Page 23 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

It takes a monumental effort to hold in a groan. I can’t believe we are holding a meeting about this when it doesn’t even need to be discussed.

We are safe. Our alliances are strong. I don’t know why these guys are getting so paranoid. I should be spending today with my new wife!

Images of Clara invade my mind again, and I do absolutely nothing to stop them. Even though lying in bed next to her and not being able to touch her was pure torture, being immersed in her scent and having her so close is so thrilling.

Sitting in the kitchen with her this morning was almost surreal. I’d dreamed of her so often that finally having her in front of me was like seeing an illusion. Like a fairytale that could shatter if I uttered the wrong word.

Even when she was glaring at me and verbally kicking my ass.

“Galen?” Sherman says with a frown. “Are you with us?”

“Sure,” I answer. “I’m on board with all of this, but I don’t think we have to decide anything today.”

Sherman grins at me, obviously knowing I’m not paying attention. The others look satisfied, though, and that’s all I care about.

“I need to go out and check on my mate,” I announce, standing up. “It’s her first day back in town, and I want to be with her and my son as much as possible.”

“What a terrible thing,” Jacinta remarks, an edge of ice in her tone. “For her to keep your child from you all those years. You must be devastated, Galen.”

“She did what she had to do,” I answer, returning Jacinta’s cold tone threefold. “I respect the actions of my mate and honor her, as you should.”

Jacinta nods, turning her eyes down submissively. I can tell it’s fake, though, and I know I have to watch her closely.

I have to watch all of them.

“We’ll get some refreshments,” George says. “But there are things we aren’t done discussing.”

Holding in an exasperated sigh is too hard for me, but I manage to nod and head towards the front doors before I let it out. I bounce quickly down the front steps, checking my phone to see a text from Clara, letting me know she’s at the park with Nico.

It doesn’t take me long to reach the playground, where I see Clara standing by while Nico plays on a swing. As I watch, he hurls himself from the seat, landing hard but running to swing up onto the monkey bars.

He’s got so much energy. The next full moon will be rough.

As I approach, I see Clara turn towards the sidewalk, where someone is approaching her. At first, I’m pleased that Clara is reconnecting with an old friend, but then I realize it’s Mrs. Haggerty.

George’s wife. One of the oldest pack members there is. I’m sure she was never a fan of Clara.

I push that thought away. Remembering how little support Clara had makes me feel like a complete asshole.

How could I do that to her? No matter my reasons, I broke the bond of trust between us… and I don’t deserve to be forgiven.

As I get closer to the women, I begin to pick up snippets of conversation.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Haggerty,” Clara says calmly. “But I’m not sure what you’d like me to say?”

“Nothing,” the old woman says sharply. “I’m asking you todosomething—leave town.”

“I’m Galen’s wife now. I have no intention of going anywhere,” Clara answers with an edge of hardness. She’s dealing with the old woman’s spite as best she can.

“You only married Galen so you could lord it over us!” Mrs. Haggerty almost spits. “You seduced him and twisted his mind! It’s a horrible thing to do to such a good man. A woman like you—”

“Why, good morning, Mrs. Haggerty,” I say smoothly. “I see you’re having a chat with my mate.”

The old woman’s face pales, but she keeps her stern expression intact. “Good morning, Galen.”

“I couldn’t help overhearing a little, and you’ve got it completely wrong, Agnes,” I say. “Clara didn’t seduce me… I seduced her.”

I see a quick flash of a smile on Clara’s face as old Mrs. Haggerty takes a step back.

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