Page 83 of Betrayed Alpha Bride

By my side, George and Agnes appear. Neither of them attempts to hide their foul looks.

“Clara,” Agnes almost spits at me, “I thought you’d be in bed for much longer than this. You know, being human and all?”

“It’s a terrible affliction,” I answer, unable to keep a woeful tone out of my voice. “I can’t tell you how I’ve suffered with it.”

Kyra snickers and flashes me a thumbs-up. I grin back at her while Agnes glowers, obviously knowing there was a joke involved that she didn’t pick up on.

“I assume that measures will now be taken to prevent this from happening again,” George says. “Obviously, you aren’t safe. Galen will have to put you under guard.”

“No, I don’t think so,” I say pleasantly. “I do have ways of defending myself, and there’s no point living my life in fear. You can count on me going through with all my usual routines.”

“So, you’ll just be walking around town unprotected?” George asks.

I nod, but Agnes cuts in before I can answer.

“She just said that, George!” Agnes snaps. “Will you keep up?”

I have to hide a giggle as I realize Agnes is still sore after my sarcasm went over her head. She looks around the table and finds no sympathy. Her frown deepens.

“Well, I’m going in to get my breakfast,” she huffs. “I’ll get yours, too, George.”

He waves a hand dismissively, which only pisses her off even more. As she flounces away, I put my focus back on Sherman, who’s staring at his phone.

“Do you still have plans for expanding the council?” I ask.

He nods, looking up. “I’ve been chatting with a few people about getting it happening. I’m glad Galen is behind me. Did you say you’ll be around town a lot more?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here most days. Otherwise, I’d just be back at the house by myself.”

“Good to know,” Sherman says, tapping the screen of his phone as he stands up. “Gotta run.”

“Me too, I’m afraid,” Kyra says. “I’m late for an appointment. I’ll chat with you later.”

The two of them go, leaving me and George standing in the back of the deserted dining area, completely alone. He glares at me, making no attempt to hide it. I keep my face blank and do a slow blink, which makes him frown.

“So, George, what is your opinion on Sherman’s changes to the council?” I ask.

“I don’t like it,” he barks. “Galen should not be entertaining it.”

“Oh!” I gasp, making my eyes wide. “Why? What do you think will happen?”

“Chaos—that’s what’s going to happen!” he snaps. “It’s bad enough that the royal bloodline has been corrupted, let alone all this class shifting. It’s obscene!”

“What do you mean?” I ask anxiously. I do another slow blink, which seems to infuriate him.

I know damn well what you mean, but it’s good to see you try to justify yourself.

“I mean that our pack has lost its honor,” he says heatedly. “And we need to fight to win it back.”

“Of course we do!” I agree, using a light tone. “We need the pack to be strong, I completely agree with you!”

George tilts his head, looking at me with one eyebrow raised. “Would you put the pack before your own needs?” he asks.

I nod enthusiastically.

“Then don’t you think you’re being a bit selfish, holding on to Galen when he should have a wolf mate?” he goes on.

I lower my eyes. “Maybe. I just don’t know. It’s all very difficult to process.”

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