Page 16 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

“Yes, dear,” she says. “When the alpha asked for you, I won’t deny that there were certain benefits to such an alliance, but… I’m afraid I’ve only recently learned of the consequences.”

Air rushes into my lungs as my breathing quickens. “What sort of consequences?”

Her gaze lowers to the cement beneath her expensive shoes, and her gloved hand tightens around the handle of the lantern.

“If you continue to refuse the alpha’s kindness, he’s promised he’d have our heads. Our entire family, Annalise—mine, your uncle’s, and both your cousins.”

I don’t move, feeling torn between two realities. One where my aunt and uncle’s home has been warm and inviting to me for so many years, filled with fond memories and what I believed to be love. And another where I’m filthy, standing in a cage, because I’ve been given to a man I don’t love or evenlike,allfor this “family’s” financial gain.

And yet, she still considers the alpha’s treatment of me a kindness.

Gripping the bars again, my hands shake, staring at my aunt through new eyes, as if only seeing her for the first time. She meets my gaze, and I believe she misreads the look I’ve cast on her, mistaking it for sympathy.

“Please, Annalise, I beg of you. I understand that you have so many questions, so many feelings surrounding your circumstances, but… if there’s still an ounce of love in your heart toward us, please consider my words.”

The next moment, we’re plunged into silence. I’m doing as she asked, considering her words, considering whether the alpha would actually make good on his promise. But then I look around at this cell, remembering his vow to keep me locked inside it until I was ready to comply. Which means the answer to this question, and any other question regarding his willingness to inflict pain and discomfort to assert his authority… will always be yes.

The tears return to Aunt Geneva’s eyes, and I hate that my stupid heart lurches at the sight of them. If I were colder, if I were ruthless, I’d immediately turn her away and let her get what she has coming. But in her eyes, I see so much of my mother. They’re two totally different women, in too many ways to name, but there’s this small part of me that feels like lettinghergo would feel a lot like losing my mother all over again.

So, because of this one simple fact, she might be spared.

Maybe.

“I’ll consider it.”

The first reaction to my answer is shock, maybe because she thought I’d just cave, give in easily. But then, she seems a bit relieved, knowing my character and that it’s not likely I’d allow the alpha to mutilate my family. However, she sickens me. If I agree to this, agree to be Caspian’s mate, my misery will grant Aunt Geneva freedom and undeserved riches.

“Okay,” she says softly. “I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”

I have no response, because she deserves to be shitting her pants right now, wondering if I’ll continue to resist, ultimately resulting in her death. It’s tempting, but I already feel myself beginning to cave, beginning to accept my new place in this world.

It’s become crystal clear that I’m a pawn.

A bargaining chip.

A token.

And at the risk of being unladylike, I must be frank. My life, this whole situation, fucking sucks.

7

Two Birds, One Stone

Caspian

My eyes flitto the clock.

The sun has just set, which means there’s currently a shift change taking place as night patrols begin. I peer up when, like clockwork, there’s a knock at the door of my study.

“Enter.”

At the sound of my voice, the knob twists half a second before Dimitri and Creed darken the entryway. They close the door behind them, ensuring our privacy before filling the seats across from my desk to begin our nightly briefing.

“Good evening, Alpha.”

I nod in Dimitri’s direction. “Brother.”

“Good evening, Sir. We’ve got figures and updates,” Creed chimes in, cutting right to the chase. He’s typically quite easygoing, but when it comes to High Chamber affairs, he’s all business. I fight a proud grin at how nicely he’s settling into his new role as Clan Steward.

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