Bad Love an Alpha’s Regret by Elise Sinclair

Chapter 22

LEAH

The rest of the meeting is a blur.

Aaron hauls me to my feet and starts talking over the noise in the room about ‘personally conducting an investigation.’ And then, out of deference to me, he offered to pay my father’s bad debt so that the Regional Council would not be impacted

while he sorted through matters.

Which, of course, made everyone think he was some kind of

savior.

But could you really praise a firefighter for saving a burning building if he was the one who started the fire in the first

place?

No. Of course not.

And what Aaron did is criminal and gaslighting and all kinds

of twisted.

But it isn’t just Aaron who came out of the meeting smelling

like roses.

I made a good impression too, apparently. I struck a chord with some of the Elders. And they’ve granted my father a

reprieve because of it.

2/5

In the old days, loyalty was most prized because it held packs. together. At least a few of the council members appreciated my display of loyalty and my willingness to sacrifice myself for my family.

In the time of the Elders, matters of treachery or broken laws would be handled internally.

never turn a wolf over to humans. Not

anyway.

I was hoping

to count

than I can say

building to

door ever

kind of intentionally gentle gesture that lets me know

to slam it.

opposite

he’s sitting next to me and then barks,

3/5

but Cedric at the wheel this time, and I wonder what that’s about. Typically, Aaron doesn’t go anywhere without James

the vehicle with me.

vehicles are nowhere

instructs the

going?”

purses his lips bemusedly.

I said I’d do anything. I promised. Hoping he’d

dad.

he wants

could have been avoided,”

me.”

a face. I

“Oh. You’re

course, I am.”

4/5

face. The man who locks. me in a room with no food for a week. The man who set me up to be convicted of embezzling-only to pin it on my father.” I scoff. “You do realize, if my father does have to testify in

Aaron tenses.

trust issues.” I shake my

are gold. His hands flex and I see the ripple of his beast along his

wolf has impeccable