Chapter 37 Branwen POV : When I returned to the pack three years ago , guilt weighed heavily on me . I had planned to apologize , to explain everything and hope for her forgiveness . But what I found shattered me . Rowena was barely alive , her body broken and her spirit hanging by a thread . Silas had left her for dead , punishing her for rejecting him . I didnt think twice . I stepped in , using every ounce of my strength to save her . From that moment on , I swore I would protect her , even if she never forgave me for bandoning her before . Now , as she stood before me , determined to marry the very man who had nearly killed her , I felt that same guilt and helplessness resurface . You cant be serious , I said , my voice thick with emotion . Do you have any idea what youre walking into ? I know exactly what Im walking into , she shot back , her eyes blazing . This is my fight , Branwen . Not yours . But it doesnt have to be this way , I insisted . There are other ways to take him down . Ways that dont involve you putting yourself in danger . འོ ་ ཚ Her expression softened for a moment , and I thought I saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes . But then she shook her head . This is my choice , she said firmly . And I need you to respect that . Respect her choice ? How could I , when it went against every instinct I had as her mate ? The bond between us was screaming at me to protect her , to keep her safe at all costs . But she didnt feel it not like I did . The bond was weak for her , dulled by the scars left behind by her first marriage . The emotional wounds Silas had inflicted on her had made her blind to the connection between us . She couldnt feel the pull that tied me to her , the way her presence lit up my very soul . And maybe that was for the best . If she had known about the bond , she might have rejected me outright , After all , I had abandoned her once before . Why would she trust me now ? Still , I couldnt let her go without some kind of safeguard . Taking a deep breath , I steadied my voice . Fine , I said , the word bitter on my tongue . If this is what youre going to do , then youll do it on my terms . Rowena frowned , her arms crossing over her chest . Your terms ? Yes , I said firmly . Youll come back to me once a week . No excuses . If I dont hear from you , Ill come after you myself . And if I find out that Silas is hurting you in any way , Ill end him . Her eyes widened , and for a moment , I thought she might argue . But then she sighed and nodded . Alright , she said quietly . I can agree to that . Relief and worry clashed within me . I had managed to secure a sliver of control , but it did little to ease the fear gnawing at my chest . To my surprise , Rowena stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me . The hug was brief , but it sent a jolt through my entire body . Her scent , warm and familiar , filled my senses , and for a moment , I let myself forget everything else . Thank you , Branwen , she murmured against my shoulder . 12:34 Alphas Regret : Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna 6 % Chapter 37 The bond flared to life , stronger than ever . It was as if the universe itself was reminding me of what I stood to lose . My heart raced , and I reluctantly pulled away , creating a safe distance between us . You should get some rest , I said gruffly , avoiding her gaze . She gave me a small smile , one that didnt quite reach her eyes . Goodnight , Branwen , she said softly before disappearing down the hallway . As the door to her room clicked shut , I sank back onto the couch , my head in my hands . The weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future pressed down on me . I had let my pride and ignorance drive a wedge between us once before , and I was still paying the price for that mistake . Now , the thought of losing her to Silas or worse , to her own quest for vengeance was almost too much to bear . I didnt know if I could ever make up for the ways I had failed her . But one thing was certain : I wouldnt fail her again . Even if it meant standing in the shadows , I would be there , protecting her in whatever way I could . Because Rowena wasnt just my mate . She was my everything . Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.