Rejected, And Became A Heiress (Cara)

When the moment to leave arrives, I fear I won't have much time.

I look down at the slip of paper in my hand. It's an address for someone I haven't seen in a long time. Too long.

"Cara," I hear the old man's voice behind the door after I knock. The door swings open. smile that's greeted me since I was a young pup in a strange new pack. and I'm met with the same warm

It's exactly who I'm here to see. The former Alpha King's butler. Edward, now happily retired and living in a small cottage just outside of town.

A butler might be considered "the help" by some, but Edward was always kind to me. And Alaric's father loved him like a

brother.

"How are you doing, Edward? Are you well?" I ask the old man, gently hugging him.

"Fine, fine, don't worry about me," he says, brushing off my concerns with a wave of his hand. "What brings you to me today?"

1/3

Chapter 19

I look over my shoulder for anyone in listening distance before responding quietly, "I just need to check. My debt to the former Alpha King, it's been fully repaid, riglu?"

He exhales through his nose nisl looks at me with a playfully annoyed stare. "You know the former Alpha King told you, you didn't need to pay all that back. Your Grandmother was an important member of the pack."

Alaric's father and Edward were the only ones who knew about the loan I'd requested to pay for Grandmother's medical bills. When Alaric's father died, I continued making my payments through Edward.

I smile back at him, "Yes, I know. But I promised to pay it back, every cent. So, I just need to know-it's clear, right?"

He stares at me like he's trying to decide something. Like he's trying to decide if it's worth his breath to argue with me.

Eventually, he must have decided that it's best to stay out of young folks' business, because he said simply, "Yes, it's been paid back. Every cent." He looks at me meaningfully, "Now don't you worry about this ever again, alright?"

I stay and chat with Edward pleasantly over tea for another hour, When it's time to leave, I give him the warmest hug I can muster before heading out the door.

I'll probably never see him again.

I look at my watch and realize it's time to head back to the office for a quick meeting. Alaric shouldn't be there, which relaxes me a little. I haven't seen him or Lilia in what feels like a very long time, and I'm hoping to continue that streak. As I walk out of the conference room at the end of the meeting, though, Alaric's office door is wide open. I have a of Lilia sitting on Alaric's desk, facing him with her legs spread wide to wrap around his waist.

Their lips are locked in a heated kiss, and a fresh wave of nausea strikes me.

I accidentally drop the stack of folders in my hand, making a loud crash.

The sound must have roused Lilia from her romantic embrace, because she's yelling at me in an instant.

full view

"Always there to ruin a good moment, aren't you, Beta?" Her voice feels like ice as it hits my ears. She said the word "Beta" like it leaves a bad taste in her mouth.

She continues mocking me, "Since you can't have him for yourself anymore, you've resorted to watching him with me now, is that it?"

Alaric's face was indifferent.

I wish I could say the same to the other office staff, who were watching with rapt attention

I had heard about the party, about Lilia's drunken outburst. She called me a gold digger in front of all the pack nobles and elders.

"I always thought there was something going on between her and the Alpha King... Can't trust anyone these days..." I had overheard someone whisper one day at the printing shop. So much for maintaining my good reputation.

The only good thing about growing up in an environment where everyone openly talks bad about you is that it prepares you for an adulthood where everyone openly talks bad about you. I steeled myself from the whispers, from the comments about my motives for money.

all the

Even now, hearing Lilia's hateful words, I feel only anticipation. The fact that Alaric isn't even paying attention is all the signal I need that my moment to escape is approaching. 15:28 Wed, Jan 1 G G

Chapter 19

He's finally growing bored of my body.

He'll finally let me go.

I ignore Lilia and instead turn to face Alaric directly. "About my tention to leave the pack, sir? I still wish to go." My tone is formal, speaking to him as my boss:

Not my former lover.

Not my former Fate Mate.

He's sint for a moment, scanning my face for something. Then he speaks, "After the wedding tomorrow, when your work is finished. As wedding planner, you must stay for the entire event make sure everything goes according to plan." Lilia smirks

"Then I will introduce you to new packs, 1 will help you in your search for a new home in exchange for your excellent work as Beta" Alaric's voice is even, impassive.

"What do you mean?! If she's such a good Beta, why should she need any more of your time? She doesn't need your help!" Lilia's outrage is palpable.

"Thank you, Alpha King." I say as I turn to walk to my office.

Lilia follows behind me through the door. This is ridiculous! He marked ME, you know that, right? It's ME he wants!

She extends a foot our just the slightest bit, but it's enough to catch my leg as I'm walking past

My foot hits hers and I lose my balance, tripping.