Page 28 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

Over the last half hour, I’ve gotten several texts from Sherman and George reminding me that the meeting wasn’t over when I left. I thought if I stayed away, they’d get bored and postpone, but it looks like I’m out of luck today.

And I’m pretty sure I know what they want to talk about, and why Clara has to be there.

“Far be it for me to stand in the way of boring bureaucracy,” Winnie says. “That’s my cue to leave. Catch up soon, Clara?”

“Sure thing,” Clara says, smiling. “Can’t wait.”

“I’ll let you know how it goes,” Winnie says, giving her a wink.

Clara giggles, covering her mouth.

That is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ve only waited seven years and two days to hear it again.

“Should I be worried?” I joke, giving Winnie a look.

“Always,” she says, blowing me a kiss. “Later, bro.”

I watch Winnie go, then hold out my hand to Clara. She gives me a wary look.

“We should look united and happy,” I remind her gently. “We are out in public, after all.”

“You’re right,” she concedes, taking my hand and getting up. As we start to walk across the park, she surprises me by lacing our fingers together and swinging our hands gently.

Complicated emotions rise in me, the thrill of being with her in public colliding with my shame over hiding our relationship so many years before. All I wanted was to walk proudly down the street like this, showing everyone that she was the only girl for me. But I couldn’t.

I did it to protect her. I did what I had to do. Father would not have stopped—he was relentless.

We come to the stone steps in front of the town hall, and Clara looks up warily. I know how difficult this must be for her, so I give her hand a squeeze. She doesn’t squeeze back, just keeps looking at the huge double doors with wide eyes.

Like a spirited horse about to shy away and bolt back to freedom.

I tighten my hand in hers possessively, feeling desperate at the thought of losing her again.

I’m worried that her nerves will make our entrance look forced, but by the time we walk into the hall, Clara is smiling warmly, a gentle smile on her face and her eyes bright. She squeezes my hand, and I look over at her in surprise.

Is this real, or is she acting? Can anyone be that good at pretending?

“Come in,” George says, gesturing to the seats at the end of the table. He’s sitting with Sherman and Jacinta, who’s watching Clara with hard eyes.

I wonder if Agnes told her husband about the encounter at the park. The whole town is probably gossiping about it by now.

Not that I care.

“Sit down,” Sherman tells us. “Nathan and Delia are on their way.”

“So the full council, then?” I say. “What about Mother?”

“Still not attending,” George replies. “She doesn’t feel it’s necessary to be here yet, but she told me she is planning to talk to you and Clara soon, and properly meet her grandson.”

Well, there’s something to look forward to, I think sarcastically.

A few minutes later, Nathan and Delia arrive and take their seats. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what this is about. I’d rather spare Clara the discomfort of these questions, but it’s been the main reason why the council has been on my back for the past few months.

“Thank you for attending,” Jacinta says to Clara, her voice cool. “Now that you’re the alpha’s mate, you’ll be required to attend meetings fairly often and take on pack business.”

“I understand,” Clara says, keeping her voice low. She’s still holding my hand under the table, and I feel her fingers tremble.

“We all know what this is about,” Sherman says bluntly. “Let’s just cut to the chase. Galen, we need to talk about your heirs.”

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