Bad Love: An Alpha's Regret

Chapter 18

the meeting and back.

1 file out behind them.

When I get into his idling SUV and buckle my seatbelt Aaron

looks at me oddly. “You should stay home tonight,” he tells me.

It’s the first time he’s spoken to me since the attack. “I haven’t

missed a meeting since I came here.”

“You’re injured.”

The implication being that I’m ‘human’. That I’m weak.

True, but … “It’s because I was attacked that I should be present. There are threats that the Council

needs to be aware

of.”

“Do you plan to petition them for a divorce?”

So that’s why he wants me to stay. To silence me. He has the nerve to look earnest and upset that I

want to leave him when he is the one who broke his vows and impregnated another

woman.

He is the one who hasn’t slept beside me in a week.

“Yes. I still want a divorce, Aaron.”

His eyes flash gold for a moment before he banks the emotion. Then he shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

He nods to the driver, a wolf named William. “Let’s go.”

I sink back into the seat. I’m painfully aware of this man and

all the tumultuous emotions he stirs in me.

I’m sitting close to Aaron but when he shifts his leg so it presses against mine, I wonder if I can endure

his nearness for

the next two hours.

When we reach the Regional grounds, already cars are arriving and prominent alphas from across this

part of the country are exiting limousines and SUVs.

Some wear expensive suits and gowns. Others are in jeans

and shirts. There is no formal uniform or etiquette and the

look of each ruling family is almost a calling card for their

particular brand of influence.

Aaron has on a v-neck shirt and linen pants. The light colors

set off his bronzed skin and his huge stature. The watch on his wrist is worth more than this car and

though he doesn’t flaunt it, he projects power and wealth.

My father and brother are at the front of the line. They wear

expensive bespoke suits and polished shoes. New money. The flashy kind.

An older couple surrounded by several wolves wear jeans and

cotton t’s. They’re from the far north, and while they look dirt poor, they’re sitting on more land than

some small countries.

William opens my door and extends his hand to help me out.

I have a walking cast on. My foot is mostly healed. It didn’t

get infected which is good. Aside from aches and pains and © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

cancer I look the same.

My dark hair is drawn back into a simple ponytail.

I chose dark slacks and a light white shirt. I have the ring

Aaron gave me when we married, a simple band, and a sapphire necklace that was my mom’s. I didn’t

bother to bring

a purse.

Aaron steps out next and he holds his arm out to me.

There are images to project. And while I intend to gracefully dissolve our marriage, I can be civil about

it. So I loop my arm through his and we walk into the estate.

The building resembles a library or a museum. It has columns in front and is a monstrosity of stone and

glass. Inside, the foyer is marbled in a beautiful design and giant crystal

We check in, clear security and follow the procession into the

main room.

It resembles a stage or auditorium.

We take our appointed seats.

“There are a lot of packs present tonight,” I say.

Each group is spaced out and given their own section in the

theatre seats. “Yes.” His dark eyes cut to me. “Don’t do this,

Leah…”

“I have to, Aaron.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he replies cryptically.”

Gifts

Bad Love: An Alpha’s Regret