Alpha Betrayed: A Dark Shifter Romance

FORDThis content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Surprisingly, Natalie doesn't read us the riot act.

She simply warns Juliet not to run off again-especially not before her implant is removed-and to refim mentioning that her mother i "Just pretend she's a complete stranger," Natalie adds, "and all should be well until you two have a choice speak more in depth."

"She is a complete stranger," Juliet shoots back. "That was literally the first time I've met her, Natalie. I thought she was dead. She let me beli Natalie sighs, seeming conflicted. "I'm sorry, darling. I honestly had no idea. I still have no idea what

ed there or why Coralie didn't sa

woman. She's fair and fierce and an unfailing protector of young shifters in trouble. She's someone you curbe proud of." Juliet snorts and rolls her eyes.

backup, but I can only shrug. agree that it's bullshit. I'd sure f things. We leave in fifteen minutes. I' fantastic quiche of the day."

"But I know that might be hard to believe from your perspective." Natalie cuts a glance my way, looking to I don't know the story behind Juliet's mom deciding to literally ghost her daughter, either, but I'm incl "Well, then." Natalie props her hands on her hips with a firm nod. "We'll let that go for now. Gather you able to grab second breakfast in the dining hall if you'd like. Kim's crew cooks on weekdays and they Juliet starts down the hall to her room with a weary sigh.

I move to follow her, but Natalie stops me with a hushed, "Ford, please."

I turn back, arching a brow. "Please, what?"

"Talk to her," she says, her forehead furrowing. "Convince her to put this unfortunate meeting aside arpenter Lost Moon with a positive attit over her head."

uth.

Ford. If I could go back and tell r t better connected."

"Friends or allies?" I ask, watching her response for any sign that Alexander and Catherine were telling "Both," she says with an easy shrug, giving nothing away. "Even in peace time, we all need friends and person around, but if you don't have a network, you won't go nearly as far as those who are half as cle I grunt. Natalie throws up her hands. "Fine. Lump me in with the annoying old people you don't trust right now, but I know you care about Juliet and "And put on your blue shirt. The black makes you look too scary. You want to tread the line between friendly and frightening, Ford. That's you I head to my room, glancing in the mirror in the hallway on my way. Natalie's right, the black does make me look scarier. It emphasizes the st Stopping in front of Juliet's closed door, I consider knocking but decide against it. If I'd just found out my mother was back from the dead, I'd chance to speak freely.

I change into the blue shirt and shove the rest of my meager belongings in the duffel bag I scored in a Salvation Army donation bin in Washir Back then, I wanted to kill Juliet. Now, I want to save her.

Liar. You want to do way more than save her.

I clench my jaw. ignoring the thought. I don't have time to think about how much I want to f**k and protect and feel things for luliet right no