Chapter 117

Cole's POV

Thursday, January 25th; 7:00pm

I can’t believe I’m doing it again. Every pack I’ve been to has done this at some point. They act like they like me. They ask questions trying to get to know more about me or my pack but these questions only serve to do one thing, to break me down.

Olivia’s screams from being belted by my father, a year after we first met, are tearing through my already sensitive head. The migraine I had when I arrived two nights ago had just started to subside when Lucas’s multiple kicks to my face brought it right back.

Madilyn’s gentle snores against my neck seem to be the only thing keeping me from a full breakdown having such a conversation creates. I push my plate away, cringing as I turn my head into her neck, desperate to keep the innocent little one from experiencing the chaos, the demon that threatens to break loose from within me.

“Cole?” I barely hear the alpha’s gentle voice. My breathing is tight a