The Runt novel Chapter 23

Alpha Kace collapses to the ground under the weight of the pain – like an ice pick in the chest repeatedly, the agony replaces the spot where my heart once existed. Nova's grief over losing her true mate is brief, not trusting either Alpha's motivations at this point but still in mourning all the same. Nova has looked forward to us finding our mate ever since we 'met' and to have everything be so rotten from the start – her heart is broken in so many pieces, it is unrecognizable.

I'm ready when you are, Penny – I love you; Nova reassures me. I give her a mental hug as I look into Alpha Kace's eyes one last time. I feel pity for him, he is a product of his upbringing and the father that raised him which is too bad – I believe he had the potential to do great things. He will never achieve any of them so long as he lives under his father's thumb and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

I don't think he's strong enough.

I'm not sure how I'm doing it, but I can feel myself slip away while still looking at Alpha Kace – I'm still in the hospital room but I'm not. I can see myself as a third person, as if watching from home on television with the ability to turn the channel. When Alpha Michael puts his disgusting lips on my face, I don't feel his touch at all. What happens after that, I have no idea.

I'm no longer there.

KACE, NEW REALITY

Phoenix has nothing to add, equally as confused as I am. Why does she care what my father does to me? Especially to such a degree that she is sacrificing her own life - is it possible she cares for me in some way? Or is also possible she is simply a selfless, good person who puts others before herself? Phoenix cowers in a ball, unable or unwilling to speak with me right now – likely overwhelmed by everything that has just happened.

I know I am.