A flicker of understanding flooded his eyes and nodded. “I see. Whatever you decide, how much time you need, I’ll give it to you,” he told me. “I’m just right here. Always.”

I stood up and squeezed his hand. “Please know that I’m keeping a distance for the meantime not because I hate you,” I closed my eyes and when I opened it, our eyes locked, “but because I want to love you.”

Archer gaped, surprise lining his eyes. “I want to learn to love you,” I added.

It’s true. I don’t want to ruin any of the Alphas’ future just because I can’t figure out my own feelings. I...