Chapter 60

Chapter 60

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Alessia’s POV

It’s another full moon and the rumors are still brimming. People still stop me in the pack house to ask me how it happened and old ladies still congratulate me on my pregnancy. That last one just creeps me out. Not to mention the b i t c h y looks and side comments that have skyrocketed to alarming heights.

The fact that I’m the one taking the force of everything just makes me crankier. No one has dared to stop Caden to question him. How could they?

I’m seated in what I’m now calling my safe spot and watching the circle as two ladies put on a very enticing fight.

From the corner of my eyes, I see Jake approaching and I roll my eyes. I’ve forgiven him for the stunt he pulled but he doesn’t know that just yet. Besides, I hardly think that I should be the only one suffering from this dilemma. He deserves to suffer alongside me.

He lowers himself to my log of wood and stretches out a hand holding a beer towards me. “I brought you a beer,” he says tentatively, still scared that I might just bite off his head.

I’ve to admit that the bribes are also another reason why I’m still playing this game. Just last week, he brought me some freshly baked goods. There’s no way in hell that I’m letting go of this lottery ticket anytime soon. I’m going to keep using it until the numbers wear off. And I don’t think those numbers are going to be coming off that paper anytime soon…

Taking the beer out of his hand, I give him a soft thanks in return, not wanting to blow my cover yet.

Jake sighs, sounding defeated as he sinks down on the log. I almost feel bad for the way he’s beating himself up. Keyword, Almost.

“Alessia, I’m so-”

His words get cut off as a sudden quietness lulls over the place. Unless, everyone’s conversation just had a coincidental break at the same time, then there’s only one other explanation for this sudden silence. Caden.

As though summoned by my thoughts, Caden mounts the platform leading into the circle, standing in front of his pack members as their Alpha.

Goosebumps break out across my skin as a chill wind passes by me from the eery situation and the command he’s currently displaying.

“Now that I’ve everyone’s attention, there are a few things I need to make clear.” Caden’s voice effortlessly booms over the whole venue, carrying his words to even where I’m seated.

Everyone’s attention is fixed on him and it’s fun to watch as they hold on to every word that leaves his lips.

o

“It has come to my attention that words have gotten out about Alessia being my mate.”

He omits the part where he was the one who blurted it out to the entire pack. No one dared to make any move to correct his words.

“I’m aware that a lot of you have been curious to know if those words hold any truth.” A pause. “I’m here to tell you that it’s the truth. Alessia is my fated mate.”

Murmurs and chatters break out and everyone’s gaze turns to my direction. I avoid meeting anyone’s gaze, keeping all my attention locked on Caden and his speech. Why didn’t he let me know that he was going to be doing this?

“It has also come to my notice that some of you have taken it upon yourself to question Alessia for these answers.” As he starts speaking again, the crowd hushed, and now, I can definitely feel the stares digging into the side of my head.

You can hear a pin drop in this silence.

“Alessia is my mate and therefore, I expect everyone to try her with the same amount of respect that would be given to me.” At those words, people start talking again. Even I can’t stop myself from reacting as my mouth drops open in shock.

“D a m n,” Jake mutters from behind me. I have to agree with him and maybe add a few choice words of my

Own.

F u ck i n g d a m n it all. What in the hell is f u c k i n g happening to Caden and why is he trying to f u c k i n g help

me?

“I will not appreciate getting another whiff of harassment or questioning that directed towards her.” A pause where everyone waits with bated breath. “If any of you should have any more questions, you can directly reach out to me and I’ll make sure to have your curiosity satisfied.” The tone he said it in and the look he passes around the room, makes everyone aware of what exactly he meant by those words.

I look around the place at everyone’s faces and each of them holds the same expression. Fright. They aren’t going to be meeting with him to ask more questions and they aren’t going to be harassing me any longer.

Something similar to gratitude makes its way to my chest and buries itself there. Why did Caden feel the need to go to this length for me? He could have just as easily let me suffer by myself.

“So, are you still mad at me?”

I don’t need to look over at Jake to know that he has a smug look on his face. A look that gets him a glare from me.

It doesn’t do anything, rather it encourages him and he inches closer to me, still grinning widely. “I think I even deserve a little thanks here.”

“Don’t push it,” I say, throwing one last glare his way before turning my attention back to Caden as he steps. down from the platform.

Chapter 60

His gaze meets mine and drifts over to Jake on my side, thankfully he doesn’t stalk here all broody and

angry.

Instead, he glares at Jake before heading in another direction away from u