Page 25 of Cruel Alpha Bully

“So be it, then,” I say, smiling. It looks like I’ve won over the wildest pack members and gained their loyalty.

“No one has ever offered us hospitality before,” Driss whispers. Without wolf hearing, I wouldn’t have even known she spoke.

“It is my pleasure,” I say to her firmly. “All members of the allied packs are of equal value to me. Not a single wolf is more important than any other.”

“Except the true fated mate of the alpha,” Nate says.

I feel a chill rush through me. Nate doesn’t know. He couldn’t know; he doesn’t even live in town. He’s just repeating pack rule. Being respectful.

“Indeed,” I answer.

For a moment, the table is silent. I pull myself together in a hurry. “Is there any other business?” I ask the others.

Carson has had some issues with young wolves getting out of hand, and they won’t listen to him. Their behavior could expose the pack, even though it’s just high school hijinks. I promise to talk to them.

Dane reports supply issues in the businesses run by wolves. He thinks people along the line are changing information to get goods for free. It needs the attention of the alpha before he can take any action.

As the meeting starts to wind down and become casual, I dismiss the scouts, promising to talk to them when I head out on the treaty mission. They leave quickly, as if they can’t wait to get back to their forest.

The elders are pretty deep in conversation as Jack turns to me. “There’s a party at Jenkins’ place. Are you coming?”

It’s been a long, frustrating day, and I’m tired. Jenkins is my cousin, though, and it might be rude if I don’t go. Everyone expects the alpha to at least make an appearance at things like this.

And I could use a few drinks in an informal setting, some casual talk and a few laughs. I’ve been wound up tight since the wedding, and I really haven’t had much chance to let off steam.

“Yeah, I think it’s a good idea,” I say.

“Do you need a ride?”

“Nah, I left my car at the gym. It’s only a five-minute walk.”

“Okay, see you there.”

Jack gets up to leave. I watch him walk away, wondering if Gina will be at the party.

She probably will, if Jack’s going. And she used to be close with Jenks.

I have no desire to start up the fight again at all, let alone in a public setting, but I do want to see her. Maybe if we’re both relaxed and having fun, it will be easier to talk about our issues.

The only thing I know for sure is that something has to break. Neither of us can live like this forever.

Chapter 9 - Gina

With everything going on with Bailey, I had completely forgotten about Jenks’ party. One of my friends texts me about it not long after I get home, and my previous plans of curling up on the couch with snacks and a sad movie go right out the window.

I need to get out. I need to feel good. I can’t take this stress for one more second.

I take a bit of time getting ready, curling my long black hair and putting on a bit of makeup. I wear my long, bright red dress with the fitted waist and low neckline. It’s a bit fancy for something that’s only a short step above a family get-together, but I want to feel glamorous and sexy. Just in case Bailey is there as well.

My girlfriends swing by and pick me up. Being crammed into the car, gossiping about our night ahead, brings back the high school memories again. It’s hard not to think of Bae.

I wonder what the pack meeting was about. Probably very boring business stuff.

Why the hell did he say that?

I can’t stop thinking about his apology. It has healed my heart so much to hear how he really feels about me. I’m touched, even if I’m not quite ready to give in to my feelings yet.

“Hey, Gina, did we lose you back there?” my friend Laura yells from the front seat.

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