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Chapter 0341
And if she was careless enough to speak openly about it–where a servant could overhear-
My head spun, nausea creeping up my throat.
Michael stepped toward me, concern etched into his features, but before he could say anything, a knock sounded at the door.
It opened without waiting for a response.
August took one look at the situation and rushed inside, his sharp eyes flicking to Michael with suspicion.” What’s going on?”
“I need to sit down,” I muttered.
I walked shakily to my desk, righted the chair I had knocked over earlier, and sank into it heavily. Pressing both hands over my face, I forced myself to breathe.
Somewhere deep inside me, my wolf howled.
I struggled to even understand what I was feeling right now. Was it anger? Grief? Betrayal? Maybe a bit of all of it.
To think that the woman I had considered my mother for so long could try to kill my wife-
“Sir,” August said, his concern growing.
“It’s my fault,” Michael said. His voice was tight with guilt. “I should have come forward as soon as I knew.”
“You are not to blame for any of this,” I said, my head snapping up as my eyes locked with my brother’s.
“But-”
“No,” I cut him off. “Don’t you dare blame yourself, Michael. You’re a good man, and I owe you more gratitude than I can express for coming to me with this.”
“With what?” August asked.
Michael hesitated, but I spoke before he could. “Michael found out who’s been working with Amanda Gray.” My voice sounded distant. Numb. “It’s Diana.”
August’s eyes widened. He looked between me and Michael several times before shaking his head in disbelief.
“This doesn’t make any sense,” he muttered.
“It makes perfect sense,” I said coldly. “She knows the truth about who I am, and she wants to take this pack back from me. She wants to place Michael as the Alpha.”
“I’ve never wanted that,” Michael said, shaking his head in dismay. “I would never-”
“I know you wouldn’t,” I reassured him. “That’s why you’re here, telling me. Because you’re loyal. Unlike Diana.”
Michael hesitated, the struggle in his eyes painfully clear.
“Don’t worry,” I said, my voice lowering. “I’m not going to do anything rash. Diana may have betrayed me, but she’s still the woman who raised me. I’m not that cold.”
“You should be,” August said darkly.
“Maybe,” I admitted. “But I’m not.”
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Chapter 0341
Michael exhaled shakily. “What do we do? I’m in so far over my head.”
“You’re going to be just fine,” I said. “Go home. Try to pretend everything is normal. If you hear anything or see anything strange, let me know. But I don’t think there’s any reason for you to worry.‘
“But she’s a killer,” he whispered. “If she finds out that I told you-”
I shook my head. “I can’t imagine Diana would ever hurt you,” I said sincerely. “Whatever else she is, she’s a loving mother. You’re her world.”
Michael looked down at his feet, shame flickering across his face because he knew I was right. I wanted to reassure him, to tell him he wasn’t responsible for any of this–that who his mother was didn’t define him. But that was a conversation for another time.
Right now, I needed to focus.
“We have a lot of work to do,” I said, turning to August. “Now that we have some answers.”
“Yes, sir,” he agreed, nodding once.
“Michael, you should stay for this,” I said, straightening my posture, folding my hands on the desk before me.” It’s going to be a long night. Text Diana and let her know you’ll be staying here as my guest.”
He nodded uncertainly but did as I instructed.
I was sure Ella would understand if I wasn’t home for dinner tonight.
After all, she was growing accustomed to being the bride of the Ice King.
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Chapter 0342
Chapter 0342
