Bad Love: An Alpha's Regret

Chapter 92

AARON

Da mn it… say something, Leah!

She’s staring like a deer in the headlights, and the cliche is appropriate. But you don’t want to be frozen

prey, not in this

company.

“Let’s give Leah a round of applause,” I shout.

The whole room turns to face me.

Scowls and di rty looks outnumber the shocked expressions.

I grin. “Come on, she kept my a ss in line for a decade. Just imagine what miracles she’ll work back

here among her

family.”

Laughter echoes through the room and gradually people cheer and clap wholeheartedly.

I’m not trying to steal her spotlight. That’s not my intent. She needs to stand on her own feet. I never

wanted to actually

break this woman. Bend her, sure. Over most any piece of

furniture in the vicinity.

Because it’s her will that’s always been sexiest to me.

I arch a brow at Leah now. Let’s go, honey. Get on with it.

“My friends,” she begins. Her voice is strong and it silences the room instantly. Did she put force behind

the words, I wonder? I feel…something.

“I’ve missed you in the many years I was pledged for peace. And though I wish my father was still alive

and here to shepherd Pack Roberts into the next century, I accept the responsibility he bestowed upon

me. And I do not take it lightly.”

All right, she’s off to a good start.

“I’ve learned a lot about what it means to be an Alpha. First and foremost, it’s a sacrifice. It’s setting the

needs of the pack above all else. And I pledge to you that I will continue to do that until my last breath.”

Is that what her marriage to me was, a sacrifice?

I h ate to think of our years together as that.

I rub my chest. My wolf is agitated.

“Now,” Leah smiles crookedly. “Let’s get the elephant out of the

room, shall we? I’m human.”

There are some mock gasps from the crowd.

“I know!” she says. “Shocking. And…” she leans forward conspiratorially. “Female.”

More gasps. This time with some laughter.

“But here’s the thing,” Leah says. “Pack Roberts doesn’t need a leader based on gender. Pack Roberts

doesn’t need a vicious warrior like my father before me. We’ve made our peace with our sworn enemy.

Isn’t that right, Alpha Aaron?”

Da mn. Leah. Way to put me on the spot.

Every head swivels in my direction.

“Yes. Our marriage solidified peace.”

Her eyes narrow.

Well, she had to know I wasn’t going to let her get away that easily. And she might be spouting off

about annulling our marriage or divorcing me… But I’m not agreeing to that.

“Our pack needs someone who can rebuild our infrastructure. Our pack needs someone with strong

political ties to gain us more authority on the Council. Our pack needs someone with the financial

acumen to make us one of the wealthiest packs

in the country.” Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

With each pronouncement, the cheers increase.

She’s winning them over.

Not with empty promises or brute strength or even her beauty. And she is beautiful. I’ve never been

more proud.

She’s won them over with hope… same as she did with me.