Page 15 of Retrograde

“Thank you,” I whispered, glancing behind us to remind her that there were lots of people around.

“Of course, but she’s said it in front of more than them,” she replied.

I hadn’t known that, but honestly I expected nothing less of Treena. She didn’t make mistakes like saying what she shouldn’t in mixed groups.

Unless she did it on purpose, and then they should probably be afraid.

Definitely be afraid.

The rest of the press conference went as expected. The only thing that shocked me was when the Alpha announced he would be letting his non-family Beta take over while the case played out in courts since Lori refused to take a deal. He thought… Fuck if I knew.

Really, I couldn’t think what he might argue or who would even represent him. The case was airtight and even hisparentswere saying that and that they wouldn’t pay legal fees to defend him.

“That went about as best as possible,” Darren said when it was done. “Honestly, I’m impressed they handled it with such honor. The only disgusting maggot was the one who asked about…” He cleared his throat.

I snorted. “I’m shocked it was onlyoneand they didn’t push it after the Alpha shut them down.” I felt better when several others snorted.

And I would bet anything that it would be leaked to the media before dinner that I slept with Joris after I was drugged or “suspected.”

Because that was what the reporter had asked that Darren was referring to. He asked who I’d slept with since the drug threw me into my heat. Which other candidate did I sleep with since Lori had been caught before he’d sexually assaulted me?

Pig.

How sad was it that I expected nothing less and was only surprised that more hadn’t asked that?

I couldn’t let go of Maple’s reaction and went to find her. “You okay?”

She let out a slow breath. “You mean did it happen to me?”

“That too.”

“Once as a ‘joke’ by ‘friends,’ but luckily I was seeing someone truly kind and discreet. He acted like I never drank it and threw the drink at them before getting me out of there.”

“What happened to him?” I hedged, hearing regret in her voice.

“My father.” She snorted. “He wasn’t good enough, and not because I was loved that way, but my father knew I was worth more for a better alliance or whatever he needed.” She turned and gave me a sad look. “You’ve not been the only abused pawnin this family. I’m sorry I was too stupid to see it because I thought Rhys would never be the same.”

“I always knew you really cared.” I was going to let it go when she gave me a look that I was full of shit, but realized it was the time to be truthful when she was opening herself up so much for me. I moved closer and lowered my voice. “You were the only one at first who thought Eloise was cool and agreed I should name them. I—you have no idea how much I needed that then.”

She gave me a sad look and leaned down to kiss my forehead. “You are a miracle, Sagan. I don’t know why the gods made you so different, but they did. That’s not something you should ever feel shame about. Everyone who treats you like you aren’t a child of the gods should.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m going to reach out to the Alpha Mate and check she’s okay,” Maple informed me.

“I think that smart. If nothing else, I know you’re wondering if it was the Alpha too. He seems like a good guy, but the world thought Lori was, and how do we know he didn’t learn this from his dad?”

“This is why we will always be more than aunt and niece,” she purred.

“Where is that guy now?” I asked when she went to leave. “The one Grandfather scared off?”

She cleared her throat and looked away. “He scared off easily. He realized I wasn’t worth the headache I would come with. He’s mated and she’s his rock, the supportive wifey he wanted instead of…”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry you know the same pain, but you can’t take the time I have to figure out if I ever want to mate or what I need from a partner. It’s so not fair when you were given a much bigger fate than mine.”

That was maybe one of the best things anyone had said to me.