Chapter 50

Ramon POV

His legs gave out suddenly and I caught him, lowering us both to the shower floor as Lake’s remaining composure shattered completely. He curled into my chest, his whole body shaking with sobs that seemed to come from somewhere so deep they threatened to tear him apart.

“He hates me,” Lake whispered against my soaked shirt. “Did you hear him? He said he hates me. My baby brother, the only person in the world who’s ever loved me unconditionally, and he hates me.”

“He doesn’t hate you,” I said, wrapping my arms around Lake’s trembling form. “He’s scared. He’s five years old and he recognized scents that trigger his trauma. But he doesn’t hate you.”

“You didn’t see his face.” Lake’s voice was muffled against my chest. “You didn’t see how he looked at me. Like I was—like I was Samuel. Like I was one of those alphas who used to come to our apartment. Like I was the monster I’ve spent years trying to prove I’m not.”

The water continued to pour