Page 63 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

“Four,” Dan says. “Sorry. Me and my pal Benny here, and Shawn and Jace, who ran away when you came. That’s it, I swear.”

Galen lets out a deep breath. “Look, I’ll let you camp, but over my boundary. I’m going to want some more information from you, especially if you want to stay for an extended period of time. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Dan says. “Thank you so much.”

“No more stealing,” Galen warns firmly.

Dan nods sheepishly. “It’s okay. We have a little cash and supplies. It’s just easier to lift stuff if you can.”

“I’m sure it is,” Galen says, his tone hard. “Get out of here.”

Dan helps Benny to his feet, and they run into the woods. I watch them go, my heart pounding right up into my throat.

“Was that wise, Galen?” I ask him. “They look like trouble.”

“I know they do,” he answers, leading me back to the house. “Don’t worry, I’m going to fully check them out. I want you and Nico in town first, though. If Nico’s at school and you’re in a public place, I know you’re safe. I can’t leave you here and go running around looking for these clowns.”

“Okay,” I say. “They really didn’t seem to be telling the truth.”

“I agree,” Galen says. “If they wanted to steal some stuff, I think they could have done it a bit quicker. I got the feeling they were looking for something.”

Chills run through my lower back and belly. “It’s very scary having them in our backyard,” I mutter, wrapping my arms around myself.

“I’m going to take care of it,” Galen says. “Get Nico ready for school, and we’ll head into town. Then I’ll get started checking these guys out.”

After we’re all up and dressed, we take Nico to the town bakery for breakfast. He’s all smiles and enthusiasm as we eat together and runs off to school with a big wave to both of us.

“He looks great,” Galen says, smiling. “He’s finally sleeping well and focusing on his schoolwork.”

“I know,” I answer, my chest glowing with pride. “Since we started helping him with his magic, everything is falling into place.”

I look over at Galen, and he’s watching me with a soft look in his eyes. He lifts a hand as if he wants to reach for mine, but takes it back at the last second.

There’s still so much space between us, and I can’t cross it. No matter how hard it is for me to hold back, the pain of giving in would be far worse.

“Okay, I’m going to pass on news of this incident and get some backup, as well as a couple of other things I’ve got lined up for the day,” Galen says. “Where should I take you?”

“Grocery store, please,” I answer, relieved to be on a neutral topic. We chat about food and household items we need, and my anxiety settles a little.

While I’m shopping, I find myself choosing things I know Galen likes. I’m surprised at myself that I even noticed his favorites, but the idea of making him happy excites me.

Careful.

My inner voice warns me, as it always does, but the draw of doing something nice for Galen doesn’t go away. I fill my cart and go through the register, setting my stuff up for a delivery later. I leave the shop with only one small bag and head down the street, thinking about getting a coffee while I wait for Galen.

I’m knocked right out of my thoughts when someone runs into me. I almost lose my bag and grip the paper sack as I stagger away, trying to stay upright.

“Hey, I’m real sorry! Gee, I totally didn’t mean to do that.”

“Hello,” I say warily, remembering the shifter from this morning. “Dan, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah,” he replies. “I didn’t catch your name?”

He grins at me, and it’s just a little creepy. There is a hard sheen to his cool blue eyes, and I get the feeling he’s toying with me.

“Clara,” I answer. “And you met my husband, Galen. He’s the alpha.”

“Yes, yes, he is,” Dan agrees. “And you are a wolf, correct?”

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