Page 22 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

“Since I’m pretty sure you missed it, I’ll say it again: I don’t want you to get any ideas while we’re sharing a bed, okay?”

“I understand,” I say. “But like I said, this has to look real—even to Nico. So, you might want to act a bit warmer toward me when we’re around him.”

Fiery lightning crackles through the gold of her eyes. She doesn’t move, but her gaze challenges me as her ire rises.

“I’m doing my best,” she finally says. “Nico seems fine. I don’t know what you’re worried about.”

“I’m not worried,” I counter. “Not yet, anyway. But my mom will want to properly meet him soon, and she will ask.”

“I don’t have to prove anything to her,” Clara says defiantly, turning her gaze from me to focus on her coffee. “The contract is binding. We share a bed. I’ve already explained myself to you, and I can’t just act like I’m fine when I’m not.”

“I’m sorry, Clara,” I whisper, meaning it with my whole heart. Seeing this beautiful woman in front of me, still delicate and fragile but now tempered into steel, makes my heart ache for who she used to be.

And throb with excitement for who she has become.

She looks towards me and blinks, long lashes falling against her cheeks for the briefest of seconds before gazing at me openly, pain shimmering in the golden depths of her eyes.

“I had better get going,” I say, standing up. “They’ll be waiting for me. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will,” she mutters, looking away from me as she takes another sip of coffee. I wait a second longer and then go out the back door, my feelings beginning to simmer to a boil.

She was never this fiery before.

The Clara I remember was sweet and gentle, always quiet. I know she went to great efforts to stay under everyone’s radar because of the bullying, but I never imagined there was a goddess of fire underneath that shy demeanor.

And this fire in her… it fascinates me. It turns me on.

It’s driving my wolf fucking crazy.

My drive to the town hall is an uncomfortable one. My body constantly reminds me of what it felt like to have Clara in my arms… and what it might feel like now that she isn’t as sweet and submissive. When I finally park, I have to stay in the car for a few minutes to calm myself down.

Okay, onto the boring stuff. At least now, no one will be able to accuse me of not getting a mate.

When I come inside, I see Sherman, Jacinta, Nathan, and George gathered around a small table at the back.

Why isn’t my mother here?

Ever since she had to take over from Dad, Mother has been constantly involved in pack business. It’s why she performed the ceremony this morning and attends every council meeting.

“Where’s my mother?” I ask as I sit down at the table.

“She said she didn’t need to attend today,” Sherman answers. “I think she’s going to be attending a lot less now that you’re married.”

Of course, she would. Her only reason to attend meetings before was to harass me to get a mate!

“Fair enough,” I answer. “What is the main issue for today?”

“Boundaries,” George says seriously. “We need to discuss this urgently. Wolfshade extends from here all the way to Mt. Oberlin. There are multiple packs throughout the valleys and peaks, and we’re no longer sure of their territories.”

“That’s because we have peace,” I say, trying to keep the impatience out of my tone. “We haven’t needed to run any extended patrols for years.”

“Which is exactly why we should be doing it,” Nathan emphasizes. “We have no idea what their intentions are.”

Maybe because they don’t have any?

“If we start running patrols, other packs may take it as a threat,” I state. “I don’t think we have cause to mobilize.”

“Nobody is suggesting mobilizing,” George replies. “But definitely some scouting, just to secure the boundary.”

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