Page 43 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

I look up as my wolf shape fails me, draining away and leaving me bruised, battered, and very painfully human.

Nico is sitting in a small crater of blackened ground, as if lightning just struck or a meteor hit the earth right where he’s sitting. I’m still too stunned to move, and I look over at Clara, who meets my wide-eyed stare with frantic, panicked eyes.

That was magic! Witch magic!

My shock begins to give way to a deep, gnawing fear.

How does Nico have magic?

And how can I help him if I don’t even know what he is?

Chapter 13 - Clara

I lay on the ground, the shock of the blast ringing through my bones. I try to crawl towards Nico, who is huddled in the center of the blackened crater in his human shape.

I’m so worried that I don’t even think about myself. With sheer, brute strength, I manage to stumble over to him. With only the slightest hesitation, I throw my arms around him and hug him tightly to my chest.

I’m not getting electrocuted this time. That’s a good sign.

Behind me, I hear Galen’s footsteps as he approaches. He sounds unsteady, but I don’t think either of us has been hurt.

“Nico, are you okay?” I whisper in his ear.

He nods, clinging to me. “What happened, Mom?”

“I’m not sure, sweetie. We’ll figure it out, I promise.”

He nods, sniffing a little. I look up to see Galen standing over us, his dark eyes simmering with turmoil.

We need help, he mouths, and I nod in agreement.

After a few more minutes, we get Nico to his feet and walk back through the woods towards home. It’s a long, painful journey, and Galen has to carry Nico most of the way. When we get back, Nico is sound asleep, and I tuck him into bed.

We go into the kitchen together, and I’m so exhausted, I just collapse into a chair. Galen makes some coffee and puts a cup in front of me. When I look up, I see him watching me, an intense look in his eyes.

“What is it, Galen?” I ask.

He sighs, pressing his lips together as he shakes his head.

What’s going on here? Shouldn’t we be talking about how to help our son? Is he going to kick us out or something?

I don’t know if I’m frightened or relieved by the idea, so I cover it with anger instead. “Speak up, Galen! What’s your problem?”

“Clara,” he says in a gentle tone. “Tell me about your mother.”

A horrible, sharp pain lances through me, equal parts fear and indignation. There’s also a deep sense of loss and longing that I know far too little about her. I don’t know if I care enough to find out why she left me.

“Galen, I told you years ago I don’t know anything about my mother. She left when I was young. I was raised by Dad up to about Nico’s age, then when he died, I went to a foster home. None of these are fun topics for me.”

“I know,” he answers. “But this is serious, Clara. Nico has magic, and he sure as hell didn’t get it from me.”

“If it came from my mother, then surely I’d have it, too?” I snap indignantly. “What are you implying?”

“Nothing, Clara,” he says, sighing. “It’s just the only avenue to check. We are going to need help, and I think that’s the best place to start. Do you have any idea where your mother might be?”

I shake my head, trying to hide my feelings and failing miserably.

Galen puts a hand on my shoulder. “Come on, Clara, any clue at all?”

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