THE ALPHA'S CLAIM

RA'

m the bruises I hadn't yet allowed to fully heal. Uncle Caleb was already inside, wi

e asked, his tone

, brushing past him. "I got hurt

ra, don't lie to me. You've been coming back with bruis

e," I interrupted gently.

s slumping. "You shouldn't have

an envelope. "Here," I said, placing i

taking your money. I failed your father when he needed me most. I can't change the past

as pointless. Caleb's guilt over his past decisions wei

-

as my editor, Michael, who worked for the

Michael said, his voice

asked, already d

fan meeting," he explained. "

you know I don't do public appear

t they didn't consult me before making the

. "Tell them I'm sick. Tell the

'll try, but it's

books were based on my past experiences. I had even used elements of real people, including Micah and

-

s just finishing up when I heard the low growl of an engine outside.

. My wolf stirred immediately, whispering, "Mate." I

ng onto me. "I'd like a pizza," he said ca

replied, wiping my

irk playing at his lips. "Do you

"I saved some for myself

"An Alpha eating leftover p

heated pizza in front of Micah, the front door ba

ething to eat," he demand

e leaned back in his chair

ely cradled his arm-the same arm Micah had broken days ago. "N-never mind,"

me any trouble for the past two days, but

cah said, his voi

urned to leave, but Mi

rusting myself

serious now. "My father has arranged for me to hav

nd tugged painfully at my chest, but I forced myself to s

wned. "Th

d, keeping my voice stead

to say more, but I turned an

-

but my face expressionless. I had been through this before. When Liam, my ex and now the Alpha

tood off to the side, along with the Alpha of the other pack a

her for years," he said, his deep voice carrying over t

cting him to announce

ween our packs," Micah continued. "If one pack is att

ting such generosity. Micah's father, too, seemed t

landing on me. My stomach twisted as he sai

the stage. I closed my eyes, braci

te is

rclap. My eyes snapped open, a

d toward me, his gaze

ced myself to move. The crowd erupted into applause

her Alpha, though clearly displeased, didn't protest. He couldn't afford

ding sparks shooting up my arm. His voice was low as he lean

of confusion and disbelief. Whatever came ne