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.

the result I was hoping for but I’ve

that has to count

I can say for me.

building to the car. He opens the door, physically lifts me into the

the door ever

intentionally gentle gesture that lets

wants to slam it.

the opposite side, slides across the bench

he’s sitting next to me and

3/5

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

vehicle

are nowhere to

of turning left Aaron instructs the

we going?” I ask.

his

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

dad.

to going wherever he wants to go and not asking

of this could have been avoided,” he says, “If you’d

me.”

it’s my turn to make a face. I

“Oh. You’re

course, I

4/5

in my 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.

Aaron tenses.

lied, tricked and imprisoned me… but I am the one with trust issues.” I shake my head. “Holy shit, you

are gold. His hands flex and I see the ripple of his beast along his forearms, a sign that he’s

wolf has