#Chapter 146: Scapegoat

Aria My heart hammered against my ribs as I replayed Bella’s father’s words in my head. The threat was clear: hand over Alfira, or face the consequences. Whatever those consequences were, we couldn’t be entirely sure. But they certainly weren’t going to be good. A few minutes later, Darren and I called Alfira into the room to tell her what he had said. Her face went ashen as we shared the news. “Maybe I should go,” she said softly. Both Darren and I turned to her in shock. “What?” I gasped. “If I turn myself in—” “Absolutely not,” Darren growled, cutting her off. “They’re just using you as a scapegoat. We won’t let one of our own be locked up for self defense.” “But people are getting hurt because of me,” Alfira protested. “Humans and werewolves alike. If I just go back and face whatever they want to charge me with—” “They’ll just make an example of you,” I said, holding up my hand to silence her. “Besides, you didn’t do anything wr