Page 40 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

I look away from her, focusing hard on my breakfast to take my attention away from the tightness in my pants.

I thought after that, everything would be okay. I never imagined it could make her more distant.

The morning after we had sex in the woods, we woke at the same time, and I let myself get lost in her beautiful, golden eyes. When I reached for her, she turned over and got up without even speaking to me, and it’s been like that ever since.

“Can I come with you to practice?” I ask Clara and Nico.

Nico’s eyes brighten, but Clara cuts in. “Thanks, but it’s okay,” Clara answers, her tone smooth and even. “I have some grocery shopping to do, and I’m meeting Winnie as well. I know you have a packed business day, and you’ll be late if you come with us.”

I want to tell her that I’m the alpha, so they can damned well wait for me if I want to be late. But I see a look in her eyes that makes me stay silent.

She’s been actively avoiding being alone with me. I have to respect her wishes and stay away, even if I don’t understand why.

Clara finishes getting Nico ready, then they head off to practice, as I go to the hall for a pack meeting. Everyone is assembled, even Mother, and I try to push Clara out of my mind so I can concentrate.

“I’m glad all of you could come,” Sherman says, gesturing for me to sit. “As you all know, I’ve been discussing adding more members to the council so we can have new perspectives on what the pack really needs, and how to progress in the future.”

“Cliff was firmly against this,” Mother answers. “He wanted only first families on the council as a matter of pride and tradition.”

“I completely agree,” Sherman says with sincerity. “But we have all the first families right here. Jacinta is a widow with no children. Delia and Nathan have no children, either, and no connected family who are interested in taking a seat.”

“I have two sons,” George mutters irritably.

Sherman gives him a sympathetic look. “And none of them have attended a single meeting,” he says regretfully. “Kyra is the youngest member on the council, and I was only able to convince you to let her in because of a connection to the Deakins family, who left town years ago.”

“I came home to discover my heritage,” Kyra puts in enthusiastically. “And I found a home. I’m pleased to be able to speak at council, and I agree with Sherman completely.”

I see my mother narrow her eyes at Sherman very briefly before anyone else can notice. I know she doesn’t buy the story of Kyra’s family connection and resisted adding her to the council.

“If we go on as we have, there won’t be a council,” Sherman says woefully. “We need to take action, and soon.”

“I’m not done yet, you insolent pup!” George splutters. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

“I am assuming that you have people in mind, Sherman?” my mother says coolly, completely ignoring George.

“It’s true I have put out feelers around town,” Sherman answers agreeably.

This time, when Mother narrows her eyes at him, she doesn’t hide it.

Then, almost as one, the entire council swivels their heads and looks at me.

Jesus fuck. They want me to make a final decision right now?

Even though this is an important topic, I can’t focus on it. My hands still ache with the need to touch Clara’s skin, and her taste lingers on my lips, tormenting me. Before I even realize what I’m doing, I stand up and turn towards the door.

“Galen!” other snaps, and I wince at her tone.

“Look,” I answer, turning back to the council, “Sherman has a point. I think we should bring in the newcomers and interview them at least. Then we can go from there.”

A babble of protest rises, and for the briefest moment, I see a sharp smile of triumph on Sherman’s face.

What the fuck was that about?

“Your father would not be happy, Galen,” my mother says firmly. “Class status used to mean something.”

“No decisions have been made yet,” I answer firmly. “I have other business to attend to, if you’ll excuse me.”

Like finding my mate and pinning her down until she writhes in my hands and begs me to fuck her.

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