That was why he restrained himself, holding back his nature and his feelings, refusing to drown her beneath the weight of his guilt. This burden was his alone to carry, never hers.
Then Zion pressed a reverent kiss to Addison's forehead.
"Addie, please… believe me, just this once. I would never want you to be harmed like that. Even when I mistook Claire for the Missing Princess, I sent the healer straight to you, leaving only the doctor to tend to her, because in my heart, though I never admitted it, I knew you were far more important."
"I may have been rough that day, but it was only because I could already picture the consequences if things spiraled out of control. I just… I didn't want you to be hurt. My actions may have been questionable, but my intentions never were."
It was the first time he truly explained himself. Zion had always prided himself as one of the strongest Alphas, one who had clawed his way up even when others mocked and doubted him as a young Alpha.
