Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 134

Chapter 121

“Please, Keith,” she pleaded, as she placed her hand on mine once more, sending a jolt of warmth and energy through my entire being. It was as if her touch had awakened a part of me that the medicines and machines couldn’t reach, a part that had been lying dormant, though I wished it wasn’t blocked by the bandage.

I felt a surge of determination course through my veins, and I looked up at her, my eyes locking onto hers, as I made a promise that I intended to keep. “I will try, for you,” I meant it, every word. If trying meant that I could ease her pain, even if only by a fraction, I would do it. If it meant that I could bring a smile to her face, or a glimmer of hope to her eyes, I would do it. I would do anything to make her happy, to keep her stress–free, even if it was just for a moment.

She gave me a gentle smile, one that seemed to hold deep wisdom. “And the next time you meet someone and fall in love, fall in love because of who they are, and with what you are, not because of what they could give you, or what you could give them.” Her words were like heaven to my sinful soul, soothing and calming, and I nodded.

It was as if she had shone a light on a part of me that I had been trying to keep hidden, even from myself. I realized that she was right, that I had thought, I loved Rose for all the wrong reasons.

And I had loved Karissa for the peace and happiness she brought me, for the way she made me feel, but I hadn’t loved her for who she truly was, in all her complexity and beauty. I had held back, always keeping a part of myself separate, and it was that very separation that had ultimately destroyed us.

She stood up, her movements fluid and effortless, and I felt an urge of longing, a desire to reach out and ask her for a hug, to feel her warmth and comfort one last time. But I knew it was impossible, not just because of my physical condition, but also because it would be Too much to ask of her.