A Warrior's Second Chance (Faye and Alexander) novel Chapter 74

hapter 74

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Chapter 74

Bella pulled into the gas station. She sighed, rolling her shoulders back as she stepped out of her vehicle. The new leather still smelled fresh every time she opened the door, and she couldn’t help but admire the frame of her car even now. It wasn’t just a car…it was a

statement.

Alexander had gotten it for her only a few days ago for her birthday, and though she had pressed the matter herself, she still relished the envious looks she caught from pack members who whispered behind her back.

She set the nozzle into the tank and watched the numbers climb on the pump when a voice called from behind her.

“Bella.”

She turned, one hand still braced on the car, and her eyes landed on Elder Gerald. He was striding toward her from the opposite pump, his expression neutral but sharp in the way all elders seemed to be when they looked at you–as though their gaze alone could weigh your

worth.

Bella’s lips parted into a polite smile. “Elder Gerald,” she greeted, inclining her head respectfully.

They exchanged the usual pleasantries–nothing too formal given their location, but neither of them forgot the unspoken lines of respect owed to his title.

Gerald’s gaze drifted almost immediately to her car, a slow smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He gestured slightly toward it with his chin. “This is the new car Alexander got you for your birthday, isn’t it?”

Bella wasn’t surprised. She had expected gossip to travel fast through the pack. Word always did. Nothing stayed hidden for long in their world–not gifts, not scandals, not betrayals. She had grown used to it.

She straightened her spine, pride swelling in her chest. “Yes,” she said brightly, unable to resist the satisfaction that bubbled up in her tone.

Of course she hadn’t told anyone how she had gotten the gift. She hadn’t explained that Alexander had hesitated when she first mentioned it, that faint crease appearing between his brows as though he had already been mentally calculating the pack’s expenses and responsibilities. He might have said no, might have dismissed it as frivolous. But when she had reminded him that his father–the late Alpha–had promised her a car before his passing, the refusal had melted away.

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Alexander had too much duty etched into his bones. He carried both the weight of the pack and the family on his shoulders, and that made him predictable in some ways. He wouldn’t want to fail either role. And she knew how to play on that. If she couldn’t get something from him as a lover, she could definitely get it as his late father’s adopted daughter.

But those were her secrets. To everyone else, she simply smiled, paraded the gift, and allowed them to drown in envy.

Gerald nodded slowly, eyes narrowing as though he could see further into her thoughts than she wanted. “Alexander is a man who will do anything to protect and provide for his own,” he said. “He is the Alpha, after all.”

Bella inclined her head in agreement, though something about his tone made her pulse quicken with caution. She could already tell Gerald wasn’t here to merely comment on her car. The elder never wasted words without purpose.

And right on cue, he added, “Unfortunately, he might end up ruining himself–and his reign- by the mistake he made. By trying to impose someone unqualified as Luna upon this pack.”

Bella’s heart gave a small, sharp lurch. Her eyes darted around quickly, scanning the other people at their pumps. No wolves here, only mundane humans going about their morning routines, their ears deaf to the weight of his words. Still, she hissed softly, “Do you realize what you just said? That could get both of us in trouble.”

Gerald laughed, low and dismissive, his hand waving as though brushing aside her concern. I know. But look around you, Bella. We aren’t on pack territory. These are bloody humans. Do you think they would understand, let alone care, what I’m talking about?”

His confidence was steady, unbothered. Bella frowned, pressing her lips together. She didn’t like this. She had always known Gerald to be cunning, a man with a keen understanding of tradition and politics. He wouldn’t have chosen this moment, this location, by accident.

She drew in a careful breath, keeping her smile in place. “Well. It was nice to see you out here, Elder,” she said, as though preparing to leave. She reached for the nozzle, intending to slide it back into its holder.

But Gerald’s voice stopped her cold.

“Why are you leaving when I’m not finished speaking? This is a matter that concerns the interests of the pack. Do you not care?.”

Bella turned back slowly, her eyes narrowing. She studied him carefully, searching for a trap in his words. “Elder,” she began cautiously, “I understand where you’re coming from. But I cannot involve myself in such matters. You and I both know…only two of us cannot change anything.”

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She forced a light shrug, a careless mask over the tension tightening her spine. “And truthfully, I don’t really mind.”

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Her words were deliberately vague, a middle ground. She had no intention of saying anything that could later be twisted against her. Gerald was an elder; he knew the traditions, the consequences of betrayal. If this conversation was some test, some way to measure her loyalty to Faye..or to Alexander…then one wrong word could cost her dearly. Her life, perhaps. Or at the very least, her freedom.

And though she hated Faye…loathed the woman for taking the title and place Bella had always believed should be hers… Bella was not foolish enough to hand someone the rope to hang her.

Gerald’s eyes gleamed. He had noticed her hesitation, her careful avoidance. He leaned a little closer, his voice lowering.

“Perhaps you are not bothered now,” he said smoothly, “because Alexander still pays attention to you. He still meets your needs. You still receive gifts.” His eyes flicked deliberately to the car. “But have you thought about what will happen if Faye bears him a child?”

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