Page 3 of Betrayed By the Alpha

I commend you and your team for your amazing job in solving the murder case of Miss Sylvia Johnson. Sylvia Johnson wasn't just my secretary but more of a daughter to me. I'm grateful and relieved that those responsible have been caught. I will make sure that they receive the punishment they deserve.

Concerning your request that I join the meeting, I'll have to refuse as I—"

The black ops wolf who had been reading the letter sent by Bruce paused, looking at Zach and every member of the team. "This is unbelievable, Zach. He said here that he must refuse because he is a busy man. That's it, just because he is a busy man." he sighed and walked forth to deliver the letter to Zach.

Zach scrolled through the paper and then laid it on the table before him. "Well, this is not surprising." The meeting was held to discuss the state of insecurity in the town, After the killing of a few townspeople the previous day, Zach thought Bruce would finally understand the significance of his presence.

"You know, I think the Mayor takes us for a joke," another black ops wolf said. "Zach, maybe you need to pay him a visit. I love protecting the people, but I need money too. I have a family to feed. The man spends millions on the silliest project, but not our salaries?"

"I swear, if he weren’t the Mayor, I'd drive up to his office and deck him." The whole table laughed except Zach, who looked deep in thought.

"Ryder," Zach called to his assistant, who was also his best friend. "Please inform every member of the team who is not here to return to their stations and keep an eye out for the bandits. We have their leaders. I believe they will return for revenge. You and Tolliver should keep me updated." Tolliver was the young man who joked about decking the Mayor. They both nodded. "The meeting is adjourned till further notice. I'll pay a visit to the Mayor and ensure that our payments are released before the end of the week."

"All rise," Ryder said when Zach was done. All the wolves stood up and gave a small bow before walking away, but Ryder remained. Zach already knew the conversation that was coming. Ryder had his eyes on him the entire time, and if there was anyone that could claim to know him better than himself, it would be Ryder.

Zach tucked his loose ponytail back into place, securing his hair that had started to fall out. After a failed attempt, he released a frustrated sigh and left it.

"You need help with that?" the blonde man asked.

"You should follow them, Ryder. Go get some rest. You have done enough for today."

Ryder came to sit beside his friend instead of leaving as Zach had asked. "Forget rest. Are you okay?"

"Huh?"

"I asked if you're okay. You have been staring at that dent on the table for the entire meeting. Aren't you heading home?"

Zach rested back on his chair, stretching his leg out. He was indeed tired but also too stressed to rest. "I will. I'm just thinking."

"About what?" When Zach gave no reply, a smile appeared on his face. "Or is it a who? A woman?" Ryder chuckled when Zach gave him a dirty look. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"What makes you think it's someone?"

"No? Well, speaking of women, I think it's about time you get off the street."

"What street?"

Ryder palmed his forehead, shaking his head in disappointment. "It's a saying. If you are on the street, it means you are single and lonely. You have been single and lonely for a long, long time. I mean—" Ryder stopped himself, and Zach knew what he was about to say. Luckily, his friend changed his mind knowing the topic he was about to bring up would only make his friend even more sour. "I can get you a girlfriend."

Zach looked at his friend. Ryder had never had a girlfriend, not a real one, at least. His friend was the definition of a player, and he wore the badge proudly. What Zach found amusing was how the ladies were well aware of his reputation. They heard the rumors but still flocked around him anyway. He was the last person anyone should ever take relationship advice from.

"The last thing I need is a woman. Also, it's funny that you say I'm single and lonely. I can't remember the last time you had a real girlfriend—actually, you have never had a girlfriend."

"My story is different. I'm not on the street. I'm on the highway. People like me don't get involved. The difference between you and me is that you are the type to get committed. It's been two years, Zachery, and you’re still thinking about a woman you never even had a decent conversation with."

"Please don't bring her up. Also, do you realize that one day you will find your mate? Then, you'll have to settle down with one woman."

"Let me tell you a story—"

"No," Zach interrupted. "I don't want to hear anything you have to say. Just drop it. I have to go, anyway. The Mayor's office closes by eight. If I want to meet up with him, I better head out now."

"Good luck. The last time I saw him, I was told he wasn't in. As I turned to walk away, he stepped out of the elevator. He saw me and walked back, and although he heard me clearly asking to hold the door, he refused. I went to his office, and he wasn't there. Hopefully, he doesn't try to bring your father into this conversation. He has a habit of doing that. It's getting annoying."

To Zach, it was annoying, alright. Bruce's lectures about his late father's actions were something he despised more than anything else. Zach's father had once been the Mayor of the town until he was murdered, a mystery that was still etched in Zach's mind. Everyone believed it to be suicide, but Zach knew his father. It was true what the people said. His father had never been the same after the death of his wife, Zach's mother, but Zach knew he would never have committed suicide because of it.

"Sure. I’ll head home after and get some sleep. You should do the same—"

"What?" Ryder stood up. "No. You're not going home. Come on, Zack. You never hang with us at the bar anymore. We hardly see you around. I miss the old Zack, my best friend, not this sour wolf standing before me."

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