Page 113 of Bitten Shifter

Paul snatches the documents, scanning them furiously. “It says here she was mauled by a shifter. What the hell does that mean? Is she dead?”

Dove gasps in theatrical horror, grabbing his arm like she is auditioning for a soap opera. “Lark’s dead? Oh my God, my poor sister! A shifter killed her? Who’s going to help me with?—”

“WILL YOU SHUT UP!” Paul roars, silencing her. He glares at me, his face a mask of rage. “What does thismean?”

“It means your wife is no longer human,” I explain calmly. “She is a ward of the Shifter Sector now. Her marriage to you is void, as she is legally considered deceased in the human world. All her property is being transferred to the Ministry.”

I watch the words sink in—or fail to. Paul’s anger clouds his limited comprehension. His expression contorts, unable to accept the truth. It has not registered yet that I’ve stripped him of everything.

Not yet.

The Fool’s anger overrides any shred of logic. By the time it sinks in, he will be lucky to own a pair of socks, let alone crawl back to whatever semblance of life he had before.

“She’s turned into a monster,” Paul spits, his tone dripping venom.

A growl rumbles in my chest.You want to see a monster? I will gladly show you one, you pathetic excuse for a man.

“Did she agree to this? Was this part of her job?”

“No,” I say evenly. “Unfortunately, Lark was attacked while saving a colleague from harm. She is an incredibly brave woman.”

The words bounce off his thick skull. He’s not listening.

“That’s everything you will need for your records. If you can move out tonight, the Ministry will be selling the house and all joint assets. You will receive your share once the process is complete.”

“They’re selling the house?” Dove whines. “But how can you?” Her nails dig into Paul’s arm, her desperation palpable. I wonder if he even notices—or if he is too used to the pain by now.

She is disgusting. Always grasping, always clawing for what she believes is hers.

“It’s all legally binding,” Barry interjects with a casual shrug.

Paul’s hand trembles as he stabs a finger at the papers. “What’s this name here?” His voice rises, thick with jealousy and confusion. “This isn’t her maiden name! Who is this Winters? Why has her surname changed?”

I glance at Lark, meeting her confused frown with a calm, deliberate expression.

“Lark, do you have anything to add?” I ask gently.

Her expression flickers with horror, but she quickly shakes her head. “Uh… no, I’m fine. Thank you.”

Paul’s head snaps toward her at the sound of her voice. His eyes widen, and for the first time, he trulylooks. He stares at her in shock. “Lark?” he croaks. “Lark?”

Dove’s shrill voice slices through the tension. “But… but you’rebeautiful!” she cries, eyeing Lark with mingled confusion and envy.

She has always been beautiful, you fake bitch.My teeth grind, but I maintain my composure.

“What on earth happened to you?” Dove demands, suspicion darkening her gaze as jealousy seeps through. “You look like… our great-grandmother. Is that what happens when someone becomes a shifter?”

My smile is cold and sharp. “Well, your marriage is annulled, and this meeting is over. You can both leave now.”

I catch Riker’s eye and give him a subtle nod. He responds with a grin full of teeth, feral and eager. Behind him, the guards shift into position, ready to ensure these two are escorted out swiftly and without incident.

“Why Winters?” Paul persists.

“Oh, isn’t it obvious in the documents?” I reply, letting my smile sharpen. “Section four, paragraph seven. LarkWintershas taken her mate’s name.”

“Mate?” Paul and Dove echo, their voices overlapping in disbelief.

I meet Lark’s wide eyes, then turn back to the unhappy pair. “Oh yes. Lark will soon be mated to the Alpha Prime.”

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