Page 18 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

The idea of returning to Quartz Key still unsettles me, but watching my son gives me strength. I know that I won’t take any of their disrespect now. Not only have I proved my worth to myself, but I also have my son to protect. I will never let them hurt him.

I don’t expect being Galen’s wife to help me, either. The pack’s prejudice against me was so brutal, I doubt anything could change it. There’s a good chance our marriage could even make it worse.

We clean up the kitchen and get ready to leave, our suitcases packed. We assure Nico that the rest of his things will be moved into his new home. He chooses a few of his favorite toys and books to take with him for now and is practically vibrating with excitement as we head out to Galen’s car.

“You live in the mountains, don’t you?” Nico asks Galen as he bounces up and down. “I can’t wait to see! It’s going to be awesome! No more school!”

“Well, hang on there, kiddo,” Galen laughs. “There is school, but it’s shifter school, so you’ll be doing very different stuff than what you did here in the human world.”

“I can’t wait,” Nico replies, his eyes shimmering. He throws his arms around Galen and hugs him tight. When Galen looks down at his son and ruffles his hair, a lump swells in my throat.

They love each other. They’re so connected already!

Was I wrong to keep Nico from his father?

The next words hit me like a physical blow.

“I’m so glad you came for us, Dad,” Nico whispers. “I always knew you would.”

Galen looks up at me, his eyes wide. I slowly shake my head and shrug. I never told Nico anything about his father, keeping things vague and hoping Nico wouldn’t ask too many questions.

“But you thought I was dead, didn’t you?” Galen asks our son, leaning back and holding on to Nico’s shoulders so he can look into his eyes.

“That’s what I told the other kids,” Nico answers, nodding. “And it’s what I tried to believe. But deep down, I knew you were a shifter, like me, and you had to be alive. And I knew that one day, you’d come for us.”

My heart screams in my chest as tears sting my eyes. I turn away and get into the car, trying to get myself under control.

Galen settles Nico into the back seat and pulls out onto the road. We begin the journey with Galen answering Nico’s excited questions as we drive through the forest. It doesn’t take long for Nico to tire out and fall asleep, and when his bright, chattering voice finally quiets, the silence suddenly becomes oppressive.

I curl up in my seat, facing the window. At first, I just pretend to sleep, hoping to avoid conversation with Galen. But eventually, I do nap, and I don’t wake until Lycan Pass dips suddenly into the valley near Quartz Lake.

I feel the shift in altitude as well as a change in air density as we drop from the range. I open my eyes in time to see the stunning view of mountains rearing up into the vibrant sky around us. The sun is setting, swallowed up by thick trees shielding the valley.

“Okay, not far now,” Galen says, pulling into the main road.

The old shops and houses come into view, and my heart seems to stop in my chest.

Nothing here but bad memories.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“Town hall,” Galen answers. “I had to tell them I was finally bringing back my wife, and they want to meet you.”

“What?” I gasp, my heart starting to pound. “Now?”

“Yes,” he affirms with a touch of regret. “Sorry, but they are eager to see that I actually have a mate and she isn’t imaginary. It’s just a quick meeting.”

My breath starts coming in short, sharp bursts. I feel like my tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth, and my pounding heart is about to crack my breastbone. Gritting my teeth, I fight to regain control for Nico’s sake.

I feel even worse by the time we stop in the parking lot of the town hall. Luckily, Nico hasn’t noticed my distress, and I hold his hand as we go up the wide stone steps.

Ahead of us, Galen shoves open the double doors. He strides confidently ahead of us into the main hall, a lofty space mainly used for town meetings or celebrations.

With only seven people in it, the room looks incredibly empty, but when all of them turn and look at me at the same time, it feels like I’m walking into a court of law, where I’m about to be found guilty for a crime I didn’t commit.

“Here she is, as promised,” Galen announces, waiting for me to catch up so he can take my hand. “I told you I’d be married by the next moon, and I meant it. Are you appeased now?”

There is a challenge in his voice and an arrogance to his manner that clearly shows he doesn’t give a damn what they actually think of him. He’s the alpha, and he’ll do as he pleases, but the elders can get awfully annoying about the old traditions.

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