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.

over to humans. Not

anyway.

hoping for but I’ve bought

and that has to count for something.

I can say for me.

arm and brings me out of the building to the car. He opens the door, physically lifts me into the

ever so gently.

gentle gesture

to slam it.

climbs in from the opposite side, slides

he’s sitting next to me and then barks, “Drive!”

3/5

wheel this time, and I wonder what that’s about. Typically, Aaron doesn’t go anywhere without James or William, so it’s

the vehicle with

are nowhere

of turning left Aaron instructs the driver

going?” I ask.

his lips bemusedly.

I’d do anything. I

dad.

wants to go and

been avoided,” he says,

me.”

turn to make a face. I stare at him

“Oh. You’re serious.”

I am.”

4/5

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 court, he’ll probably still end up getting me indicted.”

Aaron tenses.

but I am the one with trust issues.” I shake my head. “Holy

the ripple of his beast along his forearms, a

wolf has impeccable