Chapter 41

Hannah POV

I step out of the room, my heart heavy and aching from the conversation I just had with Alex. The weight of our complicated relationship presses down on my chest, making it hard to breathe. Why can’t things be simple between us? Why does every step forward feel like a battle, a constant push and pull that leaves me drained and raw? For the first time, a traitorous thought whispers through my mind—a desperate wish that someone else was my mate, someone who wouldn’t hurt me so deeply.

“Hannah?” A familiar voice calls out, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. I lift my head to see Alpha Collins standing before me; his brow furrowed with concern. “Oh my goodness! Are you okay?” He closes the distance between us in a few long strides, his hands gently grasping my arms as he searches my face.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just allergies,” I reply,