#Chapter 172 – So Tantalizingly Close

Justin’s POV I whispered the words, “He wants you back,” into my mate’s ear. My breath carried sincerity and desperation. Beowulf wasn’t the only one who wanted Helen. I held her in my arms, my apology still hanging in the air around us. I didn’t expect her to say she forgave me or that it was all in the past. I also hadn’t expected tears. Helen clutched at my shirt, chest jerking against mine. “I didn’t mean to make you cry,” I said, unsure of what to do next. “No one I’ve wanted to love has ever apologized to me before,” she sniffled out. “Somehow, they mean even more than ‘I love you’ does. Do you really mean it?” She pulled back, looking at me through her tears. “Because if I thought you were just saying this to get me back or for any insincere reason, I’m not sure I could live with that disappointment.” I shook my head, keeping my arms around her, scared she might run off, and I wouldn’t get her back. “You have no idea how sorry I’ve become. I feel horrible all the ti