Chapter 158

ANDREA’S POV I don’t know why I interrupted. Something in me just knew I couldn’t let the rejection come through. Bella and Nico both turned to me as my voice broke through the thick tension in the room. Bella’s eyes widened, and she seemed to come back into herself, taking a step back. Nico stood frozen, and I caught a look of relief on his face before he schooled his expression to an impassive one. I went to Nico first and stood in front of him, blocking his view of Bella. I smiled softly, though I suspected it came out as sad. “Hey, Nico,” I said gently. “Alpha,” he sighed so heavily, it reverberated through his entire body. I felt tears brimming in my eyes. Nico was one of the absolute best people I knew. He didn’t deserve the pain of being rejected by his mate. I reached up and gently swiped away the blood that was trickling down to his eye. “I’m sorry you had to see that,” he mumbled. I shook my head. “Don’t you dare be sorry for anything.” His gaze flicked over my head. I grippe