#Chapter 85: Ghosts of the Past

Alexander I didn’t know why I bothered running. Running through the woods, as the sharp scents of pine and earth filled my senses, my claws pounding against the ground in time with my heart, I couldn’t outrun the fury inside me. But I tried. I tried like it might clear my head, or at least cool down the fire burning in my veins. I was pissed. Pissed at Lauren, pissed at myself, pissed at the world. She was at dinner with him. Liam. The guy who had tricked her. My jaw clenched, and I ran harder, pushing myself faster as if outrunning the thought of them together might somehow make it go away. But the image wouldn't fade—her laughing, smiling, wearing that damn green dress that made her look like she owned the world, and him. Him. Sitting across from her like he had some right to be there. I could practically hear her voice in my head, “It’s just dinner, Alexander. Just dinner. I’ll handle it.” I growled low, the sound vibrating through my chest, my claws digging deeper i