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