Seduced by My Childhood Sweetheart’s Brother
Chapter 37

37- Bears and birds

The first voice is male, but so high pitched that at first I’m not sure.

“You can hardly be surprised, Alpha Kane, that someone keeps arranging these attacks on you. As theyoungest Alpha and an unmated

eat that, you’re sure to be seen as the most vulnerable.” The voice declares, the tone is snide and Iinstantly dislike whoever the man is that is speaking. The next voice is also male, but far more quiet. Istruggle to catch the words.

“There is nothing that Alpha Kane can do to change his age other than wait. It is the second matter thatis of more concern. He should replace a mate. Perhaps then his position would not offend people as much.It would also secure his position. Perhaps then the attacks would cease, or at least become lessfrequent.” The second man suggests. His manner doesn’t seem outright rude like the last man. Morebored, like he just doesn’t really care all that much. A third man speaks. His voice is loud andboisterous, but seems friendly, at least in comparison

to the last two.

“Give t

the guy a break. We all know the difficulties in replaceing an appropriate mate. Not one of us had found ourpartners at his age.” The friendly man seems to be siding with Bellamy in this argument, not thatBellamy has actually spoken yet. Still, I’m fairly sure he appreciates.

the friendly man’s point.

“You act like my brother isn’t even trying to replace his mate.” Megan declares, her tone

irritated.

“He might have better chances if his dates weren’t being crashed by mercenary Vampires!” Sheargues. Date? Is she calling me Bellamy’s date? Is that what she thought was happening? I supposeit’s better than her knowing that Bellamy and I were spying on HER date. But I don’t think I like thesuggestion. I’ve already decided that I’m not ready to date Bellamy and I am not ready for her to knowthat it’s even a decision I’ve been making. I wait for Bellamy to object, but no such objection comes.Darn it.

“Which brings us back to the original issue. While I so appreciate everyone’s commentary on mypersonal affairs, I would rather we stick to the original reason for calling this meeting. Someone, aShifter, has been meddling. Arranging for people to attack and spy on myself and those I have takenunder my protection. This is not acceptable.” Bellamy sounds mad. The first man, the one with thewhiny high–pitched voice answers him.

37- Bears and birds

“You can’t be implying that any of us are involved.” Bellamy’s answer is firm but polite.

“All I am saying is that there are Shifters involved in this matter. I have concluded that they are notfeline Shifters so I have brought the matter to you. You will of course want to investigate. If any of yourShifters are conspiring without your knowledge you will want to punish them accordingly.” All three ofthe voices give their assurances that they will investigate the matter, although only the friendly onesounds truly genuine. It isn’t until I hear footsteps that I realise the door is about to open and I am goingto get caught eavesdropping. I want to leave but I know it’s already too late as the door swings open. Iam being stared at by a tall, lanky looking man.

“Who are you?” He demands. His high pitched tone shows him to be the first man with the bad attitude.I open my mouth, not sure how I’m going to explain myself but Darrien answers

before I can.

“May I introduce Miss Ryann Gale, Alpha Kane and Miss Kane are expecting her.” A funny look flashesover the man’s face at my name. Did Bellamy or Megan mention me by name?

“I am the Canine Alpha, August Wright.” His voice is prideful, he clearly thinks me below him. Hecontinues, not giving me a chance to answer.

“Alpha Kane mentioned a Miss Gale was present during the recent attempts on his life. I can onlyassume he was referring to you. I’m sorry for you. You must have been terrified.” His voice is polite butdefinitely insincere.

“Thank you, but no, I had Be- Alpha Kane with me.” I mimic his tone. So yeah, that’s a lie. I was totallyterrified. But I’m not admitting it to this asshole. Alpha Wright steps forward, he seems to expect me tomove out of his way so he can pass, although there is plenty of space for him to step around me. Hefrowns when I don’t immediately scamper away. I notice him. trying to catch my gaze. Well, if everthere was a time to test my dominance this would be it. I meet his eyes and hold steady. He looksshocked when I don’t immediately submit. I feel pressure but I can stand it. He jumps as a handtouches his shoulder and we both break eye contact at the same time to see who it is. I guess I won’tbe replaceing out who Is more dominant today then. Still, I made my point. I am not some little girl that hecan walk all

over.

“You’re blocking the doorway.” The voice of the quiet man complains. Alpha Wright steps

37- Bears and birds

around me and with one last irritated glare, storms off down the hall. With him out the way I can see theman behind him, he is short and thin but somehow doesn’t look frail. If anything I would say he looksagile. I step to the side a little to let him pass and he steps to the opposite side a little to go past me. Hewalks past me without a word, but I do catch him glancing at me out the side of his eye as he passes.

“That was the Avian Alpha, Galvyn Breeze. He isn’t very chatty.” Darrien comments. Megan’s headpeeks around the door.

“Ryann? You’re here! Come in. We’re just finishing up here.” I head in and Darrien follows. Bellamy ischatting with a man who towers over him. He is huge and generally imposing. This has to be the Alphafor the Bear Shifters. I can’t think who else he could be. Both men stop talking as I enter. Bellamysmiles.

“Ryann, good morning,” he looks exhausted. There are dark shadows under his eyes that are evenworse than mine. It almost makes me feel a little better about how dreadful I probably look.

“Morning.” I answer him answering with my own smile. The giant of a man speaks.

“Aah, so this is the girl who has been caught up in Shifter power struggle.” He turns to me and holdsout a hand for me to shake. I take it, his huge hand completely covers mine. He shakes my handenthusiastically.

“I’m Alpha Kohan Aspen, of the Bear Shifters in case you didn’t guess already. You can call me

Kohan. Nice to meet you.” His expression is open and friendly and I take an instant liking to

him. I smile.

“I’m Ryann Gale. Pleased to meet you.” I allow him to catch my gaze for a second but neither of usattempts to hold it.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I start, my tone apologetic. He waves me off.

“Nah, I was just leaving. I promised my mate Kelly that I would be home right away. She wanted tocome to the meeting but she’s pregnant and has some awful morning sickness.” He gives Bellamy,Megan and Darrien all nods in turn before heading for the door. He pauses as he passes me and givesa friendly wink. I can’t be sure, but I think I hear him mutter under

37–Bears and birds

his breath.

“Good luck.” What is he wishing me luck with? And why? Or maybe I imagined it? That

seems more likely.