Page 54 of The Alpha’s Heir

“Why would a… mutant visiting the city of Ethica not be allowed to go outside?” I didn’t have proof they were keeping me here, but every time I tried to go further than the front yard, one of the security officers at the gate asked me to stay within sight.

The only time I left this place was when Roman came, and after the way he’d looked at me in the wedding dress yesterday, I assumed it’d be a while before I saw him again.

“The city of Ethica is more progressive than other human cities,” came Alice’s cheery tone. “But a mutant within the city would be safest with an escort to show them the wondrous sights and locations. As a virtual escort, what would you like to see online?”

I frowned.

Even their technology was lying to me. There was no mention of the protester who threw the brick at the window. None of the hushed concern I’d seen on Helen’s face. Alice just smiled, singing the praises of Ethica.

I’d have to be more selective in my questions.

“Alice, can you tell me what’s really going on out there in the city?”

She paused. “I don’t understand. You can try prompts like ‘trending songs,’ or ‘stock market scores,’ or ‘best food delivery.’”

It was as if she was trying to keep me ignorant.

Frustrated, I sat on the edge of the bed.

Maybe I needed to get even more specific. “Who is Lieutenant Roman Miller?”

“That information is classified.” Alice smiled.

“Who is Councilwoman Troy, then?” I barked back.

“Councilwoman Helen Troy is the ambassador of public relations and the head of the media department. She was elected at thirty-five and has served the great city of Ethica for the past fourteen years. Notable works of hers include restoration of the broadcast network with family friendly ratings and—”

“That’s enough please, Alice.” I dragged my hands over my face, then peeked through my fingers. “I don’t suppose you can give me the dirt on my betrothed husband, Justus Troy.”

Alice perked up. “Scanning his social media profiles now.”

Is that legal?

“Justus Troy, only son of Helen Troy, and heir to the Troy fortune, is a renowned playboy who frequently visits the city’s most prestigious VIP lounges. Despite the recent scandal of his engagement to what is rumored to be a mutant from the wild…”

I froze as an image of me filled the holograph screen with Justus kneeling, putting the ring on my finger.

“Justus Troy’s last known check-in was yesterday night at an adult-only club, and he’s been tagged in various posts over the past two weeks. Would you like to see the images?” Alice asked.

“Show me.” I sank deeper onto the bed as picture after picture flooded the screen. Half-naked women posed, sitting on Justus’s lap. The photo uploaded last night showed his lips locked with a pretty blonde wearing a high ponytail and tassels on her nipples.

“Alice, stop. Please,” I whispered.

“As you wish.” Her smiling face moved in front of me. “What else would you like to know?”

Nothing. I’d learned enough.

It wasn’t that I had any true love for Justus—hell, I was pining after his best friend—but seeing him living his life out there while I was left alone in his house… being made a fool of…

It wasn’t fair.

If I had to suffer for the good of us all, so should he. A crash downstairs had me jumping to my feet.

Katrina must’ve come home. I was dying to speak with a real person after talking circles around Alice.

I raced downstairs, scenting the fear and worry in the air before I heard the hushed, frantic voices.

Someone is hurt.