Ugly (Winter Sun, #1)

by Roe Horvat

After that first time, he came at least once a week. He must have known I didn’t need the help, but we both played this game for nearly three months. Until tonight.

“I don’t want to go back there, Burke. Please. I know I look like shit. I’m sorry. I’ll clean up, and if I can just sleep a little first. Then you can do whatever you want with me. You’re nice, and I know you won’t hurt me. I’ll suck you. I’m good at that. And you can have my ass even before the heat. Guys say I’m mouthy, but I’m not. I can be quiet, I swear.”

My heart…it’s broken

When was the last time I’d knotted a man? A decade ago? Nah. Twelve years, at least. And here was a sweet-smelling omega offering me his heat for nothing. I could just reach out and take him. And then I’d have to live with it for the rest of my life.

There’d be hell to pay for this beautiful sliver of happiness—I was sure of it. The raw ache behind my ribs was a foretelling of the imminent heartbreak, but I wouldn’t think of that now. No.

I’d never been with anyone so affectionate as Emerson. He kept touching me all the time, nuzzling into my chest when we stood close, holding on to my arm. I had to disentangle myself so I could go pee, and as soon as he was finished in the bathroom as well,

He chuckled, and oh heavens, the sound of his laughter was music to my ears.

He owns me and protects me. My alpha.

Fool that I was, I dreamed of it becoming reality. Of Emerson loving me and staying with me forever.

He has nightmares sometimes because of the accident, but when we hold hands at night, he doesn’t have any.”

“I told him nobody is allowed to threaten or insult my mate.”

“Burke,” I mumbled, my tongue heavy in my mouth. “Yes, my love?” “I’m so fucking happy right now.”