Chapter 41. Just a Friend

Caliana’s POV

“Are you alright?” he asked again, his voice lower this time, softer, stripped of its usual command. Concern shadowed his eyes, the hard lines of his face easing just enough to make my chest ache.

I nodded automatically, the motion small and unconvincing even to myself. My throat felt tight, my emotions still too close to the surface, and he clearly noticed. Alpha Edward never missed anything when he truly paid attention. He lifted his hand and caressed my cheek, his thumb brushing just beneath my eye as if checking for tears I had tried so hard to hide. The touch was unbearably gentle, completely at odds with the ruthless Alpha everyone feared. It undid me far more than anger ever could.

Without a word, he took my hand and led me outside the house. I followed him quietly, my steps light, my thoughts loud. The evening air was co