Page 48 of Her Cruel Alpha

I hopped out of the car and hurried across the street. I quickly realized that it was a heated discussion. Something had to have happened because Nina looked mortified, and Katie looked ready to lose her cool.

“You know, I’m getting really tired of people pointing out the difference between humans and shifters. Humans are just as important as you are. We are just as smart, just as beautiful, and just as strong as you can be.”

I paused, taking her words in. I had no idea what had happened, but something must have gone down for Katie to bethis angry. Either way, it was late, and we were out in public. The best thing to do was to calm the situation and get everyone on their way home.

I couldn’t help but feel proud of Katie. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I knew that Nina had been picked on a lot. Jay told me that Nina was a very shy person and often unable to stand up against people if something was wrong.

I often thought Katie was the same, but after being with her, I quickly realized that wasn’t entirely true. Katie was quiet, but she also knew her ground. She spoke her mind when it was needed. Of course, this didn’t apply to anything science-related. Katie couldn’t seem to keep that information inside.

I walked closer when Ashley’s eyes came up, and she spotted me first. “Henrik.”

Katie turned, and Nina glanced over her shoulder at me. They both looked stunned, and I stopped next to them, putting my hands in my pockets. “Afternoon, ladies. What’s going on here?”

Ashley huffed. “I was just talking to Nina when Katie came up and grabbed my hair and threw me to the ground.”

“That’s not what happened.” Katie snapped angrily, her hands curling into fists. “That is not what happened, and you know it!”

Ashley looked hurt, shaking her head. “You misunderstood our conversation and took it out of context.

Katie crossed her arms, shaking her head. “Tell him the truth, Ashley. That you were bullying Nina.”

Ashley gave another hurt expression, directing it at Katie. “Katie, that’s not the full story. I’m sorry if you think something happened, but again, you misunderstood.”

I stepped closer, frowning as I looked at Ashley. I wasn’t sure entirely what happened, but I knew something went down.“Is that true, Ashley? Were you bullying Nina?”

Ashley shook her head as she looked at me. “No! I wasn’t.” She looked at Nina. “Tell them, Nina. I wasn’t bullying you.”

Nina looked utterly terrified, and Ashley huffed. “I wasn’t bullying her, but I do apologize for this misunderstanding. Can we move past this?” She looked at Katie, offering a hand out. “Please? I do think we could get along.”

“That’s not an apology,” Katie snapped back. “Actually, apologize.”

I looked at Nina, seeing she was uncomfortable and glanced at Katie, wanting to put this to an end. We were out in public after all. “Katie, she apologized. Let’s move past this.”

Her anger snapped at me and her lips curled up. She looked at Nina. “Tell him what really happened.

“Katie, let’s not have a scene.” I stepped closer to her. “Please? It’s late.”

I glanced at Ashley. “We’ll leave. Have a good night, Ashley.” She batted her eyelashes at me and gave me a soft smile.

I hooked Katie’s arm, and Nina walked with us. As we got a little further away, Katie ripped her arm free. “I can’t believe you!” She growled at me.

I looked at her, a little surprised. “What did I do? I hadn’t done anything wrong. I pretty much sided with her. “Why were you even yelling at her?”

“Because she was being rude.” Katie snapped back. “She was picking on Nina! I know I didn’t misunderstand her.”

“Did you grab her hair?” I asked, crossing my arms.

Katie placed her hands on her hips. “Yeah, I did, and I would do it again, too.”

I glanced at Nina, who chewed on her lower lip. She looked uncomfortable before and now she looked ready to throw up. She spoke in a shaky tone. “Honestly, it was fine. I really don’t want to get into this. I honestly just want to go home.”

Katie scowled. “There was no reason she was speaking to you that way.”

I sighed. “Katie, let’s just put this aside. It’s late. Nina looks tired. I’m exhausted.”

Katie looked like I slapped her. “Are you serious right now?”

I looked at Nina, who looked ready to run. I could see she was looking around, trying to plan her escape, so I figured I should let her go. “I’m sorry for whatever happened just a few minutes ago. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to my wife alone.”