Page 2 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

I tap on the big pink button, and the loading screen twirls for a few seconds before a chat thread comes up.

Hi, welcome to Porter’s matching service! Can you tell me where you were born?

I hesitate for a second before simply typing “USA.”

Which town, please? Be as specific as possible, even if the town isn’t well-known.

A slightly evil grin twists on my lips. I know exactly how to get out of this chat—by giving a “fake” town.

Crystal Key, Lycan Pass.

That’s fantastic! We have a match waiting for a bride in that exact area. Do you know the pack personally?

My thumb is frozen above the screen as I stare at the words in shock.What the fuck is going on?I think in panic.

Don’t worry! Here at Porter’s, we are aware of the otherworld, and your privacy is our first priority! Everything is strictly confidential to protect you and your husband-to-be! Can you fill out this questionnaire?

I shake my head slowly, letting out the deep breath I’ve been holding. The next page opens, and I click through the questions, adding details about myself.

Wonderful! Thank you, Clara. We’d like to invite you to a meeting at Apgar tomorrow afternoon. Does that suit you?

Tomorrow?I type the word as fast as it flashes through my mind.

There is urgency on both sides here, Clara. You need help, and so does the gentleman in question. We’d like the match to be made as quickly as possible.

But what about my son?

Your son will be made welcome in this relationship, I assure you! You can bring him with you, or not, as you like, but it might be better to meet your new husband on your own terms first.

I stare at the screen, nerves bubbling in my stomach until it threatens to boil over.

You need help for your son, don’t you, Clara?

I stare at the screen, feeling like the voice on the other side of it knows way too much.

Yes.

Your son will get the help he needs, Clara. Please trust me on that. The other party is very eager to meet you both. If it comforts you at all, know that the money will be wired into your preferred account as payment for this assignment straight away. We pay our brides well! I can personally promise full support for you and your son.

I stare at the screen, my gut twisting. This is all too weird. I was looking for a way to help my son, and I didn’t think clicking on a link for mail-order brides was going to be the ticket.

I only entertained this out of curiosity,I think.Then the mention of Lycan Pass… obviously, this is putting me into a pack, and Nico needs that badly. I didn’t want to do this just for money, but to be fair, I don’t have much of that, either.

My phone buzzes in my hand.

Are you still there, Clara?

Yes, I type. I’m still here.

Are you willing to meet at Apgar tomorrow afternoon?

My chest feels so tight, I can barely move, and my stomach twists into a ball of nerves. I’m sweating again, and my back feels hot and itchy. Finally, my trembling fingers type the words.

I’ll be there.

The next afternoon, I’m standing at the edge of Lake McDonald, watching the rippling water and trying to stay calm. North to northeast of here, along the edge of the lake, a secret road runs all the way to Glacier National Park. From there, Lycan Pass leads to Wolfshade, and right at the end, near Rainbow Peak and Quartz Lake, is our hometown, Quartz Key.

The silence of the area is softly enhanced by the rippling waves, the sighing wind, and the occasional bird cry. I keep my eyes on the lake, trying not to look into the nearby woods where the secret path is.

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