Page 82 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

“We have to investigate,” she urges. “We can’t just leave this.”

“I don’t intend to,” I answer, the beginnings of an idea beginning to form in my mind. “I’ve got a plan, Clara, to draw the bad guys out. But I’m going to need your help to do it.”

Chapter 25 - Clara

A week after the attack, most of my injuries have healed, and I’m finally feeling strong enough to implement Galen’s plan.

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Galen asks as we leave the house. “I don’t like using you as bait.”

“All of you are going to be right there,” I answer, taking his hands. “I won’t be in any danger. Besides, it has to be me.”

“There might be better ways of getting him to talk.”

“We discussed this already. If you accuse anyone without sufficient evidence, it will cause more dissent amongst the council, and that’s exactly what you want to prevent.”

“Okay,” Galen sighs. “I know you’re right. This might not pan out into anything—if he’s not the guilty party, then we won’t set off any alarm bells with this plan. If I did any major investigations, I could alert the bad guys, and they’d cover their tracks.”

“See?” I say, grinning as I link my fingers through his. “It makes perfect sense.”

“Are we ready?” Nico asks, standing by the car. “I’m all set for this, Mom. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Oh, sweet boy,” I say, running over to hug him. “You don’t have to stand up and offer to fight for me—the whole pack will be there. Don’t put yourself in danger.”

“I’m stronger than you, Mom,” Nico says very seriously. “I can help. Don’t worry.”

“Alright,” I mutter, sighing. “But listen to your dad and the other wolves, okay? You’re still learning.”

“Yes, Mom, I will,” Nico says, his eyes very wide and serious. “I promise.”

I watch him get into the car, a horrible twist of nerves deep in my stomach. I feel like Nico is too young to be mixed up in this, but he’s a shifter, not a human child. He’s faster, stronger, and more mature, and if he doesn’t exercise his special skills, he’ll go mad with boredom.

Not to mention his witch powers. Raising him is going to be a challenge!

As we drive to town, I’m comforted by the thought that Nico has an incredibly big support network in his family and in the pack. I’m confident that we can overcome any difficulty now that all of us are joined in love.

“Okay,” Galen says, parking behind Town Hall. “The others are all in position. You know what to do?”

“Yeah,” I answer, nerves bubbling up in my stomach. “I’m good.”

Galen gives me a searching look, his eyes grave.

“You can still pull out if you want to—”

“No,” I answer firmly. “Let’s do this.”

I get out of the car and walk around the hall, heading for the main street. As I walk, I take deep breaths and stretch my legs, trying to stay calm. The others will be able to pick up on my vital signs, so if the plan is going to work, I can’t let them suspect anything.

The corner near the main bakery is a little crowded, just as we planned. It’s a common meeting place in the morning, and the little shop does excellent trade. Strolling up to the tables and chairs out front, I see Sherman and Kyra sitting close together with their heads down.

Here we go.

I cross the small dining area, seeing George and Agnes approaching from the other side. My stomach lurches, but I plow forward, gulping down my fear. When I stop by the table, Sherman looks up at me and smiles quickly, as if he almost forgot to. Kyra nods, giving me only a brief acknowledgment.

“Good morning,” I say brightly. “How are you today?”

“Well, thanks,” Sherman answers. “How are you, though, after the terrible ordeal you went through?”

“I’m healing,” I reply, smiling. “Thank you.”

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