, my heart racing with anticipation, she closed her eyes.

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My lips claim hers, and she gasps, her arms wrapping around my neck. She arches into me, her body melting into mine, as I deepen the

Flemeks erupt inside me, every nerve screaming to pull her closer. I’m lost in the intensity, my senses consumed by the taste, feel,

and scent of her