Page 9

“She is not Irene.” I rise to my feet, my voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

Julian smirks. “And how would you know that, uncle?”

I don’t answer him. My eyes are locked on the woman.

“She is Aisha Black,” I announce, my voice cold. “The same woman you’ve been fucking for weeks at Melbour Hotel.”

My nephew's always had a filthy fucking habit of luring women into his bed, using their loyalty to him as a weapon. Hell, he doesn't just sleep with them, he grooms them to do his dirty bidding, and I'm not surprised he's roped yet another woman he's slept with into his schemes.

Julian’s smirk wavers for half a second before he masks the stumble with mockery. “You have no proof of your accusations, Alaric. It’s—”

“You are willing to do anything to win, Julian,” I cut him off. “Using women to reach your goals, having your lovers do your dirty bidding—all cheap moves, nephew. You want proof? I can get today’s CCTV footage of you and Aisha from the hotel’s security feeds.” I pause. “Just say the word.”

Julian falters.

And that’s when I see it.

The flicker of confusion. The lack of recognition when I disguised my mention of Lila.

If he had known about Lila and me, he would have used it by now to bring me down. He would have made a scene the moment he walked in.

But he doesn’t.

Because he has no idea.

I was wrong about Lila.

The realization is like a punch to the gut. The memory of her tears tightens around my throat. I was wrong.

Fuck.

Aisha trembles beside Julian. She knows she’s been caught.

Julian starts to counter with another excuse, another pathetic attempt to save his lie.

He never gets the chance.

“Enough.”

The Alpha’s voice, though weak, brings the room to silence.

He wipes the blood from his lips, his gaze burning into Julian before shifting to me.

“I will not leave this pack in the hands of fools and liars.” His tone is final. Then, he turns to me. “I name Alaric Hells as interim Alpha.”

Julian’s mask finally cracks. His face contorts in rage. “You can’t do—”

“I can.” The Alpha’s voice is steel. “And I have.” His gaze hardens. “Alaric has proven himself more capable than you, Julian. My decision is final.”

Julian storms out. Aisha follows after him like a loyal pup.

I sit back down, and the Alpha leans in, his voice dropping low.

“You are interim Alpha, but that title can change at any moment.” His sharp eyes hold mine. “Find Irene and marry her.”

A muscle in my jaw twitches.

“I made a promise to my friend, Chris,” he continues. “I vowed to find his daughter, even if it killed me. I am tasking you with this, Alaric.”