Page 34 of Bonded and Betrayed

“Good,” I say, pushing back from my chair to stand before them. “This fight will be hard, but if we all work together as a team and trust each other and our alliance with the Whitlock pack, we’ll be able to come out of this victorious and stronger than ever.”

I hold Monte’s gaze, checking for any crack in his facade, but still nothing.

The four betas place their hands over their hearts and bow slightly in respect and agreement.

“I’ll check in with you, Monte and Isabella, tomorrow regarding the progress you’ve made so far,” I say in dismissal, about to sit back down in my seat when Monte interrupts me.

“Could I have a moment to speak with you alone?”

“Of course. Isabella, you can wait outside for Monte. Silas and Seline, wait a moment as we need to coordinate for tonight,” I say, dismissing the others. They nod in agreement and exit back into the hallway. Silas gives me a pointed look before he leaves, clearly having the same apprehension as me.

I’m not scared of Monte, especially one on one, but with Zeke still hiding in the closet and no other people or scents to distract him, Monte might just catch on—and that is not something we can afford to happen now.

Monte takes a step forward as the door clicks closed, his thighs brushing up against the desk. I work to calm my frantic heartbeat, not wanting him to sense the nervous energy radiating off me.

He inhales deeply, his lip curling as he clearly smells Zeke’s scent lingering on my skin. Bile rises in my throat at his proximity, and my body begs to put distance between us, but my wolf keeps my feet planted firmly where they are. Stepping away now would be a sign of weakness that I can’t afford.

“You’re playing a very dangerous game, Skylar,” Monte says.

“How so?”

“You know he killed your father, and you’re staying with them, letting them touch you.” He shudders in disgust at the thought, vitriol leaking from his words.

“That’s none of your business, Monte,” I growl and push my dominance out towards him. I’m done. Even if he had nothing to do with my father’s death, his days in this pack are numbered.

He stumbles a step back at the force that smacks into him, his eyes widening as he catches himself.

“Skylar—”

“Get the fuck out and do your job.”

A low growl slips from my lips at the command, my teeth shifting to my wolf canines in warning. My wolf begs to be let free, to barrel into him and sink her teeth into his throat. What a difference a few weeks can make. I was nostalgic for a time together when we reconnected after ten years, but now I’m over the utter lack of respect. How on earth had my father not seen this? Was he truly that blinded by his grief that he let Monte get close to him despite his obvious lust for power? Had he been blind to it, or is it only coming out now that he sees his plan unraveling before his eyes? Even if Monte hadn’t killed my father, it’s clear now that his mind is fixated on the power being my partner would give him.

“Of course, Alpha.” He lowers his head as he walks backwards, but I don’t miss the subtle tick of his jaw. He searches for the handle, opening it, and backing out, unwilling to give me his back.

At least he’s smart.

With one final pleading look, he steps out past the threshold and lets the door close on him, his deep mahogany eyes flashing with some unreadable emotion just before the door shutters his form out completely.

I take a deep breath, calming my wolf enough to let my canines retract.

My phone vibrates a moment later, and I pull it from my pocket to read the message.

Seline:He’s gone.

“He’s gone,” I call out to Zeke as I text Seline back a quick thank you, asking her and Silas to wait outside for a few moments.

“You have no idea how hard that was to listen to,” Zeke says, opening the closet door. His hands are fisted at his sides as he stalks over to me, anger radiating off of his rigid form. “My wolf nearly fucking gave me away.”

“I know what you mean.” I roll my shoulders back, attempting to calm myself. “I wish I could just rip his throat out now.”

The confession has reality crashing in. How is this my life? How is someone who used to be one of the most important people in my life, the person I thought I would spend the rest of my days with, now the person that I trust the least?

“I almost wish he would try something tonight, just so I can know for sure.” I sigh, scrubbing a hand over my face.

“Hopefully, we’ll have an answer soon,” he agrees, unclenching his hands.

“So, did you recognize anything?” I ask, my hope sparking at the thought we might be one step closer to an answer.

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