Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

She and the others burst out laughing, Some even clapped.

It was bumiliating

Kael–at least at first–would frown and mutter,

“Cut it out. Don’t go too far.”

But Riley always laughed sweetly and brushed it off. “C’mon, I’m just joking! Talia’s always so uptight–I’m just helping her loosen up!”

And Kael… paused. Then nodded. “She has been kinda sensitive lately. Girls these days, I guess…”

Riley grinned and playfully punched his shoulder.

“Hey! Don’t lamp me in with her. I’m not the same.”

Kael chuckled, his eyes softening

Like she was something special.

My chest fightened.

So that’s how he saw me now–delicate, moody, too much,

To Keel, anime was childish.

Being tidy meant I had “Issuer

Quiet meant I was “too shy.”

But once, just once he used to call all those things my sparkle,

Chapter 4

During my annual leave, I went on a beach trip with my parents.

The sun was blazing, the breeze was soft, and for once, I had fun. I didn’t worry about work, or Kael, or anyone else.

I came back with sun–kissed skin, bronzed from the ocean light.

I didn’t think anything of it until the moment I walked into the office that Monday, wearing a soft pink knit top.

Riley’s eyes zeroed in on me like a viper spotting prey.

“Oh My God!” she practically shrieked, slapping a hand over her mouth with theatrical flair.

“Talia, you seriously wore that color? With thattan?”

Her laugh was sharp and metallic, the kind that made your teeth ache–like nails on a chalkboard.

“Seriously though,” she snorted, turning to her usual peanut gallery, “what princess from Disney shows up looking like that? I don’t remember seeing any princesses.…_umm_ugly…….”

One of the guys snickered. Another actually laughed out loud.

1 froze, heat rushing to my face, not from embarrassment–but fury.

And Kael?

He was standing right there.

He looked at me.

Then he smiled.

Not a warm simile. Not one of those “I’ve got you” kinds of looks.

No. It was cold. Dismissive. Almost amused.

He didn’t say a word to defend me, nor even frown.

That was the moment something inside me cracked.

Maybe it was the eighteen years of friendship

Maybe it was the illusion I’d built around him.

Or maybe it was the feelings I once had for him as my mate

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