Page 69 of The Alpha's Chosen Outcast

“Why can’t they leave us alone?” My hands curl into fists. “How is this really hurting them?”

“It’s all about power and control. They want everyone, including Alphas, to acknowledge that power. That’s why they stick to the old laws as much as possible. Those laws benefit them.”

“And who do they think they are to deserve that power?”

“Remember, most of the elders used to be Alphas too. Or the family of Alphas. That’s why they think they’re better than everyone else. Alpha’s don’t always serve until they die. Usually, they step down and join the elders. Their brothers, uncles, and fathers do as well. That’s why they think they deserve the respect they demand.”

“And that gives them the right to sanction assassinations when someone goes against them? This is insane. We have to stop them.”

“It’s not that easy, Heather. Look, your father and I have this. Please don’t do anything stupid.”

“Excuse me?”

“You know what I mean. I can’t imagine something happening to you, and I don’t want you going off on your own to handle this.”

I sink into the couch. “Well, you really do know me.”

“Of course I do.”

“Okay, fine.” I sit up straight again. “I promise not to do anything stupid.”

He hugs me, and we stand and walk back to the table. He said not to do anything stupid, but he never said what “stupid” means or according to whom.

In my opinion, going after this guy and persuading him to bring me to the elders so I can convince them to call this all off is a smart play. But Trey doesn’t have to know that, and neither do my parents.

I’ll have to trail after Trey and my father when they disappear again.

That way, I can find out what they’re planning to do, and I can find this assassin on my own. Then I’ll get him to bring me to the elders or get them on video or something, and we can put this all behind us.

In a few days, my fatherwillwalk me down the aisle, and I’ll marry my mate. Nothing is getting in the way of that.

We head back to my place after lunch, and I can see that the mood has changed. Sam and Callie don’t know why, and I’m not about to share any of it with them.

When they press, I brush it off as “family stuff,” which gets them to back down. We’re all feeling the magnitude of a family reunited after so long, especially since now they know my secret.

Back at my place, Trey and my parents spend time getting to know each other. Then, I show my mom some of the designs I’ve worked on over the years, and Trey talks with my father about his role as his in-law back in the city.

Everything looks so idyllic, but at the same time, I know that there’s a man who’s been described as an assassin somewhere in this little town waiting to take one of us out. Probably me.

The death of another Alpha so soon after Trey’s father would cause a ton of chaos. I’m sure this guy is here for me. To say that’s unsettling is an understatement.

I tell them I need time to decompress since the next few days will be really busy—but I really need time alone to plan.

Trey and my father want to be my heroes. I get that. I’m not gonna let anything happen to either of them because of me.

Now, how do I find an assassin who doesn’t want to be found?

Chapter 20

TREY

I knew I shouldn’t have told Heather about the man the elders sent. She wasn’t home when we all got up for breakfast and she’d seemed strange last night before we went to bed.

Now Melissa tells me that Heather never showed up to shop with her, Sam, and Callie.

I have no idea where she is, and she’s not answering my calls or messages. She’s not answering for her parents or friends either. I can’t protect her if I can’t find her.

What the fuck am I supposed to do now? She doesn’t know what she’s gotten herself into. She doesn’t know the power and determination of these elders. And now her recklessness can get her killed.

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