ManyWriters

My mate, Alpha Richard, locked our she-pup inside a sealed antique cabinet.
Our asthmatic pup.
All because his adopted sister's pup was throwing a tantrum and needed a "doll" to amuse him.
"It's just a Ball-Jointed Doll in there," he sneered. "Can't you even tell your own pup from a doll?"
Then he walked next door to praise the boy. “You’re so much braver than my pup,” he cooed. “You’re my favorite.”
Later, at a fashion show, he let his sister steal the designs I made for our pup.
He called me a plagiarist to protect her.
I was about to shatter when a man burst through the doors.
In his hands was a funeral portrait of my pup.

The Alpha’s Empty Antique Cabinet

Liam nudged the man sprawled on the floor with the toe of his shoe.


Without another word, an unspoken agreement passing between us, Liam and I turned and left the venue, not sparing Richard a single glance.


After we were away from the show, Liam finally took a deep breath and faced me, offering a profound apology.


“Irene, I’m so sorry. I was too late.”


He bowed his proud head before me—the head of a powerful Alpha.


Having navigated the business world for many years, I knew exactly what that gesture meant.


“Liam, you don’t have to do this.”


I said his name, and the word felt surprisingly easy on my tongue.


When Liam heard it, however, a complicated emotion flickered in his eyes.


“I should have intervened years ago, the moment I saw what was going on between Monica and Richard. But I promised Dylan I wouldn't meddle in the Blackwood family's affairs. I broke my word… and in doing so, I failed you both.”


Chapter 10