Chapter 27: Asking for Help

Carmella pulled back and wiped her eyes. She was about to apologize and blame it on her hormones when she saw tears sliding down Bilal's face.

He's crying, she thought. Is he crying for me? Or did he … Carmella staggered backwards as it all became clear to her. He had emotions that were no less heartfelt than hers or any other human's. Bilal was hurting, and it was because of her. Dear God, she had humanized a wolf but couldn't see that a talking, thinking being was worthy of the same consideration. Though Bilal was not born a human, he had the capacity for compassion and for pain and for … forgiveness.

Bilal had ducked his head and turned his back to her as he swiped the tears from his eyes.

Carmella reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Bilal. I'm so sorry. I've been wrong in how I've treated you, and I feel horrible about it."

"Carmella? I don't understand."

"I've treated you badly, and you didn't deserve it. Will you accept my apology?"