face the consequences

Rhyme wanted solitude, and would have preferred Shaye continue on like she might have done were he better at hiding his emotions. He wanted to come to terms with being stripped of his name alone. The slate alpha was going through more than that though. His dream, one that had helped him through to keep pushing through while a slave, was over. His underlying goal since puphood, unattainable.

He couldn't allow his life's mistakes to flee his head. Rhyme had allowed himself and Rhythm to get captured all those years ago, and it had taken him the majority of his life a slave to get them out of the situation. He'd never have been able to rid the slaver's pack from the face of the earth on his own, and his presence seemed negligible with the army Valentine had amassed. Valentine had done everything while he'd been here playing alpha. Rhyme felt himself agreeing with his father's decision. He was a failure, and he'd never live up to the high standards set.

Shaye lowered herself to the ground, careful to allow his personal space. He couldn't face her, and didn't move as she remained silent. He felt his brows knit in frustration and the last thing he wanted was to take it out on her. "I'm not fit for company right now, Shaye." He told her quietly, his voice in more control than he expected.