The Alpha King is unavailable 146

"Are you absolutely sure that's what happened?" I pressed gently.

Victoria's fingers tightened around mine. “Ethan, please. Why are you questioning her like this?

She was traumatized by that incident."

"I just want to understand-"

"Why don't you ask Lily then?" Victoria suggested, her tone innocent despite the cruelty of her words. She knew perfectly well that Lily was no longer alive to defend herself.

Emma's eyes filled with tears. "Alpha, don't you believe Emma? Do you think Emma is a lying bad girl?"

The sight of her distress made my resolve crumble. I reached back to pat her knee

reassuringly.

"No, of course not. I believe you, Emma."

Victoria relaxed beside me, her thumb stroking the back of my hand. "It was probably just a

misunderstanding between children. These things happen."

I nodded, though doubt lingered. Perhaps that was all it had been-a childish misunderstanding that I had blown out of proportion due to my own prejudices. I had been quick to believe the worst of Lily, assuming she had inherited Olivia's supposed jealousy and

vindictiveness.

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+15 Pomis

videos had shown me a

knew. Patient, loving, protective-nothing like the manipulative woman Victoria had described to

over the years.

wrong about both

Victoria's elegant residence on the outskirts of Shadow Creek. Emma, still upset from our conversation, clung

yet, Alpha," she pleaded, her small hands

have to if

responsibilities-"

unable to resist Emma's pleading eyes.

drawings, her school projects, her new toys. By the time Victoria suggested it

reluctant

you read me a story,

get back to his duties.

you tonight."

to do it," Emma insisted, her

agreeing, following Emma to her bedroom while Victoria watched with a mixture of amusement

bed fit for a princess. She climbed into bed and patted the space beside

she said, handing me a colorful storybook about

special powers.

slowly, watching as Emma's eyelids grew heavier with each

asleep, her small face peaceful in

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