Alpha Avalor's expression softened, but a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes. He knew there was something she wasn't telling him, but he respected her decision to keep it to herself. He didn't want to push her further if she wasn't ready to share.

"I trust you, Melissa," he said gently, squeezing her hand. "If there's ever anything you want to talk about or if you need my support, please know that I'm here for you."

Melissa felt a pang of guilt for keeping her secret, but she also knew that she was doing it out of love and concern for Alpha Avalor. She nodded, her voice filled with gratitude,...