Page 80 of Unclaimed Bonds

I study the men’s reactions to her entrance. Alpha Rhineheart stares blankly. Beta DuPont frowns. But the Young Alpha’s jaw drops. His eyes wide, like he’s seen a ghost. Mouth slightly agape, he pales.

He stammers, “Grit?”

“This is Alpha Princess Jessica Langhlam,” I interject. Jessica turns her smile toward the Young Alpha.

He shakes his head and runs a hand down his face, collecting himself. “I guess the allegations are true, then?”

Schooling her features, Jessica glances at the other two men. Then, giving her full attention again to the Young Alpha, she asks, “Allegations?”

Chapter 37

Allegations

JESSICA

TWO WEEKS AGO:

March 14, 2025: 12:45 p.m.

Alpha Kings Mansion: Conference Room

The second territory leaders are notoriously known for their disdain toward successful women. The Ruby Falls Pack is a traditional pack and views women beneath men. According to their traditions, women belong in their beds or in subservient positions, such as housekeepers or cooks. Despite how the world around their territory evolved, they strongly maintain their beliefs.

Naturally, Beta DuPont’s correspondence has clearly conveyed his disdain for my position.

Even though my intention was to show him that I desired peace, his reply only reinforced that women like myself would only bring downfall to those around me when I try to fulfill a leadership role. Of course, I won’t let him make me feel inferior to his status. Alpha Agnus taught me better than that.

My mother turns to leave the room, and I step around her to give the gentlemen my attention. The group is tense with an interrupted confrontation. I just wish it wasn’t happening today, of all days.

The young man standing next to Alpha Rhineheart stares at me, his mouth hanging open. He stammers, “Grit?”

“This is Alpha Princess Jessica Langhlam,” Luke interjects. I glance at Luke and return my gaze to the young man.

Frowning, he shake his head. “I guess the allegations are true then?”

My brow furrows in confusion. “Allegations?”

Beta DuPont laughs, and Alpha Rhineheart joins him. “This all makes sense now—the attacks on my pack’s winery, the drop in sales for the past five years, the personal attack a few months ago from you and one of your guards.” Beta DuPont points a finger at me. “Has this been your plan of revenge all along?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Beta DuPont.” Beta DuPont turns to Alpha Rhineheart. “After all this time.” Alpha Rhineheart nods. Speaking to my father, the Beta continues, “Your Majesty, I am not sure what she told you over the years, but I can assure you, it is all lies.”

What the hell is he talking about?

My father places a hand over mine. “You better start making some sense, or I will—” my father starts when Luke cuts in.

“Actually, I want to hear all about these lies. I always had my suspicions, the way she ran into our territory, begging the guards for help, manipulating her way into my family, into my pack all those years ago. Not to mention how she ruined my relationship with my mate.”

A sharp pain pierces my heart from his words.

“I think it’s time for the truth to come out finally. Don’t you think, Jessica?” He gives me a cold smile.

My eyes widen, and tears burn the back of my lashes. I glance down at my hands before raising my chin making eye contact Beta DuPont. “I never lied or personally attacked the second territory. I have no reason to!”

Luke grabs my shoulder and pushes me into a chair. “Sit,” he says sharply. “Let the Beta talk.”

Beta DuPont smiles like the cat who got the cream. “I didn’t recognize you at first. You’ve grown into quite a young woman. But the hair and those eyes… We thought you were dead all this time. What you put your mother and brother through. Our family—the pack—has never been the same.”

The young man who called me “Grit” scoffs and runs his fingers through his hair.