Mated in the shadow of my sister by lady gwen
Chapter 19

Chapter 0019

(James POV)

I felt strangely energized as I arrived back at the pack house. Luke was moping in the back of

my head, but he was leaving me be. His absence –or rather, his lack of endlessly badgering me– gave me plenty of

time to think about how I could use the mate bond to exact the perfect revenge on the Little Brat. It also

gave me the opportunity to say a silent prayer to Stephanie, letting her know that I had not forgotten her

and I that I would continue to make sure that all those involved in her death would pay. 1

After I entered the packhouse, it took me a while to replace an Omega proficient in hair cutting. Thankfully, I not only found one, but I also found one of the best ones. She agreed to meet me in room in 30 minutes, which gave me just enough time for a proper shave and shower.

my

When I got to my room, I was annoyed to replace Sheila still there. Sheila was Stephanie’s best friend while Stephanie was alive, and she and I have…. an arrangement. I have… arrangements… with three or four she -wolves who take turns spending the night in my bedroom. They are all aware of each other, and under strict orders to not discuss what happens inside.

I started to lecture Sheila about her failure to comply with the rules that she previously agreed to, including the rule that all she–wolves must leave the alpha suite no later than 7 am each morning without- exception. However, part–way through the lecture, I remembered that the Little Brat always seems uncomfortable and unhappy when Sheila is around. That gave me a great idea, and I almost kicked myself for not thinking of it earlier.

Instead of finishing the lecture, I switched gears. I told Sheila to make sure that she dressed extra nice for for today’s ceremonies. I also told her to meet me at the back of the first event hall, because I would arrange special seating for her. Sheila did not ask any questions about what was going on or what exactly I had in mind; instead, she just left with her robe and a smile.

Nick walked in after my haircut, just as I was putting on my black suit. He pretended to do a double take, even asking if he was in the right room.

“Wow. You look nice. Most put together I have seen you look in years. What has gotten into you, Man? I was expecting to walk in here, and have to force the vodka bottle out of your hand and shove you out of bed.”

In response, I glared at him. “You knew.”

Nick groaned. “About the meeting this morning? I did not know ahead of time, but I know now. They told me afterwards. I want you to know, James, that I told them it was a horrible idea. And I am not going to accept the alpha position, even if you do not take a chosen mate. I have never wanted that.”

I sigh. A part of me wants to be angry at him for being related to the Little Brat and her parents, but he is also related to Stephanie. Plus, I cannot ignore the sincerity in his voice. He is telling the truth: he did not

know about the ultimatum ahead of time and he warned them it was a bad idea when he found out about

it.

fine. It is not going to come to that. I will be taking over as alpha as planned.”

Nick looked at me confused. “What do you mean? You aren’t seriously going to give up your chance for a

second chance mate and take a chosen mate… are you?”

When Nick mentions the concept of a second chance mate, Luke sends me a vision of the Little Brat at

the waterfall this morning… and a memory of what it felt like to kiss her.

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