Page 61 of His Bullied Fated Mate

“Riley…please...” I gasped for air. “Let go.”

His fingers only curled tighter, and I clawed at his hands. I reached for my magic, sinking my fingers into his skin as I pulled it out.

Riley’s entire face changed as I shoved the magic into his skin. I could feel his fingers soften, and I pushed it forward. I could see the magic sinking into his skin, crawling up his arm. His gaze stuttered as his eyes softened, returning to normal. They then widened in horror.

His hand ripped free, and I sputtered for air. I coughed, trying to pull air into my lungs. Riley stumbled back, his head shaking as he looked at me. “Oh god...”

“I’m fine,” I whispered, pulling my gaze back up to him. But his eyes were locked on my neck.

“I left my handprint there.”

“You didn’t mean it.” I knew he hadn’t. Riley would never physically hurt me. I knew that much.

I moved towards him, and he took a step back. “Don’t! I don’t want to hurt you.”

I paused, seeing the guilt written all over his face.

His voice came out broken. “You should go. You need to. I was wrong to bring you here and ruin everything for you all over again. You were right that I am a terrible person.”

I shook my head. “Riley.”

“I’m a bad person. Everyone thinks it’s you, but it’s me. I can’t even control myself. I choked you. I don’t want to know what else I can do.”

“That wasn’t you. I know you didn't mean it.”

“It was my hands.” I moved closer, and he growled at me. “I’m not joking, Janella! Stop it.”

“I know you would never hurt me. You would never put your hands on me like that. I know that wasn’t you.”

He looked so broken. He couldn’t even look at me as he looked around his room, shaking his head. He ran his hands through his hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make your life so hard. I’m just… god, I’m a fuck up. I destroy good things.”

I knew that wasn’t true. I could see how the pack looked at him. He might not have treated me right before, but it wasn’t the same now. Riley wasn't the same person. He'd changed, and I knew that.

“That’s not true, Riley.”

“It is! I ripped you from your home. I ruined you.”

“I’m not ruined.” I took another step towards him. “I shouldn’t have said those words. I spoke out of anger.”

“Janella, stop coming towards me.”

I ignored his warning, closing the distance between us. “Look at me, Riley. I’m okay.”

“Please,” his voice broke. “I don’t want to hurt you. Jesus, my hands are literally printed onto your neck.”

I reached my hand up, cupping his face. I brought my magic out, allowing it to dance over his skin. I could see the way he sank against it. It was soft and calming, exactly what he needed.

“I know you would never hurt me like that. It wasn’t you. I know that.”

His hands were shaking as he reached up, pulling me against him. I could feel his body shaking as he held me, his hold tight. His face nuzzled into my neck, and I inhaled his scent.

“I’m sorry. I thought I was protecting you growing up. I never wanted anything bad to happen to you. I know I screwedup. I know I was a shitty person, and I’m trying. I didn’t want to bring you here. I hated the idea. But...”

“You're doing what’s best for the pack.” I leaned back, pressing my forehead against his. I hated how he said it before, but now I get it. “I know that. I was angry at first, but I see how much you care.”

He did all of this for them. I could see the weight pressing down on him, and he was trying so hard to hold it up. I’d been so focused on myself that I didn’t see how much he was sinking himself.

I realized he never had that support system as I had. I had my parents and Troy. He didn’t. Even now, it seemed Troy and he weren't talking a lot.