Chapter 28

Neil Eira was the son of a prominent alpha. I didn't know much about his pack, but I knew enough about Neil from having classes with him, since we were in the same program. He was dependable in ways that I hadn't appreciated before. And safe in ways that I had never thought really mattered.

Until now.

I glanced back to see Vivian trying to straighten her hair and adjust her appearance as he grew closer. But the fact that he didn't even glance her way made me laugh inside. Vivian had the biggest crush on him. I knew it, and glancing at Tyler, I knew that he knew it as well. It wasn’t like she tried to hide it, and it had always been the most curious thing to watch Neil remain completely oblivious to her interest, not that they spent much time together, considering that Vivian’s classes were on the other side of campus most of the time.

Whether Tyler and Vivian were in love or not wasn't the question; I wasn’t even entirely sure that Tyler was in love with Vivian. And it didn’t matter. We all knew that as a gamma of her father's pack, he would never hold a candle to the son of an alpha, especially when that son was likely going to inherit his father’s pack. Neil had brothers, sure, but it was pretty clear that he was the favorite of them, even though he wasn’t the eldest. Besides, Vivian was anything but loyal. If she ever knew she had a chance with Neil, or any other alpha’s heir worth her time, she wouldn’t be bothered with Tyler, or she’d keep him as a plaything, and Tyler would just have to shut up, grin, and bear it.

Neil wasn’t the kind of man to tolerate infidelity. Stern, proud, integrous, he was everything a woman could want, much like Dominic. I almost cursed myself at the stray thought and shook myself free of that thought, and turned, catching a glimpse of Tyler’s expression. It was the same bitter jealousy that always took over his face whenever Neil was nearby. Now that I thought about it, seeing that look on Tyler’s face slapped me with a level of clarity I didn’t think was possible.

All of those times Tyler had been jealous, all the complaints he had about my relationship with Neil had nothing to do with me. Without the blinders of being in love with him, I could see the way he was reacting to just being around the man. It was funny because his jealousy wasn’t even about Neil. His gaze drifted between Neil and Vivian. He clenched his hand at his side, and I almost laughed.

This was about Vivian. Everything had always been about Vivian. And the little vestiges of

feelings that may have survived my death and betrayal chipped away, shattered, and scattered to the

wind. My skin crawled. Even though this version of me had never been touched by him, we had shared a few kisses and held hands. I could still remember what that was like to be with him in my one-sided love story. Every sweet moment was tainted by the betrayal, and it was never more clear that there hr been any space in Tyler’s heart or mind for me.

At least before I could pretend that maybe, just maybe, a few of those moments had actually been about me, that maybe at least in the beginning, maybe he had actually felt something toward me, but no.

And I would make my peace with that some time after they had both suffered enough. Tyler looked at me. Our gazes met. The cold, vengeful fury I felt must have been a clear as day on my face because he went still like he’d been spooked.

It was time he—no, they got a taste of their own medicine.

I turned to Neil and opened my arms, grinning. “Neil! It’s so good to see you!”

He pulled me into his arms, squeezing me close with a low rumbling sound of contentment that was oddly adorable, chuckling in my ear.

“You, too. Didn’t think I’d be seeing you until classes started.” He pulled back frowning and then looking at the townhouse. “You… moving in?”

I nodded. “Fresh start and all that.”

He nodded solemnly. “I heard about what happened. Are you… I mean…” His lips twitched. “NEver mind. I know you’re fine. No one needs dead weight.”

I snorted at that as he looked up and seemed to notice Vivian and Tyler standing there. Neil stepped between me and Tyler, shielding me from view.

“What are you doing here?”

Tyler’s eyes narrowed and he lifted his chin. “Brightclaw business. None of yours.”

Neil scoffed. “Alpha Brightclaw isn’t fool enough to send his new ward’s ex-fiance to handle any business to deal with her, especially not after what I heard went dow.” His voice went low and harsh. “I suggest you leave.”

I leaned around as Vivian stepped forward.

“Neil, it’s so nice to see you. Tyler’s part of my detail and they’re still working things out.”

“I doubt that,” Neil said. “It’s good of you as the alpha’s daughter to try and look after your father’s new ward, but there’s no need to pretend like he’s got a right to be here.” He turned to me, and an idea sparked. “Are you alright?”

“Actually, I am! It’s so luck you’re here.” I looked up at him, clasping my hands together in my best earnest face.

“That look is trouble,” Neil said, looking down at me, an indulgent expression on his face. “Go on, what is it?”

“Do you have a minte?”

He lifted an eyebrow, like he already knew what I was up to. Admittedly, I rarely asked for favors, but I did try to be extra sweet when doing so, and Neil had never denied a favor from me, primarily because I was always good for a reciprocal favor.

“For you? Always.”

I almost laughed at the way Vivian glared into the side of my head. She radiated fury, and Tyler was no better.

"I could use your spatial reasoning… and there might be a squeaky hinge or two?" I winced. "Nothing that would mess up your suit, I promise."

Neil’s lips twitched, but he didn’t call me out. I could tell he knew that it was all a lie, but he was willing to play along.

“My eyes are yours, though I don't have my toolbox with me,” he said, offering me his arm with an exaggerated formality. "We may have to come back. Shall we?"

"Sounds great! Thank you," I took his arm and we walked up the lawn past Vivian’s stunned silence and Tyler’s clenched fists.

"Renee, you haven't even invited me in," Vivian said, her voice shaking a little like she could barely hold in her anger. "What about--"

"I never said I would," I said. "I thought it was pretty clear that I wouldn't, actually."

I opened the front door and walked in with Neil, shutting the door behind me and leaning back with a deep sigh of relief.

He leaned back against the door, looking down at me. "Care to tell me what that was about, or should I guess?"

I shook my head. “It’s a bit too much to get into right now.”

He looked at me. “I can call for Council security, if it would make you feel better… Or kick his ass.”

My heart trembled, smiling up at him, I shook my head. “It’s not necessary. I just need . And to send a message.”

“To Alpha Brightclaw?”

I nodded and pulled out my phone. It was unlikely that Dominic would see the message just yet, but I needed to head this off as soon as possible.

“As charming as it would be for you to stay in this place, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

I shook my head. “I know. Lucky that I haven’t even unpacked yet, hm?”

Neil hummed and looked around. “You need cameras.”

His phone beeped and he pulled it out, chuckled. “Running late for a very distressed date.”

“Oh? Is it Julie?”

He blinked and snorted. “No. Not that kind of date. You’re not the only one in need of a handyman today. Ready?”

I nodded and pushed off, shaking myself. “Take 2.”

We walked out together to find Vivian and Tyler still outside.

“I’ll borrow some lube,” Neil said. Tyler stiffened, Vivian looked like she’d been slapped. “Shouldn’t squeak much, the bedframe is just rusted from humidity.”

I somehow didn’t burst into laughter as he wiggled his eyebrows and proceeded me down the front stairs.

“Where are you headed anyway?” Neil asked.

“I was headed to campus actually.”

“Great minds. Same. After this anyway.” He grinned. “Want a ride? The buses on this street take for ever.”

“That would be great actually!”

“Oh, that’s great, we could all go together,” Vivian said quickly, coming towards us. “I was going to campus, and I’m sure Gamma Tyler has a lot more important things to do than drive me around.”

Tyler stiffened, but he inclined his head. “If that’s your preference.”

Watching him suffer was absolutely delicious.

“No,” Neil said flatly, his tone the polite equivalent of a slammed door. “I only offered Renee a ride.”

Vivian blinked. “Oh. Well—there’s always room for one more isn’t there?”

“No,” Neil said again, still calm, but firm, lettingt he refusal hang in the air.

Vivian looked like she’d short circuited and it was the best moment of my new life.