i’m okay. i’m fine. how easily such phrases slip from his tongue, that soft, signature grin finding its place on tanned features. accustomed to always placing the needs of others above his own, a habit no one had forced him into. but as alpha, scott knew it was necessary; his pack would ALWAYS come first. above him, above whatever troubles loom over his shoulders. their needs will forever surpass his own. even as he lays curled in bed, haunted by the memories of the past night refusing to allow him any rest. fighting liam, fighting theo, the pain of claws as they tore his heart apart.... a soft shake of his head as the wolf reaches for allison’s hands, squeezing her fingers in a gentle caress. her grasp has always fit so well in his own; a perfect symmetry, two souls always meant to meet. to remain in each other’s lives, no matter the chaos.